When you are injured due to the negligence of another and want to file a personal injury claim, you may wonder what the total value of your case is worth and how much to ask for. Medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage costs may affect the total amount, but there may be other factors you have not considered. Before you file your claim, there are a few ways you can estimate its value to ensure you are properly compensated.
- Organize Your Medical Bills
Because medical costs can create the bulk of a personal injury case’s value, you might begin by organizing and calculating their total amount. You can also include the estimated cost of any future medical care, including physical therapy or upcoming surgeries. You may want to ask your doctors for summarized financial reports to make this task simpler. If you cannot place an exact dollar amount on future medical costs, providing the court with an estimate may be allowed.
- Speak To an Attorney
Presenting your case to an attorney can shed some light on its value. Your attorney can help you understand what kinds of damages you might be able to claim, which do not apply to your case and what type of negligence claims you can make against the other party. You may want to remember, however, that the value of your case might fluctuate as more evidence and costs come into play.
- Consider Settlement Factors
Conditions such as insurance coverage, liability, and the cause of the accident can all affect its value. Local jurisdiction and state laws may also limit the amount of money you can claim, such as no-fault and at-fault regulations connected with insurance payouts. Any insurance claims you are able to collect may be subtracted from the total, but if you feel you are owed more from the company of the responsible party, you might name it as an additional defendant in your case.
- Calculate Pain and Suffering Damages
Sometimes, an accident can cause more than just physical pain. Mental trauma might also occur and cause anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia. If you were diagnosed with any of these conditions after the accident, you might be able to put a monetary value on their impact. You may need to present proof of your suffering to the court, such as letters or testimony from your therapist or psychiatrist.
Calculating the total value of your personal injury case can be difficult, but you do not have to endure the process alone. Reach out to an attorney, like a personal injury lawyer in Trenton, NJ, today for additional assistance and information.
Thank you to the experts at Davis & Brusca for their input into personal injury law.