Incidents that result in personal injury can happen at work, place of business, and on the road. When an injury occurs because of careless and negligent acts, the injured person often inquires about filing a claim. There are several types of damages and various factors that play a role in Fort Lauderdale personal injury settlements. These damages and factors will influence the length of the case and price tag of the resolution.
Types of Damages
There are three types of damages to be considered in personal injury settlements:
- Medical Expenses. This encompasses all of the expenses from the accident. Medical expense calculations should also include projections for long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages. Did the accident result in missed time at work? If so, lost wages should be included as part of your accident compensation. Lost wage projections can be complicated and Lisa S. Levine has experience in calculating this variable.
- Pain and Suffering. Defined as the physical and mental distress from an accident, this can range from emotional damage to stress and anxiety.
Lawsuit Length
Personal injury cases rarely close quickly. Each personal injury lawsuit is as unique as the client, the case, and the injuries sustained. No two are the same, and from our experience with Fort Lauderdale personal injury settlements, there are two main areas that influence a lawsuits length: The Client and Insurance Companies.
The client is the biggest player in a personal injury compensation case. If the injury to the client was serious or life-threatening, the case will sometimes take longer to complete. Severe injuries result in lengthy hospital stays and complicated medical billing records that take extra time to procure and examine. The client’s willingness to settle also impacts the length of a personal injury lawsuit. Accepting or rejecting offers will shorten or lengthen a case.
Injury Victim
Insurance companies are another variable in lawsuit length. Offering an unfair settlement is common, as insurance companies are in the business of making money – not paying large sums to Fort Lauderdale personal injury settlements. Lisa Levine has seen it all, from conservative offers to incompetent adjusters. If insurance companies are unwilling to settle, litigation can be the only route. Cases that go to court may take years to complete.
What Are My Injuries Worth?
Three main factors will influence the final number in a Fort Lauderdale personal injury settlement:
- Negligence. This is the legal term that means failing to be careful. In general, the more severe and negligent the act, the more your injury is worth.
- Damages. How badly were you harmed? The combination of all three types of damages will greatly impact the price tag on your case.
- Money. The funds in a personal injury case have to come from somewhere. The most likely source will be an insurance policy, and working to negotiate with an insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims
What is the Time Limit for Submitting a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within a certain time period, called the “statute of limitations”, and each state has its own rules surrounding this. If you are injured in Florida, you must file a claim within two years.
Do I Need to Notify My Insurance Company After an Accident?
Yes, you should notify your insurance of your accident. Most insurance companies require policyholders to inform them of car accidents; if you don’t notify them in a timely manner, some companies may drop your coverage.
But, while cooperation with your insurance company is your responsibility, that doesn’t mean you should offer up more info than is necessary. Refrain from giving your opinions about who was at fault in the accident. It is best to only tell them the facts of the case as you experienced them until you have an attorney present.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Case Cost?
Every case differs in size and complexity, so the cost of a case can vary dramatically. What is important to know is that Lisa Levine P.A. works on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay until we win your case.
Receiving Your Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Settlements
What next? The personal injury attorney team at Lisa S. Levine, P.A. start by gathering all the pertinent information and drawing on years of experience representing injured Floridians. Negligence, damages, and payout funds all create the financial case for your injury settlement, and Lisa Levine knows how to make the law work in your favor for a settlement.
