Based on its severity, sustaining an injury in New York can be a life-changing financial and physical experience. If the injury occurs due to the negligence or deliberate actions of another individual, you hold complete rights to receive compensation for your losses through a personal injury case.
A serious injury attorney in New York will help you understand the complications involved in evaluating personal injury settlements, whether you are looking to get compensation for a car accident, slip and fall, or any other kind of personal injury. With over 4 decades of experience in handling personal injury cases, the lawyers at The Perecman Firm are great at this. They have won millions in compensation for their clients, with the highest being $40 million for a birth injury case.
Here are the crucial elements you must know that will help you determine the value of a personal injury claim.
- Severity of the Injuries
The severity of the injuries plays a huge role in determining the value of your claim. Undeniably, minor injuries will offer you smaller compensation than more severe injuries. The insurance company or the judge, if the claim reaches the court, will evaluate the permanence of your injuries, like whether the injuries occurred due to disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement. The settlement amount that involves a permanent personal injury will naturally be higher than a claim that involves a minor injury.
- Lost Wages
A majority of personal injury victims often cannot work anymore and lose wages due to their injuries. This can lead to financial strain. If they fail to return to work at their previous capacity, they are entitled to receive compensation for their reduced income.
- Medical Documentation
One of the most critical aspects of receiving full compensation for personal injury claims is medical documentation. If you did not receive medical treatment or lack proper documentation, it will be impossible for you to file a personal injury claim. Hence, before agreeing to any settlement offers, it is essential to evaluate the rough cost of the treatment to make sure you get the necessary compensation to cover all your damages and injuries. Additionally, it is wise to complete all your medical treatments before exploring the settlement of your injury claims.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Personal injury settlements also take into account the emotional and psychological trauma of the victim. While you cannot receive compensation for pain and suffering without a physical injury, an experienced personal injury lawyer can make sure to detail and convey the massive influence the accident had on your life while negotiating the compensation on your behalf.
- Evidence
Similar to any other case, evidence is the key. The stronger and more credible evidence you have, the better your chances of receiving fair compensation. Again, when there is a liability dispute, having an eyewitness is key.
Final Thoughts
The value of your personal injury settlement can be influenced by different factors, like the nature of the injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, etc. Insurance companies will also pull all the stops to minimize the value of your settlement through various strategies like disputing liability and downplaying injuries. Seek the assistance of an experienced attorney to deal with all the challenges involved in a personal injury case.
