No two personal injury cases are identical but all consist of some common factors that can increase or decrease the amount of compensation one may receive in their settlement. Every defense attorney and insurance adjuster use a variety of multipliers to estimate the value of the claim.
Below are examples of the multipliers that could increase the amount of the settlement:
- You experience a long term recovery period.
- Traumatic head injury.
- You have to take medication for your personal injury.
- You suffer from emotional or physical stress because of the injury.
- Your life is disrupted on a daily basis. Some examples of this disruption includes missing days of school or work, being unable to go on a vacation and having to cancel special events.
- Most of your medical expenses are from the personal injury.
- Other factors that could increase your settlement include you having no fault on your part for the injury, you presented yourself in a organized and calm manner and witnesses can help to verify your case.
The factors below could mean a lower multiplier could be applied to the personal injury case, and you would receive a lower settlement:
- Most of your medical expenses are for diagnosis rather than treatment for the personal injury.
- You are not having to take any medication for the injury.
- You experienced a soft tissue injury such as a bruise, sprain or strain.
- You have a short recovery period for your injury.
- You only had to go to a few doctor visits for your injury.
- Other factors analyzed that could lower the amount of your settlement are being disorganized or impatient, having no witnesses that can help verify your case and sharing in the blame for the injury.
When you suffer a personal injury, it is vital that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you achieve the compensation that you deserve.