Average Personal Injury Settlement Amounts

If you’ve recently sustained a personal injury, whether it be slip and fall or car accidents, chances are you’re in for a long and arduous road ahead.

There’s the obvious need to deal with any pressing medical issues, as well as the long road to rehabilitation. But then comes the next part: recouping your losses from your injuries from those responsible.

The biggest and best action anyone could take following a personal injury is finding a competent personal injury attorney to take a look at your case.

But before any of this, you must be wondering what exactly are average personal injury settlement amounts. Here, find out the answer as well as the various factors that will ultimately go into your personal injury lawsuit settlement.

Average Personal Injury Settlement Amounts

The truth of the matter is that like snowflakes, no two personal injury cases are alike. They vary depending on the law where you are, the jurors who will decide your case at trial, they even vary depending on what court your case is filed in.

There are, however, a variety of factors that go into determining average personal injury settlement amounts.

For instance, did anyone witness your injury happen? Did you obtain the information of the person or entity responsible for your injury? 

There are so many things to try to get done in the aftermath of a personal injury. Some of these things can greatly maximize your chances of getting a higher settlement.

Factors Affecting Personal Injury Settlements

When over 97 percent of civil cases never even reach trial, chances are a settlement for your claim will be reached via negotiation.

Now is yet another great time to have a good personal injury attorney by your side to guide you through the process and make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.

It’s a fact: most cases never see the courtroom, despite what the television may show. The reasons for this vary, but the major ones include the high cost and risks involved for both sides in going to trial, as well as the amount of time involved in going to trial. 

An added bonus for both sides hammering it out away from a courtroom is the lower risk for both sides. On the one hand, you can feel safe knowing a jury won’t come through the doors at any moment and tell you that you get nothing. On the other hand, your opposition has the peace of mind in knowing the jury won’t do the same and return an astronomically high verdict in your favor.

So based on that, it’s always a smart idea to engage in settlement talks and try to work it out without getting a jury involved.

What are some of the factors involved in personal injury settlements? Read on to find out.

What Did You Hurt, And How Badly Did You Hurt It?

The kinds of injuries you have and the severity of each of them is what will have the biggest impact on your ultimate settlement. When it comes to your physical injuries, you can claim damages for the injury, as well as other things sometimes.

Some injuries can yield substantial damages and settlement amounts, but keep in mind that not every case is a million-dollar one. Nonetheless, almost any injury that can be proven is compensable under the law.

Can The Defendant Afford To Compensate Your Injuries?

Even if your injury is the type that would demand a substantial settlement offer, this might not matter. It all depends on who is responsible for your injuries.

Assuming the person you’re suing has insurance, the insurance company will never offer more than the coverage amount. This could be enough to cover your injuries, or it could be severely limiting in your chances at a substantial settlement. But, some money is always better than none ultimately. 

If the person you’re suing doesn’t have insurance, you will be completely reliant on their ability to pay out of pocket, something very difficult for many people and businesses.

Did You Get A Lawyer?

Getting the assistance of a seasoned and expert personal injury attorney can be the difference-maker in your case in determining whether or not you get a settlement.

It can also be the difference between you getting what you deserve, and getting mere scraps in comparison.

Help Yourself Get A Better Settlement

You can do things to help your case and help deliver a decent settlement.

On the flip side, you can also completely wreck your chances depending on your actions, so it’s important to be smart and cautious while you’re undergoing settlement talks.

The difference between solidifying or completely killing your case is slim, so let’s take a look at what you can do to help yourself.

A Medical Paper Trail Is Vital To Your Case

If you’ve been physically injured in some way, seeking medical treatment immediately is the best thing you can do for yourself and for your case. People who demand significant settlements go to all of their doctor’s appointments, follow-ups, and any rehabilitation required. 

Equally important is making sure you document all of your medical needs caused by your injury, and any ongoing medical needs you expect to incur as a result of any disabilities or issues.

This is critical to any settlement because it shows the other side how much medical intervention you needed. Proof of your medical needs often proves very persuasive in a courtroom setting.

A well documented and extensive medical file will often yield you a higher settlement amount in the end.

More On The Medical Field

Hopefully, this article has helped you in figuring out what average personal injury settlement amounts might be. 

If you want to learn more about the business of healthcare, take a look at our various blog sections to find interesting articles about the aspects of healthcare you don’t often think about.