What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement?
Around 38 million Americans visit the emergency room each year. Many of these visits are caused by preventable accidents, that could result in a personal injury lawsuit.
Are you considering filing a personal injury suit? Are you wondering how much compensation you can expect to get?
Let’s go through what you need to know about the average personal injury settlement.
What Is A Personal Injury Settlement?
A personal injury settlement is a legal agreement between a person who has suffered injuries or damages and another party. The other party is usually the insurance company or the party responsible for the injury. They could be required to compensate the injured person for their losses.
The settlement is usually negotiated outside of court and can cover a variety of damages. This includes possible costs like your medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering, and damage to your property.
In personal injury cases, the injured person (or their attorney) will typically negotiate with the responsible party or their insurance company to reach a settlement that fairly compensates the injured person for their losses.
If a settlement is reached, the injured person will agree to release the responsible party from any further liability related to the injury in exchange for the agreed-upon compensation.
Personal injury settlements can settle through mediation, arbitration, or negotiations between the parties.
They are generally considered to be a quicker and cheaper alternative to going to trial. They may not result in as large a payout as a successful trial verdict.
Personal Injury Settlement Factors
There are a few different variables that can affect the amount collected in a personal injury settlement.
The worse your injury is, the higher the possible settlement amount will be. Injuries that result in long-term disability or ongoing medical treatment are typically worth more than minor injuries that can be quickly and easily treated.
If the responsible party is clearly at fault for the injury, the settlement amount is likely to be higher than if there is some question about who was at fault.
The amount of insurance coverage available to the responsible parties will also impact the settlement amount. If the responsible party has limited insurance coverage, it may be more difficult to get a large settlement.
The negotiating skills of the injured person or their attorney can also impact the settlement amount. A skilled negotiator may be able to get a higher settlement than someone who is inexperienced in negotiation.
Location, Location, Location
The location of the incident and the jurisdiction in which the case is being heard can also impact the settlement amount. Some jurisdictions are known for awarding higher settlements than others.
Personal injury laws can vary from state to state, and even from city to city within a state. This means the location where the injury occurred and where the lawsuit was filed.
It can also mean that where settlement negotiations take place can have an impact on the laws that govern the case. This can affect the number of damages that the injured party may be entitled to receive, as well as the types of damages that may be available.
The court system in a particular location can also affect a personal injury settlement. For example, some courts may be known for being more favorable to plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
On the other hand, others may have a reputation for being more conservative. This can impact the strategies that attorneys use during settlement negotiations or during a trial.
If the case goes to trial, the location can also affect the composition of the jury pool. Different areas may have different demographics. This can impact the attitudes and beliefs of potential jurors.
This could affect the outcome of the case, as the jurors will ultimately be responsible for deciding the verdict.
Determining Damages
The settlement amount will also depend on the extent of the damages. Damages can include both economic and non-economic losses that result from the injury.
Economic damages are typically measurable and quantifiable losses that result from the injury. This may include any healthcare expenses, lost wages, or damage to your property. For example, if someone is injured in an accident and has to pay medical bills, they may be able to recover them in a personal injury suit as economic damages.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective losses that are difficult to quantify. These may include pain, suffering, hurt feelings, and reduction of enjoyment of life.
If someone suffers a serious injury that causes them significant pain and interferes with their ability to enjoy their life, they may be able to recover non-economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Average Personal Injury Settlement
Personal injury settlements can range from just a thousand dollars up to several million dollars. The range depends on the specific circumstances of the case.
It’s important to note that settlements are typically reached through negotiations between the parties involved. The final amount can vary based on how those negotiations go.
It’s always best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to get a more accurate assessment of what a settlement might be worth in your particular case. If you’re in this situation, contact Alpha Accident Lawyers today.
Average Personal Injury Settlement: Now You Know
There are a lot of factors that go into determining the average personal injury settlement. To know what you might be entitled to, you’ll have to sit down with a professional.
Do you need more legal help? We’ve got the info you need. Read through a few of our other posts on related topics.
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