Facebook Twitter
figurelaw.com

Placing A Value On Your Personal Injury Claim

Posted on June 18, 2021 by Adam Eaglin

To be adequately compensated for what you have gone through you have to have accumulated what is identified in the area of insurance claims as"Special Damages". These are the Medical bills, your Lost Wages and each dollar paid out to assist with your recovery. When constructing the value of a personal injury claim there are several key elements you should be aware of:

LIABILITY: In the huge majority of automobile accidents it is clear who was to blame. Assuming that Fuddle struck you a powerful blow at the back end (rear-enders make up well over half of the motor vehicle accidents which take place in the USA annually ) yours is a case that has to be settled.

TYPE OF INJURY: If there are severe injuries (which make up only ten to fifteen percent of all motor vehicle accidents) you ought to get the assistance of a lawyer. Butif you have had minor injuries like whiplash, bumps, bruises, sprains or breeds (and it's apparent you are not at fault) you can manage and settle the claim yourself.

TYPE OF PERSON YOU ARE: Rate yourself and be brutally honest. You're most likely a mean automobile owner/driver, living a regular life. Butif you have spent some time behind bars, have a criminal record, or a history of personality flaws that often get your ass in a jam with the local cops (and this is well known ) you have to take those facts into account when forming expectations concerning what your case is worth.

THE TYPE OF PERSON FRED FUDDLE IS: The greater Fred Fuddle seems, or the better the"thing""(Fuddle's company or business, etc.) seems, the better for Rock Solid. Butif Fuddle is a known bookie or drug dealer, they're in deep"stuff". On the other hand, if Fuddle is a well-loved philanthropist, that may be a plus for Rock Solid Insurance.

DAMAGES: There are"Medical Special Damage" Expenses,"Non-Medical Special Damages" Expenses, or your"Property Damage" Expenses.

MEDICAL SPECIAL DAMAGE EXPENSES: These generally include Price of Ambulance, Emergency Room, Hospital or Clinic Charges, Chiropractor, or Dentist, Over-The-Counter Drugs and/or Prescription Medications, Laboratory Fees and Services, Diagnostic Tests: X-Rays and (CT) Scan, Prosthetic Appliances or Surgical Apparatus, (Cranes & Crutches), Physical Therapy, Registered and/or Practical Nurse Fees, Ace Bandages, Gauze and Tape, Heating Pads, Creams, Lotions, Ointments, Balms and Salves.

NON-MEDICAL SPECIAL DAMAGES: These generally include Lost Wages and Earnings, Lost Holiday time and/or Sick Leave, Travel Expenses (car rentals, public transportation, expenses incurred getting to and from the Chiropractor and/or hospital or physical therapy"treatment" of some sort) Household Help during handicap and/or Child Care. Make sure to get written evidence of these"Non Medical" Special Damages.

LOST WAGES: The income you lost, because you're not able to work, is a place where adjusters take terrible advantage of the normal claimant because they know so little about it.

Commissions and overtime can make a massive difference on your lost earnings. Make certain to have a letter from your employer, on their official letterhead, explaining that in detail. Or, if you are self explanatory, get this information stated on your accountants letterhead. IF YOU'RE SELF-EMPLOYED: To establish your lost earnings you will probably have to assemble some inside information for Hard-Nose. If you do not like the concept of submitting private files to him, in the privacy of your home or office, just think how you would feel about producing them at the non-private environment of a court. When a case goes to trial, and if you would like to prove your damages in order to collect sufficient compensation, that is your only choice.

TWO CRITICAL AREAS REGARDING LOST WAGES: Did the injury necessitate a change of occupation or employment at a lesser rate? Or, did the harm allow your going to work but only on a part-time foundation? If the answer to either question is"Yes", it would be sensible to ask your employer to record these details on their letterhead.

IT'S critical FOR YOU TO KNOW: Even if you've been paid while out of work, you are still able to calculate your time lost from work as"Lost Wages".

PROPERTY DAMAGE EXPENSES: These generally include Motor Vehicle Repair, Damaged Clothing, Broken Glasses, price of Substitute Car Rentals, Towing and Storage. Make copies of all invoices relating to some of your property damage expenses. Keep the originals. Make certain to get these in your possession when you and Hard-Nose plunk yourselves down to"Talk Turkey". Photocopies are enough to give him.

YOUR AGE: Due to the apparent innocence, insurance claim injury victims, up to age 12, generally have excellent settlement effects. Those in their teens, and in their late 50's, fall into a rather normal category since they're generally thought to be in the height of the physical stamina. Those in their late 60's, and over, usually fare extremely well; primarily because of the sympathy that is often invoked, by a judge or jury, due to overall attitudes concerning frailty and the elderly.

MOST IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:The information Hard-Nose puts into your document plays a significant role in the ultimate value of your claim. Never underestimate the significance of his impressions and conclusions! Should, 1 day, your case ends up before a judge, or jury, what Hard-Nose feels, observes and then reports into your document at Rock Solid about you, his guaranteed Fred Fuddle, or possible witnesses, etc., (along with the information that you've recorded for him) could have enormous influence on the value of your claim - especially if Fuddle is a loser and he is absolutely in the wrong. Now the only thing stalling a settlement is the amount of money it is likely cost to get rid of you.