If you’ve been injured in some sort of accident, you need a personal injury lawyer. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, you’ll have to file a claim. Depending on the type of accident, you may have to file an insurance claim. Or, you’ll have to file a lawsuit. You don’t want to do either of these things yourself. You really need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Diego.
Accidents happen all the time. They can happen at work or in a department store. You could be walking into your doctor’s office and fall and break your leg. There are as many types of personal injuries as there are personal injury lawyers.
When you do get hurt, you’ll probably wonder if it’s worth taking legal action. After all, your health insurance will probably cover your medical care, right? What if it doesn’t? And, medical bills are probably not the only expenses you’ll have. You may miss time from work. Your personal property may have been damaged.
It’s always a good idea to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney after an accident. He can review your case and give you an idea of what it’s worth.
How do Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers Place a Value on Your Case?
If you’re injured in an accident, you’ll suffer damages. Some of the most common damages involved in a personal injury case include:
- Medical bills (past, present and future)
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
The real question is how your lawyer will put a value on these things.
Medical Bills
When it comes to medical bills, it’s easy to figure out how much they’ve cost so far. At the time your lawsuit, you’ll have receipts for your medical treatment. But, how do you determine future medical costs?
If you’re hurt in an accident, you’re going to suffer injuries. Some of these injuries may require long-term treatment. For example, if you break your neck or back, you will need a lot of care. You may need multiple surgeries. You’ll need physical therapy. All of this costs money.
The problem is, you can’t wait forever to file suit. In Georgia, you have to file suit within two (2) years of the date of the accident. This means when you do file, you need to know how much to claim for medical damages.
Your lawyer will hire an expert to estimate how much your future medical bills will cost. He may use an actuarian or a doctor.
Lost Wages
Just like with medical bills, it’s easy to figure out how much you’ve already lost. The question is how much will you lose in the future. If you’re not able to work after the accident, you’re entitled to damages for future lost wages. Your lawyer will multiply the amount you make per year by the number of years you would’ve worked. He’ll also increase this amount for interest and inflation.
Property Damages
If you’re in a car accident, you’ll suffer damage to your car. Your attorney will submit proof or repairs. Or, he’ll demand that you be reimbursed for a replacement vehicle.
Pain and Suffering
This is the hardest thing to measure. How do you put a price tag on pain and suffering? Typically, your personal injury lawyer in Atlanta will use a simple formula. He’ll take your lost wages and multiply it by 4 or 5. Whatever this figure is, he’ll demand in pain and suffering.
Thankfully, Georgia does not put a cap on pain and suffering. Technically, you can claim as much as you want. However, don’t expect to receive an unreasonable amount.
Your Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta Will Demand Compensation
Once your personal injury attorney has an idea of what your case is worth, he’ll make a demand for damages. This is usually done when you file your complaint. There is a chance that the insurance company will cover all of your damages. However, this is rare in cases that involve large amounts in lost wages and pain and suffering.
For example, in a car accident case, your personal injury attorney may demand the following:
- $100,000 in medical bills
- $150,000 in lost wages
- $25,000 in property damage
- $600,000 in pain and suffering
This adds up to a total of $875,000. This doesn’t mean you’ll receive $875,000. It means this is what your lawyer thinks it’s worth.
If you’ve been injured in any sort of accident, contact an Atlanta personal injury lawyer at The Weinstein Firm today. The initial consultation is free and you pay nothing until you win your case.
