For many people, there are unfortunate moments when accidents happen and result in a personal injury. Such events should not bring people’s lives to a halt. Whenever a personal injury happens, we immediately start spending money for our wellbeing, but this does not mean that money is lost.
A personal injury refers to any damage or losses a person can suffer due to someone else’s wrongdoing. According to Santa Barbara personal injury lawyers, people should not worry about spending money on healthcare if they go through a personal injury. In most situations, they will get the money back from different sources, be it insurance or the people who harmed them. The amount of money people can get back depends on a few key factors.
Since personal injuries are so varied, the damages we suffer are also diverse. The amount a victims receives in compensation depend on the damage an individual receives. The injured individual should know their rights so they can earn the maximum compensation. It is always a smart idea to try to fight with the help of professionals if you want the personal injury claim to be accurate.
How to Calculate the Amount
You have a right to compensation when someone else’s negligence causes you injury. Personal injury cases are not standardized, and each case can bring different amounts of money. Usually, it starts from $3,000 and can go up depending on how bad the damage is.
When calculating the amount, there are several factors to consider:
- Medical Expenses – the amount an injured person can spend in hospitals and medication can be high. It is important to seek compensation for every dollar spent.
- Loss of Income – being injured may lead to the incapacity to work and provide for yourself. Lost wages are usually compensated.
- Other Damages – we can receive compensation for damages to our goods, like the car or the properties we own.
- Emotional damage – many victims also suffer from pain and suffering after the injury. Compensation can also be received for this type of damage.
Average Personal Injury Claims
The amount of money can be divided by the tier of injury. The tiers apply to physical injuries, and they are as follows.
Tier 1 Injury
This is the most severe type of injury, consisting of permanent disfigurement, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or death. According to surveys from the last five years, people receive an average of $127,000 for tier 1 injuries. Of course, this amount is not fixed and depends on other damages. It can go up or down.
Tier 2 Injury
Tier 2 injuries include less harmful damage but are still complex. Broken bones and lacerations are included in tier 2 injuries, and they may need extensive care in hospitals. They can also lead to the inability to work for an extended period. This needs to be taken into consideration when sending a demand letter. Lost wages should be included, or at least partially. Based on the same survey for the past five years, the average amount received for tier 2 injuries is $44,000.
Tier 3 Injury
Tier 3 injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions. Usually, the treatment can be administered at home, but it could still be costly. Any payments for treatment can be included in the personal injury claim. The average pay for this type of injury is around $15,000.
The information from the survey is only the average amount, and the claims can be lower or more significant. Each personal injury case has different traits and details, making it unique. Many factors contribute to the outcome. Generally, the amount will start from around $3,000. Hiring a personal injury attorney can make a huge difference when it comes to getting the compensation that you deserve.
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