Personal injury compensation is determined using a number of criteria. When you have been hurt because of the negligence or willful wrongdoing of another party, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to receive financial compensation. There are two types of losses that you can be compensated for. Losses that you can measure monetarily, or pecuniary losses, are things like lost wages, destroyed property, or medical bills that you incurred because of your injuries. The second type of losses are those that are difficult to measure—nonpecuniary losses. Although your compensation can be much higher for nonpecuniary losses, it takes time to identify what these losses are. 

The Losses You Can Measure

When you first meet with a personal injury attorney, you will discuss your injuries and what your injuries have cost you. It's important to bring any bills with you if you have had repairs on a vehicle, property damage, or medical bills. This will give your personal injury attorney a good idea of how much you have lost financially and is a good starting point for any compensation negotiation. Your lost wages are a loss to claim, and these can become significant if you are out of work for a long period of time.

Losses That Are Hard to Measure

Future lost wages can be calculated, but these are only estimated based on your current position at the time of your injury. Loss of enjoyment of life, pain, and suffering are all taken into consideration when your claim is evaluated. If you have become permanently disabled because of your injuries, it's important to look at your long-term financial security as you look at a potential settlement. When you have a case where the responsible individual acted maliciously to hurt you, this often leads to higher compensation amounts.

It is important to work with a personal injury lawyer to figure out what your claim might be worth. Your lawyer will want to know:

  • How long you have been out of work
  • If your injuries are permanent
  • The exact nature of your injuries
  • The details of any accident that caused your injuries
  • Who all of the potentially liable parties are

As you work with a personal injury lawyer, remember to stay consistent with treatment for your injuries. In order to prove your case, treatment providers will need to speak on your treatment outcomes, current medical history, and the extent of your injuries.

Contact a local law firm, such as Maxwell Law Firm, to learn more. 

Share