Many personal injury claims will never see the inside of a courtroom because they will be settled before the case makes it that far. This is due to the fact that settlement tends to take less time and can be incredibly affordable compared to having a day in front of the judge or jury. When it comes to your personal injury claim, how can you put a dollar amount on the damages that you have suffered?

Your attorney will work with you from the very beginning of your claim to help you value your case and tell you what you should expect. They will ensure that the compensation you receive is ‘fair’ based on the physical and mental pain you have suffered at the hands of another party and their negligence.

Types of Damages Involved in Injury Claims 

To understand what types of compensation you will receive in your personal injury claim, you must first understand what damages are and what different types you might encounter. Damages help calculate the amount of money that you will receive in your claim. However, there are a few different types, which include the following:

Economic: Economic damages are some of the easiest damages to calculate because they are directly attributed to your injuries and the medical bills or lost wages that you can prove. You should always keep a close eye on your personal records so that you can keep track of how much you may be owed when it comes to these types of damages.

Non-Economic: Non-economic damages are not always as easy to quantify because they include the emotional toll that an accident has taken on your life. It is not always easy to put a price on these aspects and you may find that these damages are open to negotiation. 

Punitive: Punitive damages are not seen in every type of case but, instead, in those that are grossly negligent. These damages work to punish a defendant for their negligent actions and deter others from engaging in these acts in the future. You will only see them in certain instances.

Your attorney will work with experts and do their own research to come to a conclusion about how much they think your damages are worth. With resources and a vast understanding of insurance companies, your attorney will be able to guide you in the right direction.

How the Demand Works in Your Personal Injury Claim

Once your attorney determines what types of damages you may be eligible for, they will help you formalize these damages in a demand letter. Your demand will leave room for negotiation so that the insurance company can make an offer and you can choose to accept it or not accept it. You may find that the insurance company tries to offer you an amount that is much less than your demand but you should always set a ‘lowest’ amount so that you do not accept less than what you think you deserve.

Speaking with an Attorney After an Accident 

After you have been involved in a Florida car accident or any other type of accident on Florida roads, it is normal to feel confused about your claim. Attorneys have the knowledge necessary to help you achieve the best results in your claim. At Sheftall & Associates, our skilled personal injury attorneys will help you through the negotiation process and help you work toward the justice you deserve in your injury claim. If you have been injured and wonder where you can turn, please contact a Florida accident attorney you can trust at (904) 575-9026 to get started.