When you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for those injuries. The bills are likely piling up, especially if you’re unable to work, and you shouldn’t settle for less than you deserve. The good news is that a New York personal injury attorney can help you get the best results. This guide will help you discover what to expect for compensation due to a personal injury.
What Is A Personal Injury Settlement?
The first thing you need to understand is what a personal injury settlement is. In basic terms, a settlement is a resolution that is agreed upon by all parties involved. The insurance company representing the at-fault party generally handles the negotiations. Personal injury victims are typically qualified for compensation for:
- Medical bills, including past and future bills
- Lost wages, including past and future
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury, such as personal care or housekeeping assistance
Individuals may also be compensated for non-economic damages, including the following:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and discomfort
- Loss of enjoyment
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disabilities or impairments
Punitive damages are also sometimes part of personal injury settlements. Your New York lawyer will help you determine if this option is available for your specific case, helping you make informed decisions to maximize your compensation.
Establishing Liability
The first step in seeking a settlement for a personal injury is to speak with a NYC law firm to establish liability. Your personal injury lawyer in New York will recommend the appropriate steps to prove the fault of the other party. They may rely on expert witnesses and other professionals to create a clear picture of what happened in the accident and why you deserve compensation.
Important Questions to Ask
When evaluating a settlement for a personal injury case, your New York personal injury attorney will ask numerous questions to determine if the offered amount is sufficient or if you should hold out for more. Their goal is to get you maximum compensation for the injuries you have sustained, nothing more and nothing less.
Did You Include Pain and Suffering? Pain and suffering are difficult to quantify to a monetary amount. In many cases, a multiplier is used based on the severity of the accident and the amount of economic damages.
Has Your Condition Improved? Some injuries are temporary, while others are permanent. If your condition has improved or is improving, you are likely owed less compensation than if you have a severe medical condition that is likely to last a lifetime.
What Factors Contribute To Your Settlement Amount?
Before settling for compensation for your injuries, it’s vital to understand which factors impact the amount you should expect. First and foremost, the extent of your injuries and the degree of medical care you need play a significant factor in how much money you can expect from your settlement. Other factors include whether there are any permanent effects, how strong your evidence is, whether you were partially at fault, and whether you delayed medical care, causing issues with your recovery.
What Steps Must You Take
If you want to improve your chances of getting maximum compensation for your injuries, a New York lawyer will recommend the following steps:
- Reporting the accident and injuries as soon as possible
- Seeking immediate medical attention
- Taking videos and pictures of the accident scene
- Gathering contact information from witnesses
- Not talking to the other party’s insurance company without representation
- Completing your treatment plan
- Documenting damages and losses
Talking to a personal injury lawyer in New York will help you make better choices to protect your rights during your case and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. In New York, personal injury cases must be filed within three years of the accident, but the faster you get started, the faster you can expect your settlement.
Why Consider A Personal Injury Settlement?
When individuals are injured due to someone else’s negligence, they often think they have to either accept the initial offer from the insurance company or go to court for a judge to decide. However, in many cases, a personal injury settlement can provide the necessary compensation without taking it to court. There are several benefits to settling the case out of court with a NYC law firm, including the following:
- Receiving your compensation faster
- Avoiding uncertainty
- Preventing the publicity of a trial
- Reducing legal costs
- Eliminating the worry of whether the defendant will pay
What Does It Mean To Settle Your Case?
When you settle your case outside court, you are agreeing to certain terms you must understand. First and foremost, you are releasing the defendant and their insurance company from any further compensation or actions against them. They are also not admitting fault. It isn’t the same as being found guilty. If you agree to these terms and are satisfied with the compensation, a settlement is an excellent way to conclude your personal injury case.
What Happens After You Agree To The Settlement?
Once you and your New York lawyer agree to the settlement, you will have a few more steps to complete. After reviewing the settlement, you will need to sign the release form and confidentiality agreement. The insurance company will send the settlement check to your lawyer, who will place it in an escrow account. They will then write you a check for the settlement minus the fees for their services.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Gordon & Gordon to schedule a consultation after your medical assessment. The sooner you seek counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer in New York, the more likely you will be to get optimal compensation for your injuries. We will meet with you to discuss the particulars of your case and help you make the most informed decision. Whether you choose to agree to a settlement or pursue more compensation in court, we will stand with you to ensure you get maximum compensation for your injuries.