When you get hurt in an accident and sue for damages, a lot of different factors can influence how much that claim is worth. This can be a difficult thing for you to calculate on your own, but if you’re ready to learn more about the potential value of your case our Monmouth County catastrophic injury attorneys are ready to help you.
Will My Claim Be Worth More If I Settle It or If I Go to Court?
Your claim can end up being worth more if you go to court if you win and get a generous verdict. You could also end up getting less than the settlement offer that was on the table. You could lose and get nothing.
This is why it is extremely important to carefully consider your options. You may be able to succeed at trial if you are sympathetic to a jury and you have a strong case, but you could just as easily lose and get nothing.
What Can Affect How Much My Claim Is Worth?
Whether you go to trial or negotiate a settlement, there are a few elements that can influence how much money your claim can be worth. Some factors that can make a difference include:
- How much evidence you have and how strong your claim is
- How clear it is that the defendant is at fault
- Whether you share some fault for the accident
- How severe your injuries are
- What kind of recovery time you are looking at
- Whether you will be able to work and provide for yourself in the same capacity
- What kinds of future medical expenses you could end up facing
Someone who gets hurt but should recover after a few months of treatment deserves compensation, but their claim is going to have a lower potential worth than a suit filed by someone who would be physically disabled for life.
Will I Receive Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for the costs of the accident, like medical expenses and lost wages. Instead, as their name implies, they are meant to punish a defendant who was particularly irresponsible. If you have a potential claim to punitive damages, that can increase how much your suit is worth.
These damages are not awarded in every case though. A defendant has to behave in an egregious manner. A good example would be a drunk driver who causes an accident and serious injuries. They are certainly a good candidate for punitive damages, but just keep in mind that New Jersey does cap these awards at $350,000 or five times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is higher.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you want to learn more about your legal options, contact the Wilton Law Firm. Our seasoned attorneys are ready to hear about your case, so schedule a free consultation and meet our team today.
