An Accident Victim With an Injured WristEach and every injury case is unique. Although you have a right to seek compensation after suffering injuries due to another person’s negligence, there are many factors which will play a part in determining how much compensation you’re actually owed.

Factors That Affect the Amount of Damages You Could Recover

Several factors affect how much you may be entitled to recover in a Georgia personal injury case. Consider the following:

Type and Severity of the Injuries

Someone who experiences a broken arm or leg as the result of an accident would likely receive less compensation than someone who suffers a closed head injury resulting in brain damage. 

Amount of Financial Losses

You can receive reimbursement for lost wages and loss of future earnings. If your injuries result in time away from work, but you can return to your job, you would be able to claim lost wages for the time you could not work. Serious injuries that prevent you from being able to return to work mean you can seek compensation for your lost earning potential. 

Compensation for medical expenses (past and present) also falls under the category of financial losses. 

Whether the Injuries Result in a Permanent Disability

An accident victim's financial and medical needs for injuries that do not resolve will be much higher than someone who will recover from their injuries at some point. A person with a permanent disability will likely receive more damages.

Length of Time it Takes to Recover From the Injuries

It makes sense that someone facing a long recovery may receive more damages than someone who will recover relatively quickly.

Whether You Were Partially Responsible for the Accident

If you are found partially at fault for the accident, the compensation you can recover will be reduced. For example, if you are found 30% at fault for the accident, your settlement will be cut by 30%. 

Insurance Coverage and Other Resources

The amount you receive for damages could be affected by the type of insurance coverage you have in place. Your health insurance provider may seek reimbursement for the money it paid out for your medical bills once you receive your settlement. 

Accident victims who have self-funded health insurance through their employer may have to reimburse their insurance company for all medical expenses from the accident. The applicable federal law is ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). 

Hire a Skilled and Experienced Georgia Personal Injury Attorney

Your Georgia personal injury attorney's level of skill and experience is a big factor regarding the amount of damages you will be able to recover following an accident. They know the right questions to ask to help determine the complete scope of your injuries and the likelihood that you will have a full recovery. An experienced personal injury attorney will also consider whether your family members have extra responsibilities in the home after the accident and if these people have possible claims. Your lawyer will also negotiate with the other party's insurance company to get you the most for your claim. 

The helpful personal injury lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak have the experience needed to assist people injured in accidents through someone else's negligence. Our skilled legal team will answer your questions regarding how the system works and your right to claim compensation for your injuries and other losses. Contact our Atlanta law office today at 404-355-2688 to schedule an appointment for a free initial case consultation.