Are you embarking on a personal injury case and aren’t quite sure how much you are owed? Although the average payout in the United States runs between $3,000 and $75,000, there are some extraordinary cases where plaintiffs make considerably more money. Here are the steps that you should follow if you want to claim compensation for your injury.
Find a good personal injury lawyer
The first step in any personal injury case is finding and retaining a legal team that you trust. Many times, you will want to find a local option, since negotiating across time zones can be tricky to manage. However, if you were the victim of an accident in another state, finding representation that is familiar with local laws is advisable. Many personal injury lawyers will offer free consultations which are a great opportunity to learn more about them, their practice, and how they see themselves being able to help with your case. Perusing a firm’s website is also an excellent way to get to understand more about their practice and specialties. Some attorneys, like Preszler Law, even offer free, web-based chats to learn more about their practice online at https://www.preszlerlaw.com/.
See what general damages you qualify for
Once you’ve settled on a personal injury lawyer to chat with, it’s a good idea to run through what general damages you may qualify for. In personal injury suits, the most common damages you could take someone to court for have to do with different aspects of harm you may have sustained in the accident. Pain and suffering is one of the most common damages you can file suit for, and is likely one that doesn’t need much explanation. Two other general damages you might qualify for are mental anguish and loss of consortium, which is a legal term for the ability to have companionship with a loved one. Once you’ve established whether or not you may qualify for these types of damages, you’ll want to brainstorm with your lawyer so that you have proof to substantiate each claim and can establish a monetary value for the damage.
Determine whether or not you may qualify for special compensation
You may also qualify for special compensation relating to your damages. These are usually addressed on a case-by-base basis, and a personal injury lawyer will be able to help you determine whether or not the circumstances surrounding your accident are applicable or not. For example, if you went to the hospital or had to undergo surgery, physical therapy, or another type of operation as a result of your accident, you may qualify for a settlement that covers your medical bills, as well as potential future hospital visits as a result of your condition. Loss of earnings and fees associated with the cancellation of planned travel are also two types of special compensation to discuss with your lawyer if you feel that your accident has negatively affected other aspects of your life.
Lean on your attorney to help you collect
Just because a settlement is reached, you are not guaranteed to receive your payment immediately. In a case where the defendant is an insurance company, you may luck out; however, individuals and small business owners are notorious for trying to get away with delaying full payment. In some instances, they may not even have the money to fully pay you what you are owed. In all of these cases, it is never a bad idea to lean on your attorney, as they will be able to provide legal pressure and motivate the defendant to pay up.
Although embarking on a personal injury case can seem daunting, with a licensed professional, you will get the knowledge and expertise necessary to navigate all of your case’s ups and downs. Knowing what types of compensation your case may qualify for is the first step in getting the settlement you deserve.
