If you have been injured in an accident, an Indianapolis injury lawyer can help you to maximize your settlement or the amount you can recover. One of the questions that people often have in regard to a personal injury lawsuit is how much can be recovered. There are many factors that affect how much one person may get in their case. Keep reading to learn more about these factors.
The Extent and Severity of Your Injuries
One of the factors that have a direct impact on how much you can be awarded for a personal injury lawsuit is the extent and severity of your injuries. As a general rule of thumb, the more severe someone’s injuries are, the more money they will likely recover. In addition to the severity of the injuries, you may receive more if you suffer a permanent injury or if you have permanent disfigurement.
If You Lost Time From Work
A personal injury case awards you money for the time you missed from work. As such, the length of time you miss from work directly impacts your settlement. If you were unable to return to the same line of work you had prior to the accident, you may also receive compensation for your lost earning potential during the course of your lifespan.
Your Current and Future Medical Expenses
One of the biggest chunks of money that you can expect to receive from a personal injury lawsuit is current and future medical expenses. This includes the cost of ambulance bills, emergency room bills, hospitalizations, physical therapy, prescriptions, and surgical expenses. It can be hard to value future medical costs, but your doctor will put together a basic guideline of what your future medical care needs are, and then future medical care is awarded based on that.
Whether You Contributed to Your Injuries
One of the most overlooked elements that contribute to how much you can be awarded for a personal injury lawsuit is whether you had any fault for your own injuries. In many states, you can still be awarded some money even if you had some responsibility for the accident For example, if you and another driver collide and you were speeding but they ran a red light, you may have some fault for your injuries, but so does the other driver. Your settlement or award can be reduced based on the percentage of fault you had in the accident.
If You Have a Diminished Quality of Life
Lastly, your personal injury settlement may be higher if you have a diminished quality of life. For example, if you are in constant pain, you may be awarded extra money for pain and suffering. Diminished quality of life is subjective, so it can be hard to place a value on this amount. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine how much compensation you may be eligible for based on your diminished quality of life.
If you were involved in a car accident, motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, or a slip and fall incident, and you sustained injuries as a result of that accident, you may be able to file a personal injury case. Unfortunately, these types of cases are challenging to win on your own. This is where an Indianapolis injury lawyer can be beneficial. Reach out to a lawyer today for a free consultation and to learn more about the specific factors that may affect how much you can be awarded for a personal injury lawsuit.
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