It is often not easy to manage a personal injury case, particularly when it comes to accepting the offered amount or going to trial. Recognizing when it is worth going to court can relieve you of much tension and result in you receiving more money.
There are several great ways to start; one of them is to talk to a personal injury lawyer. They can tell you how to deal with lawyers and the judicial system, explain the finer points of your case, and let you know if it is in your best interest to go to court. Some cases can be settled out of the courtroom while others require trial, and knowing the signs that your case will need trial will go a long way.
Here are some possible clues that it might be advantageous to take your personal injury case to court with the help of Quinn Law Group, LLC.
1. Understanding the Value of Your Case
It is mandatory to approach Personal Injury Claims with a certain level of expertise because, fundamentally, they are as different as each person’s fingerprints. For instance, a car accident claim will differ from an accident at a construction site. While pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, the right attorney will examine all aspects of your case for all damage claims.
2. Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of the injuries suffered is an important element in determining compensation. If you are injuries are more severe, it may mean that you receive higher compensation; here’s why:
- Higher medical expenses
- Longer recovery times
- A greater impact on your daily life
- Possibility of long-term or permanent disability
For instance, a shock head injury or spinal cord damage that equates to paralysis will unquestionably attract a higher compensation package than a simple fracture that merely requires a few weeks to heal.
3. Medical Expenses
The cost of medical treatment is one component that makes up a personal injury claim. These can include both current and future medical costs, such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs)
- Ongoing treatments you may need
To strengthen your case, keeping detailed records of all medical expenses related to your injury is essential.
4. Lost Wages and Reduced Ability to Work
It is important that whenever you calculate your losses to include in your lawsuit, you maintain records of all the medical expenses related to your injury.
- Wages or income lost while you were recovering
- Reduced future earning potential if your injury limits the type of work you can do
- Missed bonuses, benefits, and promotions
- Costs of job retraining if you need to change careers due to your injury
Your compensation will also consider the income you lost if you were jobless due to the injury. Crucial injuries limit your capacity for work on a long-term basis and may also become more serious.
5. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are damages that do not have a clear dollar amount. They can still be a big part of a personal injury claim, even though they’re hard to measure. Pain and suffering may include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional stress or mental upset
- Loss of enjoyment in life, such as being unable to do hobbies
- Permanent scars or disabilities
Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement
In a personal injury case, the settlement amount could end up being more or less than you expect. Court cases can be unpredictable. While your lawyer can give an estimate, it’s not guaranteed. To help your case, keep good records, follow your lawyer’s advice, and know that some things may be out of your control.
Do what you can to strengthen your case, but in the end, the final amount is what the other side agrees to pay you.
