The Value of Filing a Claim: What to Expect From a Personal Injury Settlement
In the wake of an accident or injury, one of the most pressing questions for an individual is whether it's worth pursuing a personal injury claim. This is a decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the extent of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the potential financial impact on your life.
At Veritas, we are committed to guiding our clients through the legal process with integrity and compassion and securing the best possible personal injury settlement we can for you. Let’s look into different types of personal injury cases and what you can expect if you should file a claim.
The Value of Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
When you've been injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party, filing a personal injury claim can be crucial in receiving the compensation you deserve. Personal injury settlements are designed to provide financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred as a result of the accident.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
You may seek compensation for a variety of accidents and incidents, including:
- Car Accidents: Collisions involving vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians can result in serious injuries and fatalities, often due to factors such as speeding, reckless or distracted driving, and driving under the influence.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for visitors. Accidents caused by hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting can lead to premises liability claims.
- Medical Malpractice: When healthcare professionals fail to provide the right standard of care, victims may pursue medical malpractice claims to seek compensation for damages.
- Product Liability: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products, including vehicles, medical devices, and consumer goods.
- Workplace Injuries: Employees who suffer injuries in the course of their employment may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits, including medical treatment, disability payments, and vocational rehabilitation.
Personal Injury Settlements vs. Formal Lawsuits
A personal injury settlement is an agreement reached between the injured party (the plaintiff) and the responsible party or their insurance company (the defendant) to resolve the case without going to trial.
Settlements can be negotiated at any stage of the legal process, from before a lawsuit is filed to during trial proceedings. This means that the parties involved, with the guidance of their legal representatives, agree on a monetary amount to compensate the injured party for their damages without a formal court hearing.
On the other hand, a formal lawsuit proceeds through the court system, with each party presenting their evidence, arguments, and defenses before a judge and potentially a jury. The outcome of a formal lawsuit is determined by the court, and if a verdict is reached, it may result in a monetary award to the plaintiff, known as a judgment.
A personal injury settlement is often reached more quickly than a formal lawsuit as it bypasses the typically lengthy court processes, and it also offers more control over the terms and outcome of the agreement versus putting the decision in the hands of a judge or jury.
Settlements are also often kept confidential whereas formal lawsuits are often a matter of public record. In addition, a personal injury settlement may be more cost-effective and less risky for both parties.
Ultimately, whether to pursue a settlement or a lawsuit depends on the specific circumstances of the case, including the severity of the injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate.
Factors That Influence a Personal Injury Settlement
Several factors may influence the value of a personal injury settlement, including:
- Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries will play a significant role in determining the value of your claim. Injuries that require extensive medical treatment or result in long-term disabilities generally lead to higher settlement amounts.
- Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, is a key factor in assessing the value of your claim. Your settlement should cover all past and future medical expenses related to the injury.
- Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working or result in a loss of income, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both the wages you've already lost and any future earnings impacted by your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also factored into personal injury settlements. While these damages are more subjective, they are no less important in estimating your compensation.
- Liability and Negligence: The strength of the evidence supporting your claim and the degree of fault assigned to the defendant can significantly impact the outcome of your case. As your personal injury attorney, we will help gather evidence, assess liability, and build an ironclad case on your behalf.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Personal Injury Settlement
Here’s what you can expect should you choose to pursue a claim following an accident or injury.
- Initial Consultation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough review of your case during the initial consultation, gathering information about the accident, your injuries, and any related expenses.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We’ll investigate the accident scene, gather evidence such as medical records and witness statements, and assess liability to build the best case possible.
- Negotiation With Insurance Companies: Armed with our insider experience of how insurance companies work, we will negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries and losses.
- Preparation for Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’ll prepare your case for trial and represent you in court. This includes preparing legal arguments, presenting evidence, and advocating for your rights before a judge and jury.
- Resolution and Compensation: Once a settlement is reached or a verdict is rendered at trial, you will receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
Here are just a few examples of compensation our clients received:
- $1.3 million for a pedestrian accident case
- $950,000 for a professional liability case
- $767,000 for a car accident case
- $750,000 for a golf car accident case
- $600,000 for a ski injury case
- $500,000 for a wrongful death suit
What Else You Can Expect From Veritas
When working with a personal injury lawyer at Veritas, you’ll receive:
- Expert Guidance: With over 60 years of combined experience, our attorneys will provide compassionate support at every stage of the legal process, answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and always keeping you informed.
- Transparent Communication: We believe in open and transparent communication with our clients. You will always have the opportunity to speak directly with your attorney who will keep you up-to-date on your case’s progress and provide honest assessments and advice.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We are deeply committed to advocating for your rights and pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will fight tirelessly on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
- Dedicated Representation: From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, you can trust that we will be by your side every step of the way, maintaining the highest ethical standards and providing dedicated and unwavering representation until justice is served.
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, don't hesitate to contact Veritas for a free consultation. We have offices throughout Western Colorado and Utah and offer after-hours and weekend appointments.