How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Tampa Personal Injury Accident Attorneys
The aftermath of a serious injury can be one of the most difficult chapters in a person’s life. Beyond the physical pain and emotional trauma, you could also be facing an uncertain financial future due to healthcare costs, lost income, and other damages. As the expenses mount, it’s only natural to wonder what the value of your personal injury claim might be.
No two personal injury claims are exactly the same; however, there are several factors that commonly play a role in determining the potential value of these cases. They include:
1. The Cost of Medical Care
A large component of the damages awarded in most personal injury cases come from medical treatment. Diagnosing and treating serious injuries can be incredibly expensive, and some injuries can linger for months or even years.
2. The Amount of Income Lost
Depending on your occupation and the type of injury sustained, you may not be able to earn an income while you recover. If the injuries are severe, you may not ever be able to participate in your chosen line of work again. In this scenario, it may be possible to obtain compensation for the loss of both past and future income, as well as lost benefits.
3. The Value of Other Economic Damages
If you incurred other reasonable and necessary costs, those expenses might also be recoverable. Examples include transportation, child care, domestic help, and home and vehicle modifications.
4. The Value of Non-Economic Damages
The value of lost wages and medical bills can be proven using various forms of documentation, but non-economic damages like pain and suffering can be more challenging to quantify. In the state of Florida, victims of personal injury may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. A skilled attorney can help you approximate a fair value for these damages.
5. Whether Punitive Damages Are Available
While compensatory damages aim to make the accident or crash victim “whole” again, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and to deter similar misconduct in the future. If the defendant acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence, you may be awarded punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
6. Other Factors
It may be the case that more than one party was liable. If you were partially liable, your damages award could be reduced by your own percentage of fault.
The value of your claim could also be reduced if you made any critical mistakes. Examples of costly errors include putting off the medical assessment or ignoring your doctor’s orders, which may constitute a failure to mitigate damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Tampa Personal Injury Accident Lawyer
Our experienced Tampa personal injury attorneys can review the facts of your case and approximate a fair settlement value. We won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.
Our seasoned trial lawyers will relish the opportunity to enter litigation if the opposing party refuses to pay a fair settlement. Send us a message or call us today at 813-440-2700 to request a free, no-obligation consultation.