The cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment after a personal injury accident can be significant. For many families, the cost causes financial strain, especially if you cannot work.
If your accident was caused by the recklessness or negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. At this point, you are likely eager to accept a settlement to alleviate some of your financial pressure.
However, if you are not careful, you may accept an offer that does not compensate for all damages and losses. Learning what to do and what not to do to maximize your compensation is necessary.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help.
Understanding Personal Injury Compensation
Before diving into what can increase your compensation, it’s essential to understand the basics of personal injury compensation. When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have the right to seek compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills related to your injury, such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income during your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: This category covers physical and emotional pain, as well as mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be eligible for compensation to repair or replace it.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the spouse or family members of the injured person may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship or support.
Now that you better understand what personal injury compensation encompasses, let’s explore what factors can increase the amount you receive.
Liability and Negligence
The first and most critical factor in increasing compensation is establishing liability and proving negligence. In personal injury cases, you must demonstrate that the other party was at fault for the accident.
This often involves gathering evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and expert opinions, to establish a clear link between the defendant’s actions (or inaction) and your injuries.
Severity of Injuries
The extent and severity of your injuries play a significant role in determining your compensation. More severe injuries typically result in higher compensation. Medical records, diagnostic tests, and expert medical opinions can help establish the seriousness of your injuries.
Medical Expenses
Accurately documenting your medical expenses is crucial. Ensure all medical bills related to your injury are preserved and presented as part of your compensation claim. This includes expenses for surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
Lost Income and Future Earnings
If your injury has caused you to miss work or if it will affect your ability to earn a living in the future, these factors should be considered when calculating your compensation. Your personal injury attorney can help you assess and present these losses in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Quantifying pain and suffering is more challenging than calculating medical bills or lost wages. It often involves subjective factors, such as the emotional toll of the injury, physical pain, and mental anguish. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you build a compelling case for pain and suffering compensation.
Legal Representation
The most critical factor in increasing your compensation after a personal injury is hiring an experienced personal injury attorney. These professionals understand the intricacies of personal injury law, can navigate the legal system on your behalf, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to support your claim. They can also negotiate with insurance adjusters who may try to offer a lower settlement than you deserve. In some cases, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, they can take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney for Assistance
Increasing your compensation after a personal injury requires careful attention to detail, expert legal guidance, and a clear understanding of the factors contributing to your claim’s value. Remember that every personal injury case is unique, and your compensation will depend on the circumstances of your accident and injuries.
If you’ve been injured in Connecticut and want to maximize your compensation, don’t hesitate to contact Perkins Injury Lawyers. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve, ensuring you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life after a personal injury.