Every personal injury claim is different. However, almost all of them settle before they go to trial. This often means settling within six to twelve months – sometimes even faster.
When a case goes to trial, it can take two or more years to reach a verdict. Only around four percent of personal injury claims wind up needing to take this route. But when it’s the appropriate action, a trial can help victims of serious injury secure more substantial compensation.
Personal Injury Damages
There are three types of damages that your injury lawyer may seek. These are:
- Economic Damages. Also known as “Special Damages,” economic damages are provable. Based on medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses and losses that can be factually established, these damages seek compensation for all of the costs related to an injury
- Non-Economic Damages. Also known as “General Damages,” non-economic damages are harder to prove. They include things like physical pain, loss of ability, emotional suffering, and PTSD. A sympathetic jury may provide more significant compensation for general damages than can be achieved through settlement negotiations
- Punitive Damages. Rarely awarded during settlements, punitive damages seek to punish bad behavior. These damages are more likely to be awarded by a jury when a defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or intentional
Many states place caps on non-economic and punitive damages. However, special damages are never capped.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You need a lawyer in your corner if you have been seriously injured. Insurance companies would prefer if you just accepted whatever they choose to offer as a settlement. They know that you can’t take legal action once you’ve accepted their offer, no matter how insulting or insignificant it may be. Having a lawyer on your side allows you to fight for the actual compensation you deserve, not some arbitrary amount based on a spreadsheet created by people who want to maximize their profits at your expense.
Several qualified, experienced attorneys are prepared to take severe injury cases as far as needed to secure maximum compensation. If you are looking for one of these, please use our attorney directory to select a firm in your area. And remember, your consultation should be free of cost and obligation. You have every right to discuss your claim with multiple lawyers until you find one who instills confidence.
