How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

After an accident injures you, you can quickly find yourself drowning in physical, emotional, and financial stress. So when an insurance company offers a settlement, it can be tempting to take it. However, you may still be wondering how much your case is really worth.

An initial settlement offer from an insurance company is unlikely to take into account the full extent of damages that could be awarded to you. It’s worthwhile to consult a personal injury attorney to assess the full value of your claim and decide whether you want to file a personal injury claim.

Types of Damages

When determining how much compensation you could be eligible for, a personal injury attorney will take into account the following hardships you might have faced as a result of your injury:

• Medical Bills – Your compensation should account for any medical treatment you’ve received, as well as any future care you will need as a result of the accident.
• Lost Wages – If your accident forces you out of the workplace, your award should account for missed wages. If you’re out of the workplace for an extended period of time, you’re eligible to recoup all the money you would have made had you not been sidelined with a personal injury.
• Property Loss – If any of your personal belongings were damaged in your accident, you’re eligible to recoup those financial losses. These may include clothes, cars, items in your car, and more.
• Pain and Suffering – You may be entitled to compensation for non-economic factors like pain and suffering. This refers to the amount of physical and mental anguish associated with an accident and its aftermath. For example, if you suffer a serious car accident and deal afterward with extreme anxiety, you could receive compensation for your suffering.
• Loss of Consortium – If a severe accident alters your life so that you are no longer able to maintain companionship or a relationship with your spouse, you could be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium .
• Loss of Enjoyment – A personal injury may make it difficult to do the things you formerly loved, such as running or playing a certain sport. If this describes your situation, you could be eligible to obtain compensation for loss of enjoyment.
• Punitive Damages – If your accident occurred because another person’s actions were exceptionally harmful and reckless, a court may award punitive damages on top of other damages. Punitive damages are meant to send a clear message that the defendant’s actions were unacceptable.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Whatever your question, an attorney with Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers would be happy to discuss your case. Call 225-387-2323 or fill out the form below to arrange your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.