Every personal injury case is different and there's never a guarantee of compensation, even in cases that appear “open and shut.” However, accident victims can gain an idea of the value of their cases by learning about different types of available compensation, and the formulas insurance adjusters use to estimate the worth of a claim.
There are two main categories of compensation in personal injury cases: economic or "special" damages and non-economic or "general" damages. Special damages include easily quantifiable losses, such as:
- The cost of past and future medical treatment related to injuries suffered in the accident
- Income lost while out of work recovering from accident-related injuries
- Property damage sustained in the accident
- Any additional out-of-pocket losses
General damages are more difficult to quantify, as the losses have no direct monetary value. These damages may include, but aren't limited to:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Determining special damages is as simple as adding up past medical costs, property damage fees, lost wages, and projected future medical expenses. To arrive at a figure for general damages, insurance adjusters and defense attorneys extend the special damages by a multiplier between 1.5 and 5.
Which multiplier is the “right” one to use when determining a settlement award can be a hotly contested topic.
Generally speaking, the more severe the injuries, the more extensive the required treatment and the greater effect the injuries have on the victim's day-to-day life, the higher the multiplier used to determine damages.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
If you were injured in due to another person's negligent actions, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and other losses. McGartland Law's experienced personal injury attorneys can help you fight for the financial award you need and deserve.
Contact McGartland Law today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with a legal professional.
