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If you have sustained injuries because of the negligent actions of another person, you may have to hire a personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation that covers all of your losses. There are different kinds of compensation you can pursue, though it can be hard to assign a specific value to your case. Each case is unique and there are different factors to consider when calculating your damages. In terms of personal injury claims in Vermont, maximizing the amount you can get depends on the skills of your lawyer.
Kinds of Compensation You Can Pursue
In general, personal injury awards fall into the following categories:
- Economic damages. These damages refer to the costs you can calculate using doctor bills, hospital bills, income statements, and receipts. Typically, they include coverage for your medical expenses associated with your injury, physical therapy and rehab costs, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and lost earning potential.
- Non-economic damages. These damages are not easy to calculate since they do not have receipts or bills to add up. Typically, they are awarded for your physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical disfigurement, and impairment, as well as lost life enjoyment.
- Punitive damages. These are awarded when the jury finds the defendant guilty of gross negligence or intentional harm to others. They serve as punishments for the defendant’s actions.
How to Calculate Your Settlement Amount
To calculate your total damages, you need the assistance of an injury attorney because this is their specialization. Your lawyer will work with medical experts and economic experts to make an accurate calculation. They will gather documents related to your case including your medical bills, and out-of-pocket expense receipts. To calculate your lost income, your lawyer will use your bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns. Calculating future lost earnings, your attorney will hire economic specialists to project the amount of money you will lose as you recover from your injuries or if you cannot return to work anymore.
Factors that Impact the Settlement Amount
Your personal injury case’s value depends greatly on the circumstances related to your situation. The factors that can influence the final settlement amount include the seriousness of your injuries and the initial care costs, ongoing medical and rehab costs, out-of-pocket expenses, the worth of your pain and suffering, and others. Judges and juries usually award the most money to those who try to recover from their injuries and work hard to land a job to get back on their feet.
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