If you were involved in an accident and sustained injuries you deserve to be compensated for your costs and losses. A Middlesex County personal injury attorney can help you assess the value of your personal injury claim. Contact one of our skilled lawyers today.
What Damages Can I Collect?
The settlement amount depends on the combined damages you receive for the accident. Personal injury claims typically involve both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses associated with the injury. These costs can be directly calculated. Some common examples of economic damages include the following.
- Medical expenses: Ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, doctor’s appointments, and future medical care
- Lost wages: Loss of income due to the inability to work during recovery, future lost wages, and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage: Repairing or replacing property damaged during the accident
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective than economic damages. They can be harder to calculate because they are not related to tangible things. Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the development of mental disorders
- Loss of consortium: The impact on relationships with family and friends
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Decreased quality of life, inability to engage in activities, etc.
Both economic and non-economic damages make up the value of your personal injury claim. The amount you receive will vary depending on your specific situation and several other aspects of the claim.
What Affects the Value of My Personal Injury Claim?
Almost every detail of your situation will influence the value of your personal injury claim. In general, the more serious the accident the more money you will receive as compensation. While it cannot be said exactly how much you will receive in your settlement, you and your attorney can determine a suitable amount of compensation by considering the following factors.
- The severity of your injuries is one of the most significant factors. More severe injuries tend to lead to more compensation due to the associated higher medical costs, increased recovery time, and a more significant impact on your everyday life.
- The degree of fault each party holds can play a part as well. Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws, all individuals involved in an accident will be assigned a portion of the blame depending on the facts of the case. The more you are found liable the less you will be compensated. However, if the other party is found completely at fault, you will receive a higher settlement.
- The costs that you incur set the standard compensation amount. You must calculate the expenses you were burdened with during this situation including costs to repair property damages, medical expenses, loss of income, and more.
Although the above factors are important, they do not matter as much if there is not enough insurance coverage to compensate you in the way you deserve. If the liable party’s insurance does not cover your costs you may not receive a suitable settlement.
It is crucial that you work with an experienced and trusted attorney during this process. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights and negotiate on your behalf. Contact a skilled lawyer today.