According to CBS News, nearly 80 percent of U.S. workers live paycheck to paycheck, meaning that they would be unable to make ends meet if they missed a single pay period. Of course, a serious injury can put the victim out of work for weeks or even months, and the cost of medical bills can quickly spiral out of control.
In these situations, filing a personal injury claim is often the only way to recover the funds needed to pay for lost income, healthcare expenses, and other damages. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few factors that affect the outcome of personal injury claims and the amount of compensation awarded.
If you have questions about the claims process or your particular case, turn to Coxwell & Associates. A Jackson personal injury attorney from our firm will help you understand the laws related to your claim and guide you through every step of the proceedings. Our legal team has won nearly $300 million for clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call (601) 265-7766 to schedule a free consultation.
Let’s explore three of the primary factors that will influence the potential value of your claim:
1. Percentage of Fault
In Mississippi, accident victims can only collect compensation for 100 percent of their damages if they were 0 percent liable for the incident that caused their injuries. Otherwise, pursuant to our state’s pure comparative negligence law, your monetary award will be reduced by your own percentage of fault.
2. Value of Damages
Personal injury claims can include compensation for both economic and non-economic damages such as:
- Hospital bills;
- Future medical expenses;
- Property damage;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation;
- Lost income and benefits;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Mental anguish;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of consortium; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
If the defendant acted with malice or gross negligence, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and to deter similar misconduct in the future.
3. Ability to Pay
It may seem unfair, but at the end of the day, the amount of money you recover could be limited by the defendant’s ability to pay. For example, if the defendant’s insurance policy does not include enough coverage to pay for your medical bills and lost income, and the defendant lacks the finances or assets to cover the difference, you might end up having to pay out of your own pocket.
This is one of the reasons why it is so important to hire a skilled personal injury attorney to help you identify all potentially liable parties. The more defendants whom you name in your claim, the more combined coverage they should have, which may translate into a higher chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Call (601) 265-7766 to Discuss Your Case with a Jackson Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence and you intend to file a personal injury claim, the Jackson accident attorneys at Coxwell & Associates will help you pursue the maximum possible payout. We have a reputation for honesty, aggressiveness, and compassionate representation. Call (601) 265-7766 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.