6 Factors That Makes or Breaks Your Personal Injury Claim Amount
When you’ve got an injury due to an accident, there is a certain value that you can claim from those who are responsible.
It is true that a personal injury litigation attorney can make your journey smooth.
But, understanding what affects your claim is the key to getting the right value for you and your family.
Let’s break down the six main factors that will influence your claim’s value, and even find a better accident cases lawyer to get the right claim amount.
1. Severity of Injuries
The severity of your injuries is a big deal. The more serious your injury is, the higher your compensation should be. This includes how much medical treatment you need. It also includes how much the injury affects your daily life activities.
Injuries that require surgery or long-term care are worth more. Minor injuries won’t get as much. That’s why, it’s important to document everything. The more evidence you have, the better – for both you and your accident cases lawyer.
Serious injuries can change your life. They can make even the simplest tasks difficult. This disruption increases your claim’s value.
2. Medical Expenses
Medical bills can pile up fast. Every visit to the doctor, every prescription, and every therapy session counts. Keep all your receipts and medical records. These are essential for your claim.
Even small expenses add up. Don’t ignore them. Every dollar spent on your recovery matters. Detailed records will support your claim. It shows the true cost of your injury.
Ongoing treatment is also important. Future medical needs can increase your claim’s value. Think about long-term care and future expenses. This helps ensure you’re fully compensated and will make the work of your personal injury litigation attorney quite easy.
3. Lost Wages
If you’ve missed work because of your injury, you can claim lost wages. This isn’t just about the time you’ve already missed. It’s also about your future earning potential.
Maybe you can’t work the same job anymore. Or maybe you have to work fewer hours. This loss of income is significant. It needs to be part of your claim.
Keep detailed records of your work history. Show how your injury has affected your ability to work. This will strengthen your claim and ensure you’re compensated for lost income.
4. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are tricky to measure. But they’re important. This includes physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury. It can significantly increase your claim’s value.
Think about how your injury has impacted your life. Have you been in constant pain? Are you feeling depressed or anxious? These factors matter. They should be part of your claim.
Keep a journal of your pain and emotions, and provide it to your accident cases lawyer. This can provide valuable evidence. It shows the full impact of your injury on your life. Don’t underestimate this factor.
5. Impact on Daily Life
How has your injury changed your daily routine? Can you still enjoy your hobbies? Can you do everyday tasks? The more your life is disrupted, the higher your compensation should be.
Simple things like cooking or driving might be hard to perform now. If you can’t do these things, it’s a big deal. It shows how much your injury has affected you.
Think about the long-term impact. Will you need help at home? Will you need special equipment? All these factors should be included in your claim. They show the true extent of your injury.
6. Liability and Fault
Who was at fault? This is the most crucial element. If the other party is clearly responsible, your claim is going to be stronger. Clear evidence of liability will definitely boost your chances of a higher settlement.
Sometimes, the fault is shared among the parties. If you’re partly responsible, it might reduce your claim’s value. It’s for this reason that it is essential to gather as much evidence as possible. Witnesses, photos, and police reports will greatly serve as the right evidence to make a better claim for you.
The Importance of Documentation
Good documentation is everything. Keep track of every doctor’s visit, medication, and communication related to your injury. Detailed records support your claim. They show the full extent of your injury.
Don’t overlook anything. Small details can make a big difference. The more thorough your documentation is, the stronger your claim will be. What’s more? It will really help your personal injury litigation attorney.
Having organized records also helps your lawyer. It makes their job easier. And it increases your chances of a higher settlement. Be diligent and meticulous with your documentation.
Final Thoughts
It is quite understandable that navigating through the complexities of a personal injury claim is overwhelming.
However, understanding all of the factors that affect your claim will help you get what you truly deserve.
Also, be it any kind of case; do not hesitate to seek expert advice from a personal injury litigation attorney or accident cases lawyer. Goins Law is one such firm where you will find the best experts for your case.
