Personal Injury Case Worth
The value of a personal injury case is determined by the evidence and the losses caused by the injury, not by a standard settlement table. The seriousness and permanence of the injury, amount of medical treatment, time away from work and effect on everyday life can all influence the potential value.
Economic damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation, future care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity. A claim may also include non-economic damages for losses such as pain, suffering and loss of life’s pleasures when permitted by law. In a fatal accident, Pennsylvania wrongful death and survival laws can create different categories of recoverable loss.
Factors Affecting Injury Compensation
Responsibility for the accident matters as well. Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence. If an injured person shares responsibility, the percentage of fault can reduce the damages recoverable, and recovery can be barred when the claimant’s fault exceeds the statutory threshold.
Insurance limits, available assets and the number of responsible parties can affect the practical recovery. Evidence is equally important. Medical records, photographs, witness statements, employment records and expert opinions may be needed to connect the losses to the incident.
Valuing a Personal Injury Claim
For these reasons, a meaningful valuation normally requires a review of the individual case. A personal injury attorney can assess liability, damages and available insurance before discussing a potential settlement range. Treat online calculators and claims of guaranteed settlement amounts cautiously. The aim should be to document the full effect of the injury and evaluate the claim on its own facts.