Personal Injury Damages

How much is a personal injury case worth? The answer lies in calculating the damages. Damages are the term for the sum of money imposed on a person who has committed an act of negligence. The damages are calculated based on the degree of the injuries, whether the injured person faces long-term consequences, and the full scope of the losses they have suffered in the accident. 

Types of Damages Paid in a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit

The damages include several types of financial losses that an injured person could be left with after being injured by the negligent actions of another. These include the following losses:

I. Economic Damages.

These damages are the actual financial losses the injured person experiences, including but not limited to:

1. Medical Bills. The medical treatment needed by the injured person may include medical treatments from surgeons, anesthesiologists, specialists, nurses, hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, and rehabilitation specialists such as chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and others.
2. Lost Income from Work. If you have been unable to work and earn a living, the value of your lost wages must be calculated. If your injuries are so extensive that you can no longer work in your profession, lost earning capacity is calculated, as well as losses such as retirement benefits you will no longer be eligible to earn.

II. Noneconomic Damages.

These damages are the financial losses that relate to pain, suffering, and life changes resulting from an injury. Noneconomic damages often include:

1. Pain and Suffering. These damages may be the largest portion of a personal injury settlement or jury award. They are calculated based on your age, the degree of the injuries and the associated pain, the stress and physical discomfort associated with medical treatments, and factors such as emotional anguish, anxiety, stress, and other psychological consequences faced by the injured. If the injury left you with permanent disfigurement, a value is placed on the suffering you will experience.
2. Loss of Quality of Life. If you can no longer expect to enjoy the quality of life you had before the accident, this issue will be valued in your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
3. Wrongful Death or Damages for an Incapacitated Loved One. If you have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligent acts and are a close family member such as the deceased’s spouse or child, you have the right to seek “wrongful death” damages. These damages include the pain and suffering experienced by your loved one before death, the medical bills incurred in attempting to help them recover, funeral and burial costs, loss of the income your loved one provided and would have provided over a normal lifetime, and the loss of the care and guidance and support that person provided to you and your family. Loss of consortium damages may be pursued to compensate a spouse for the loss of the physical relationship.

III. Punitive Damages in Personal Injury Cases in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale

Punitive damages may be possible in some cases. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and as a deterrent to others and are only available in cases where gross negligence or intentional misconduct can be proven by presenting clear and convincing evidence. 

How Do I File a Personal Injury Case?

A personal injury case may be filed against the insurance company of the negligent party. The amount of compensation recovered may be limited to the value of the policy. For example, in an auto accident, the responsible driver may not have enough insurance to cover the full value of your losses. In these cases, a lawsuit can be filed to seek further compensation from the individual. 

Filing a personal injury claim is a complex process, and various actions must be taken within the time frame allowed. After an injury, it can be difficult to understand what to do or how to get help. You would be best served to engage a personal injury lawyer to take all the legal actions necessary. At Panzer Law, we are known for our personalized care, the many high-value cases we have resolved successfully, and our dedication to pursuing the maximum in compensation for our clients. 

How Much is My Case Worth?

If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligent actions of another, you have the right to seek compensation. Your case is unique, and the value must be calculated correctly. After an accident, the insurance company of the responsible party is likely to contact you. The agent may advise you that they are there to help you resolve your case. 

The truth is that the insurance company does not represent you. They are acting on behalf of their client, the responsible party. Their goal, no matter how friendly or caring they sound, is typically to convince you to accept a settlement offer that is often far, far lower than you deserve. At Panzer Law, we protect our clients from falling prey to this strategy and deal with the insurance companies ourselves. They know that we understand the true value of a case and that we will be steadfast in demanding a fair level of compensation. 

Why Choose Panzer Law?

If you have been injured due to another person’s negligent actions, you may be facing a future that is changed forever. You may be unable to work for weeks, months, or a lifetime. Our legal team is focused on protecting our clients’ legal rights and seeking a level of compensation that reflects the impact of the injuries on your life and future. 

The Panzer Law Difference

Our founder, attorney Gil Panzer, holds both a law degree and a master’s degree in economics. His depth of understanding of the financial issues in a personal injury case is above and beyond what most lawyers bring to the table. He and his talented legal team provide personal, dedicated service to every client, along with genuine compassion and personal care. Your case matters, and once we take it on, we go the distance and keep you fully informed throughout every phase of the journey to justice.