TYPICAL COMPENSATION IN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS – HOW MUCH IS MY CASE WORTH?

AVERAGE INJURY SETTLEMENT FOR A PERSONAL INJURY CASE AND WHAT’S FAIR?

Experiencing an injury due to another’s carelessness is incredibly distressing and life-altering.

In the event of an injury, perhaps from a motor accident or on someone else’s premises, your life can be severely disrupted. You’ll face medical expenses potentially not covered by insurance, possible job loss for a significant time, and endure physical pain, emotional distress, sleeplessness, and substantial stress that also impacts your family.

It’s unjust and should not have occurred, but now that it has, seeking assistance and rightful compensation to restore your life is essential.

But what amount can you anticipate for your injury? What’s the typical compensation in personal injury claims? What value does your pain and suffering hold?

How much will my personal injury compensation amount to?

The query, “How much will my personal injury compensation amount to?” is frequently asked. As attorneys specializing in personal injury at King Law Firm in North Carolina, our role includes evaluating a case and estimating potential recovery. This task is complex, involving both analytical and creative thinking.

Here, we outline the elements that influence the typical value of an injury claim. There’s no straightforward formula; quantifying pain and suffering is challenging, and the opposing legal team will scrutinize even the most tangible figures you present.

Nonetheless, our commitment is to assist in determining your claim’s worth. Here’s our approach.

USUAL PERSONAL INJURY COMPENSATIONS – ASSESSING ECONOMIC LOSSES

In personal injury litigation, damages fall into economic and non-economic (specific and general damages, respectively).

Economic damages are monetary losses directly resulting from your injury.

We calculate a range of potential economic losses, guided by the documentation you provide (pro tip: keep records of everything; track every financial loss you’ve experienced or anticipate in the future). These can include:

Medical expenses
Continuous physical therapy and rehabilitation
Lost income
Reduced earning capacity
Vehicle damage

Additional related expenses (like home modifications for accessibility)

Calculating these values is relatively straightforward, though opposing attorneys may contest them even with solid documentation. Comprehensive records strengthen our ability to validate our claims.

Our focus extends beyond immediate expenses to the lifelong economic impact of your injury. For example, we’ve estimated the potential work years lost and adjusted for expected salary increases, promotions, and inflation to derive a lost wages figure for clients incapacitated and unable to work.

This number then serves as a minimum expectation for compensation, often including additional economic damages like ongoing therapy and medical equipment, as well as pain and suffering.

Documenting every loss is crucial for proving economic damages.

AVERAGING SETTLEMENTS FOR NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES

Non-economic damages account for your reduced quality of life, typically representing intangible costs that significantly affect you and your loved ones.

Calculating non-economic damages in a personal injury case truly tests the expertise and strategy of your attorney. Whatever figure we determine for this category, we must robustly defend it. While any attorney can propose a high figure, it must be justifiable, or it will be challenged.

These damages often cover:

Physical pain
Suffering
Emotional trauma
Continuous mental health treatments
The strain on personal relationships (like marital discord)
Reduced enjoyment of daily activities
Mourning
Significant lifestyle changes

Essentially, this figure attempts to monetize your quality of life. If daily activities bring pain, emotional trauma disrupts your relationships, or injury-induced depression sets in,

compensation is warranted.

PUNITIVE DAMAGES: A THIRD DAMAGES CATEGORY

Beyond economic and non-economic damages, some states, like North Carolina, recognize punitive damages. Punitive damages, often grouped with non-economic damages, have a distinct purpose: to penalize the offender and discourage similar future misconduct.

For instance, our clients have received punitive damages from trucking firms after establishing gross negligence. These damages aim to deter the firm from repeating such negligence.

In jury trials, the jury determines the appropriateness of punitive damages, with judges also playing a role in their awarding. These damages serve as a deterrent and contribute to the overall value of your personal injury claim.

SUPPORTING YOUR PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT’S VALUE

Evidence that can substantiate the value of your personal injury case includes:

All medical bills

(including single treatments and ongoing care)

Medical records (with physician statements if possible)
Police reports
Witness testimonies
Statements from mental health professionals
Tax documents or pay stubs
Photographs of the injury site
Any physical evidence linked to the injury

Family impact statements

An adept attorney will compile extensive evidence to support your case. However, your documentation is vital. Immediate witness engagement and gathering their contact information is crucial.

Family impact statements are beneficial in arguing for non-economic damages. Changes in your family dynamics are an integral part of your case. The severe repercussions of your injury on your life and that of your loved ones must be documented and expressed, including through discussions with your family members.

DETERMINING YOUR CASE’S VALUE WITH KING LAW FIRM IN NORTH CAROLINA

As mentioned, there’s no simple equation to establish the average personal injury settlement. If there were, the role of a personal injury lawyer would be much simpler.

In reality, the value of your case is contingent upon your lawyer’s ability to substantiate it. You can claim substantially, but your attorney must justify every cent. The best approach to assigning a monetary value to your pain, suffering, and injuries is to consult a personal injury lawyer. At King Law Firm, we’ll thoroughly review your case, asking numerous questions to understand every aspect.

We view each case as a partnership. We aim to help you determine a value and then pursue the responsible parties to secure your compensation.

Your attorney can also offer expert insights based on their past experiences about the legal landscape and potential outcomes of a settlement or trial. This aspect of case evaluation is often undervalued, highlighting the importance of choosing an experienced personal injury lawyer with a proven track record.

We can only determine your case’s worth once we discuss it. However, we assure you that if any recovery is possible, we will continue our efforts once it’s achieved.

Personal injuries can be traumatic, but there is hope.

Consult a personal injury lawyer at King Law Firm and start your journey toward justice and recompense.

Ready to collaborate? Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation.