Personal injury victims are often eager to know how much their claim is worth so they know what they should expect to receive in a settlement. To get an idea of what your claim is worth, it’s important to understand how the value of a claim is calculated. Calculating a personal injury claim involves much more than simply adding up medical expenses and lost wages. There are a number of different factors that could affect the value of your personal injury claim, including:
Shared Fault
If you were partially to blame for the accident that caused your injuries, this will affect the amount of compensation that you are awarded. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident, the compensation that you are awarded will be reduced by 20%.
Type of Injury
The type of injury sustained by the victim can also affect the value of the claim. A victim who has sustained a traumatic injury, such as spinal cord or brain damage, will typically receive more compensation than a victim who has suffered a broken bone. This is because serious injuries require more extensive medical treatment, which means the victim will incur more expenses treating these injuries. Serious injuries can also have a greater impact on the victim’s life, which can increase the compensation awarded for pain and suffering.
Medical Treatment
The type of medical treatment that you receive after an accident can also affect the value of your claim. Victims who are only treated by chiropractors and physical therapists after an accident may not be offered as much by the insurance company. To avoid this problem, it’s recommended that you visit a doctor so you can show the insurance company that you have been diagnosed and treated by a physician.
Recovery Time
How long did it take you to fully recover from your injuries? In most cases, a longer recovery time means more compensation. Why? Victims can argue that a lengthy recovery has caused them a great deal of pain and suffering. Many victims will also be forced to take time off of work as they recover. The longer the recovery, the more the victim will lose, so the defendant will have to compensate the victim for these lost wages.
Have you been injured in an accident? Find out if you have a personal injury case by contacting Reisch Law Firm today. Our personal injury attorneys will review your case to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
