Whether you have a personal injury case that goes to trial or is settled out of court, different factors determine the agreed amount or details of the resolution. Although each situation is different, everyday things will play a vital role in the proceedings before the judge signs the agreement. Below are some of the factors that can affect your personal injury settlement.
Severity of the Injury
The value of your injury settlement will be affected by the type of injury or illness you are suffering from and its severity. Most accidents and incidents that lead to a disability, disfigurement, or scarring will generally receive a higher settlement than others due to the severity of the impact. However, you should continue to file a claim and seek compensation, whether your injuries are significant or relatively minor. The value is not determined until all other factors are considered, so your settlement amount could be higher based on those additions.
Medical Bills
A jury will look over the medical bills associated with your personal injury to determine what is considered a fair settlement. However, most cases will not be settled until you have reached what is deemed to be a maximum medical improvement. Otherwise, it will be difficult to understand how the personal injury has truly affected your life. Even if your medical treatment becomes expensive, you have a right to the best treatment and include those costs in your final settlement.
Representation
A personal injury attorney is not required but is a crucial factor in your case. Remember that there are legal aspects you may not understand, and even a simple error could be devastating to your settlement. Therefore, it is best to hire a personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights until the very end. The lawyer will know what type of paperwork to file, what questions to ask, and how to handle misinformation from representatives or witnesses of an insurance company or the business and individual being sued. You can avoid costly mistakes that impact your settlement with an experienced legal team.
Available Evidence
When jurors and judges listen to these cases, they will look at the evidence presented to make decisions and other judgments, such as the settlement amount. If there is a lack of evidence, you will find it hard to prove the problem at hand. However, the more facts you bring to the claim, the less of a struggle it will be for your attorney to win adequate compensation.
These are just some of the many factors that could impact your personal injury settlement. Remember that securing compensation is not always guaranteed, but it is possible with a good case and legal representation.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
