Determining the worth of your personal injury case is crucial to any legal process following an accident or injury. At The Johnson Firm, a key focus is to ensure you receive a comprehensive evaluation of your claim to determine an accurate value based on various factors.
If you think you have a case, call our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers at (337) 433-1414.
Key factors influencing the value of your case
Several elements are considered when estimating your personal injury case’s worth. These include the following.
Extent of your injuries
The severity of your injuries significantly impacts the value of your claim. Serious injuries that require long-term medical treatment or lead to permanent disability are likely to result in higher compensation than minor injuries. Medical records, treatment plans, and expert testimony are crucial in substantiating these claims.
Economic damages
Economic damages refer to the quantifiable costs directly associated with your injury:
- Medical expenses – From initial emergency care to ongoing rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages – Compensation for the time you were unable to work and future lost earnings if your ability to work is compromised.
- Property damage – If personal property was damaged due to the incident.
Documentation such as bills, receipts, and employment records are used to calculate these losses accurately.
Non-economic damages
These damages are less tangible and cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Calculating non-economic damages often involves complex legal formulas and subjective evaluations.
Impact on lifestyle
If your injuries affect your daily living, relationships, and ability to enjoy life, these aspects are considered when determining the value of your case.
Punitive damages
Most of the time, Louisiana law does not allow for damages designed to punish wrongdoing. There are rare instances, though, where such damages are allowed, such as when an impaired driver causes a wreck.
However, a key concept in Louisiana law is deterrence. Fair verdicts that compensate the victims of negligence lets everyone know that in Louisiana, wrongdoers are forced to make it right when they hurt someone. So we fight for fair verdicts that fully compensate victims. This is not punishment – it’s justice.
How comparative fault affects your claim
Louisiana operates under a comparative fault system, which means that if you are partly at fault for the incident that caused your injuries, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault in an accident, your recovery will be reduced by 25%.
Calculating your case’s worth with The Johnson Firm
At The Johnson Firm, understanding how much your case is worth involves thoroughly reviewing all the factors mentioned. The team meticulously prepares each case, combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of Louisiana statutes and how they apply to your circumstances. This ensures that every potential area of compensation is explored to maximize the recovery for their clients.
Final considerations
Each personal injury case is unique, making it essential to have a personalized evaluation to determine its worth accurately. The Johnson Firm is dedicated to providing this tailored approach, ensuring our clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to under Louisiana law. Call (337) 433-1414 to schedule your free consultation* today.