How Much is My Legal Claim Worth?
Obtain the Compensation You Deserve
When filing for a personal injury claim, many people wonder how much their claim is worth. It is important to remember that each case and claim amount differs depending on the amount of damage, the extent of your injuries, and how long said injuries will affect you. In personal injury cases, compensation is paid to you via the person or company legally responsible for your accident. Compensation is agreed upon after both parties, their insurance companies, their lawyers, and, in some cases, the court, reach a fair amount.
Types of Compensatory Damages
In a majority of personal injury cases, damages are considered compensatory, which means they are intended to help compensate the individual injured in an accident. When you are awarded compensatory damages, it is designed to help make your life “whole” again after sustaining said injuries. For example, the money you may have lost due to not being physically able to work should be recovered via the awarded monetary compensation. However, it is often hard to place monetary value on the pain and suffering you are currently experiencing due to your injury.
There are various types of compensatory damages such as:
- Medical Treatment
- Loss of Enjoyment
- Income
- Loss of Consortium
- Property Loss
- Emotional Stress
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be awarded compensatory damages for all of the above, or you may be entitled to receive other types of compensation for your injuries.
What are punitive damages?
If the person who caused your injuries is deemed outrageously careless, you may be able to receive punitive damages, as well as compensatory damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for their negligence. While the money is given to the victim, the defendant is meant to suffer financial distress due to their negligent actions. Punitive damages can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of millions of dollars.
How Your Actions Can Affect Your Case
In some personal injury cases, your actions could negatively affect the outcome of your case. Depending on your role during the accident, the amount of compensation you may be entitled to can diminish.
Actions that can lessen your compensation amount can include:
- Comparative negligence
- Failure to mitigate damages
If you are found at fault, or even partially at fault, for the accident that led to your injuries, your compensation award will reflect that. Those who do not minimize the financial impact caused by said accident may be found to have failed to mitigate damages and may also receive a lesser monetary compensation amount. An example of failing to mitigate damages includes not seeing a doctor after the accident and, therefore, potentially making your injuries worse.
Receive a Free Case Evaluation Today
At the Law Office of Maria L. Rubio, it is our goal to help everyone who seeks our assistance. No matter how severe your personal injury case may be, we can help. Our Miami personal injury lawyer has more than 25 years of experience and has the knowledge you need to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Please contact our firm today to schedule a complimentary case evaluation!
