If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of somebody else’s negligence, the pain doesn’t stop after you’ve seen a doctor. Until you receive a fair personal injury settlement, you may worry about how you’re going to pay the bills and put food on the table when you can’t work.
Of course, the question is, what is a fair settlement? And how do you give yourself the best chance of getting one?
As a rule, a fair personal injury settlement compensates you for the injuries and losses that you suffered as a result of the accident. However, calculating the amount is a lot tougher. This should be done on a case-by-case basis, which is why you need the best personal injury attorney in Las Vegas to ensure you get what you deserve.
How is a settlement calculated?
A fair settlement amount is calculated by adding up the amount of money you lost as a result of your incident. These are called ‘damages,’ and they’re typically split into two categories – special and general damages.
Special damages include monetary losses such as wages, medical expenses, and repairs (if necessary). General damages focus on the impact on your mental health. For example, general damages include pain and suffering, and distress.
What factors affect a settlement?
Personal injury settlements vary because of the many factors that affect the amount of a settlement. These include:
- Case severity: cases where injuries are more severe result in higher settlements. The reason for this is that the accident has usually caused more pain and suffering. The severity of the injury can fall into many categories, from soft tissue damage to severe injuries (broken bones) and permanent disabilities.
The latter, such as reduced mobility or spinal damage, often result in a larger payout.
- Recovery process: a fair settlement will always consider the treatment process. Generally, larger amounts of money are awarded when the treatment and recovery process is ongoing. Injuries that result in permanent disability, or need for future care, will typically settle for more money than injuries that resolve after a few months of chiropractic care.
- Emotional trauma: your injuries may not only be physical but also result in great emotional distress. An experienced personal injury attorney that can prove emotional trauma will greatly increase the amount of your settlement.
- Clear Legal Liability: The settlement will be more significant if there is clear evidence that proves the defendant is at fault. Insurance companies are more likely to settle without the need to file a lawsuit if they fear losing in Court.
How do you determine if your settlement offer is fair?
Securing a fair personal injury settlement offer is very difficult without legal representation. Hiring the best lawyer in Las Vegas is a fantastic way to boost your chances of success. This is because a quality attorney works through your case covering every base. Whether that’s collecting thorough, detailed evidence or negotiating with the insurance company, your lawyer will fight for you.
Of course, if the case goes to trial, you require a skilled and experienced lawyer who has excellent trial skills.
How do law firms get paid?
Personal injury lawyers usually get paid their legal fees based on how much money they are able to obtain for their client. This type of fee arrangement is called a contingency fee and is often advertised as a “no win, no fee” contract because if there is no recovery to the client, the lawyer does not get paid.
Have you been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or animal attack? Do you need the best lawyer in Las Vegas? Get in touch with Edward M. Bernstein & Associates today for your free consultation by calling 702-240-0000.