What Is Your Personal Injury Claim Worth?

If you've suffered injuries in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine the worth of your claim.

The amount of compensation that you receive is determined by the severity of your injury and various other factors. Sunnyvale injury attorney will include financial damages, such as reimbursement for medical treatment as well as compensation for future medical care.

No-fault system

The system of no-fault in New York was designed to assist victims in recovering damages from medical expenses and other financial losses. However, the system does not cover non-monetary damages like pain and suffering. In order to get the compensation that they deserve, victims may have to make a claim. An experienced attorney can help you through the process of obtaining compensation to pay your bills following an accident, and help get you back on your feet.

The value of your personal injury claim could be determined by the severity and type of your injuries. Injuries that result in permanent impairment or disfigurement are likely to be worth more than those that do not. The degree to which you've been affected by your injuries will also increase the claim value.

In order to receive full compensation for your injuries, it's crucial that you have documentation of the total amount of your medical expenses and other financial losses. This includes doctor's visits and surgeries, physical therapists and medications, assistive equipment, and any other future medical requirements. Your lawyer can calculate the amount by examining your medical records, and getting a prognosis form your doctor.

It is important to consider any income you might have received from a third party other than the responsible party when determining the value for your personal injury claim. This is referred to as the collateral source and it stops negligent parties from making their compensation less by removing the amount you've already received from other sources of income.

The value of a personal injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the number of injured in the accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand the no-fault system, and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.

In many states, including New York, no-fault insurance coverage is required. Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident. The limits for PIP vary from state to state, but most offer at least $2,500 in coverage for medical expenses and a limited amount of insurance for lost wages.

Damages for pain and suffering

In personal injury cases, the aim is to make the victim whole after an accident. This can include returning them to the financial situation they were in prior to the accident, assisting with medical bills and repair costs, compensating the loss of income and other damages that are not economic, such as suffering and pain. The law defines pain as a broad term that includes emotional or physical effects on an individual. This includes mental anguish, physical pain and loss of vitality or health.

These non-economic damages are often more difficult to quantify than the value of other types of damages, like medical bills and lost wages. There are a variety of methods to be utilized in order to determine the value of suffering and pain. For instance medical records that demonstrate the severity of a victim's pain can be a valuable evidence. The testimony of a victim, or a family member, can reveal how the injuries affected their lives.

Imagine, for instance that you're injured and unable to go on long runs or engage in your activities. You would probably be able to show how these activities have affected your quality of life. In addition, you could have photographs or videos that prove your condition. These types of proof can be very persuasive even if they are not backed up by scientific proof.

The multiplier method as well as the per diem method are two of the most frequently used methods courts use to determine the amount of pain and suffering. The multiplier method involves multiplying the amount of the claimant's damages in economic terms by one and five. The per diem method assigns an amount to each day of pain and suffering until the claimant reaches "maximum improvement".

These methods are not established in the stone of law and juries and judges have wide discretion when awarding this kind of compensation. It is therefore important to know how to prove your claim for pain, suffering and other damages, to increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

Compensation for lost wages

A significant portion of a personal injury award can be damages for lost wages. This includes all of the time that you are absent from work because of an accident, including weekends and holidays. This includes any tips, bonuses, or commissions that you could have earned on the job. A forensic economist or other financial expert will usually calculate the value of these losses.

These damages are typically simple to calculate and can be established using W-2 forms, paystubs, and other employer records. These can be compared with the amount of income you made prior to your injury to demonstrate the difference. You may also be able to include any vacations, sick days, or personal leave that you planned to take but were unable to take due to your injury.

This type of compensation may allow you to recover some of the lost earnings because of your inability to work, or even pay for any future losses. However, you won't get the full amount you would have received if the injury had not occurred, because there could be an obligation from other parties who provided treatment or medical expenses.

If you are a self-employed person, it may be more difficult to prove that you have lost wages however, this is something that your lawyer can discuss with a financial professional. They can help you estimate your future income in relation to your current earning capacity. They will take into account things like your typical work, the number of working hours per week and your hourly wage.

Damages to earnings that you may suffer in the future are similar to past income loss, however they are based more on your ability to earn money in the future than the amount you earned in the past. These damages are also referred to as impairment of earning capacity or loss of earning potential in the future. These are only awarded if it can be proved that the injury will permanently and significantly limit your ability to work in the future.

Another type of compensatory damages is referred to as general damages and may include costs such as pain and suffering. This is a more subjective category of damages that is difficult to quantify. It is often given in addition to other types of damages for example medical expenses or lost wages. To qualify for this type, you must show that you suffered physical, mental, or emotional stress as a result. This can include a doctor’s report or an expert testimony from a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Damages to cover future medical expenses

In personal injury cases, the future medical expenses can be the majority of your settlement. However they can be difficult to calculate and prove. These damages are often based on actuarial calculations about your future needs. They may also include the cost of medications or a physical therapist's estimate of the length of time you'll require treatment, and other factors.


To show future medical expenses, you will require experts in the field like doctors and therapists. They will testify regarding the nature of your injury and its likely impact on your life. They will also help you determine the current value of those expenses. Your attorney will use this information to present an effective argument on your behalf.

It is also important to consider the loss of income you'll suffer as a result. This could include lost income, commissions, benefits and bonuses. You may also need to pay a home-care nurse or attendant, and you may be entitled to compensation for the cost assistive devices such as canes and wheelchairs.

After an accident, many injured victims need to continue receiving treatment and care. This can be very expensive. This includes therapy and physical and occupational treatments. The injured victims are entitled to compensation for these costs and the cost of transport and accommodation to and from appointments.

It's also important to think about the non-medical expenses that may be associated with your accident, such as the loss of enjoyment of activities you enjoyed prior to your accident. This is a type of damage that's difficult to quantify, however it's still important to document it as accurately as you can.

You could seek compensation for these damages by filing an action or settling out of court. A settlement is a negotiation with the defendant or their insurance company to settle an issue outside of court. A lawsuit requires a trial, and evidence that the defendant's negligence, or carelessness, caused your injury. An attorney who specializes in personal injury cases can assist you in deciding which option is best for your particular situation.