Facing a personal injury can be one of the most challenging and distressing times in your life. It can impact your ability to provide for your family and affect your career. While personal injuries can alter your life, there are ways to seek compensation for damages.
There are two primary forms of receiving compensation for your injury: a settlement outside of court or a civil lawsuit to collect damages. Generally, civil lawsuits often promise larger settlements but may not always be the right choice for you.
The amount of your settlement depends on a variety of factors. Let’s explore what settlements are and how they are typically calculated. Keep in mind that your settlement will vary based on several factors. Consult with an experienced first claims attorney in Deerfield for more accurate settlement projections.
Understanding Your Case and Settlement
A personal injury case is often filed as a result of an injury to oneself. This injury can be due to a slip and fall incident, malfunctioning equipment, and more. Once a personal injury occurs, you’ll likely need medical treatment and may have to take time off from work.
A settlement is the result of the person responsible for your injury helping to cover the damages the injury has caused. These damages can include:
- Loss of wages
- Medical expenses and treatment
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Home care
Sometimes a settlement is offered to you before a lawsuit or claim is filed, or it can be made after a case has gone to trial. In some cases, both parties may be uncertain of the jury’s deliberation and work to come to an agreement prior to a final verdict.
Settlement Disbursements
More than 70% of people who file a personal injury claim receive a settlement outside of court. Very few cases go to trial.
Due to the expense and risk of trials, reaching a settlement outside of court is often preferred.
If your claim is filed with an insurance company, you can expect to receive a settlement offer almost immediately. Insurance companies offer to settle quickly to avoid costly trials and unnecessary risks.
Working with insurance companies or responsible parties to reach a fair settlement is always the first step. An experienced first claims attorney can help you secure the settlement you deserve.
Damages Formula
In most cases, calculating the cost of care during your personal injury and the money lost due to your injury is straightforward, but the measurement for pain and suffering varies.
To address this issue, many companies have developed a formula. Initially, the responsible party will calculate medical expenses, including everything from treatment to outpatient care and therapy.
The parties typically multiply the amount of damages by about one and a half to three times the injuries. In more severe personal injuries, this multiplier can be up to five. If injuries are life-changing, long-lasting, or the result of obvious negligence, the multiplier is even higher.
Once these numbers are crunched, negotiations begin. An experienced first claims attorney can ensure you receive fair compensation for your case. Determining fair compensation takes experience, and having legal know-how makes achieving a fair settlement more likely. Most responsible parties aim to achieve the smallest settlement, so an attorney can work on your behalf.
Recovery
Once a settlement agreement has been reached, you’ll give up all potential future claims. The settlement will be designed to take care of any injury-related costs until you are completely recovered.
That’s why it is imperative to secure a fair settlement. Attempting to achieve a fair settlement on your own could result in receiving far less than you deserve.
An experienced claims attorney in Deerfield Beach, Florida can help you determine the best settlement for your case. An attorney will fight for your rights and offer guidance throughout the process. With someone on your side, you can face your case with confidence and focus on a speedy recovery.
