If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim in Florida, you should know that various factors can determine your final settlement amount. A personal injury attorney can help you maximize your compensation by strengthening your claim by presenting compelling evidence, working with other professionals, and negotiating on your behalf. Here are some key elements that often impact settlement amounts in Florida:
Your Injuries
The most direct factor that will influence your settlement amount is the severity of your injuries. Severe injuries often result in higher compensation amounts, especially if they result in long-term disabilities, chronic pain, or significant impairment. The more the injuries impact a victim’s life, the higher the compensation will be, especially if you prepare your case appropriately and have legal representation to demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
Medical Expenses
Personal injury victims will incur various medical expenses, which will also play a role in determining the settlement amount. Medical expenses include immediate medical costs, ongoing treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy, out-of-pocket expenses, and any future medical needs related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
In some personal injury cases, victims cannot work or need time off to focus on their recovery. Victims with diminished earning capacity are also entitled to higher compensation for their current lost wages and future income that they may have earned if not for the injuries sustained. Victims who permanently lose their capacity to work due to disabling injuries are also entitled to greater compensation settlements.
Intangible Losses
Intangible losses can sometimes influence settlement amounts in personal injury cases more than tangible losses. For example, compensation for pain and suffering is based on the physical and emotional distress endured by the victim. This subjective factor considers the severity of pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the injuries.
Insurance Coverage and Policy Limits
The insurance coverage available and the policy limits of the at-fault party’s insurance policy can affect the maximum amount of compensation that can be obtained in a settlement. If the responsible party has limited coverage, it may limit the overall settlement amount. However, if the circumstances allow it, a personal injury victim can pursue a higher compensation settlement from multiple liable parties. Speak with a personal injury attorney to learn more.
Legal Representation
Lastly, the quality of legal presentation and the ability of an attorney to build a strong case can significantly impact the settlement amount a personal injury victim receives. Experienced personal injury attorneys who negotiate effectively with insurance companies and present compelling evidence often achieve higher client settlements.
In the end, insurance companies need to make money rather than lose it, and they will try to minimize settlements in various ways, such as shifting the blame on the victim or using other legal strategies. However, when you work with a personal injury lawyer, they can counter such measures and even hire additional field experts to prove fault, such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction experts. When you work with a lawyer, it doesn’t mean your case will go to court, as 95% of all civil cases end in settlements.
