The Value of a Personal Injury Claim
Injuries can happen in any type of preventable accident. Every day, people in the San Antonio area are hurt in car accidents, slips and falls, bicycle accidents, workplace accidents, and other completely avoidable incidents. Fortunately for victims, Texas law entitles people who are injured by the negligence of others to recover compensation for the losses they experience as a result of their accident. Typically, the value of a personal injury claim is determined by the aggregate losses experienced by the victim.
For What Losses Can I Win Compensation?
You can win compensation for economic and noneconomic losses in a Texas personal injury case. The losses for which victims can recover compensation depend significantly on the natures of their accidents. For example, after a fender bender, vehicle repair costs will be at issue, but not after a slip and fall accident. Losses for which compensation is usually sought in personal injury cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Physical Impairment
What Is My Claim Worth?
The losses you experience as a result of your accident will depend on your specific circumstances. For example, if you were in a serious car accident while driving a brand new vehicle, you will incur significantly more property damage-related losses than if you were driving a decades-old used car. Factors that can influence the amount of your total losses include:
- Your age
- The severity of your injuries
- Your occupation
- Whether you need ongoing medical care
- Whether your injuries will result in permanent impairments
The amount of compensation you can expect can significantly increase when punitive damages are involved. Punitive damages are meant to punish defendants for particularly outrageous misconduct and to dissuade others from engaging in similar misconduct. Punitive damages are awarded in cases where, for example, to save money a business took steps to conceal a known risk from consumers, or when a company brings a product to market before it is safe.
A Lawyer Will Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you have a personal injury case, retain an attorney who will evaluate it and determine how much compensation you can expect to receive. Failing to do so may result in you accepting a settlement offer that grossly under-compensates you for your losses. Your attorney will attempt to negotiate an adequate settlement with the insurance company handling your case and, if the insurance company refuses, may file a lawsuit to ensure that you receive the full and fair value of your personal injury claim.
Maximize Your Recovery by Retaining a San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer Today
As a personal injury victim, obtaining justice means holding those responsible for your accident responsible and obtaining compensation for your injuries. The attorneys of the Law Offices of George Salinas are committed to representing the rights of accident victims and know how to maximize the value of a claim—and if the insurance company is not willing to settle for a reasonable amount, we will not hesitate to take your case to court, if necessary. To discuss your accident with a personal injury attorney in San Antonio, call our office today at (210) 225-0909 or send us an email through our online contact form.
