Determining the average personal injury settlement amount is not a straightforward process, as it varies based on multiple factors unique to each case. One crucial element influencing the settlement value is "special damages," which include expenses like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages resulting from the incident.
Special damages are quantifiable out-of-pocket costs that can be calculated precisely by totaling all financial losses incurred due to the accident. Typically, these are easier to assess because there are concrete amounts spent, supported by receipts or invoices for insurance purposes. Generally, higher special damages correspond to higher potential settlements in personal injury cases.
In addition to special damages, insurance adjusters consider "general damages," which encompass intangible losses such as pain and suffering. Valuing general damages is more complex since they lack clear monetary values and vary for each individual affected by an accident.
For instance, the severity and location of a scar can impact its value in a settlement; facial scars may be deemed more significant than scars elsewhere due to their visibility. Regardless of size or placement, all losses warrant compensation.
Furthermore, the nature of your personal injury case can influence the overall settlement amount you may receive. For example, if your injury resulted from a motor vehicle accident caused by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you might be eligible for punitive damages in addition to compensatory ones.
To accurately gauge the worth of your personal injury claim, consulting with a seasoned personal injury attorney is recommended.