The 3 Most Influential Determining Factors For Personal Injury Compensation

Apr 26
22:13

2010

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Your personal injury attorney will tell you that no two cases, no matter how similar, will have the same results. Here are the three most influential determining factors in personal injury cases.

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It may sound odd,The 3 Most Influential Determining Factors For Personal Injury Compensation Articles but in a legal sense, pain and suffering can be given a value. The cost of injury is dependent on a number of factors. While there are many guidelines an attorney, jury, and judge must take into consideration, there are no hard and fast rules when making a determination. Here are some of the basic factors attorneys, judges, and juries use when deciding on fair compensation for pain and suffering.

The Court

Regardless of any outside factors, what goes on during a personal damage case inside the courtroom will ultimately determine the outcome of the case. This includes the personal injury attorney and his actions. A highly skilled, specialized attorney will almost always have the upper hand. Less experienced attorneys who have access to guidance from more seasoned co-workers are also a good choice. Attorneys who are familiar with the local judges are also an important asset.

The Individual

Your job, salary, and family will all be examined when determining the price of the pain and suffering you have endured. These considerations will affect the jury's views the most. A person with a higher salary and more professional position might receive less, while the adjudicators may sympathize more with a factory worker or person in a public service position. Similarly, those with minor children are often seen as needier, especially if the injured party is their prime caretaker. Of course, you may get a board of adjudicators that places no difference on these factors, but that is not often the case.

Health and Age

Preexisting medical conditions and overall health before the physical damage will also be taken into account by the panel of adjudicators and judge, but it's unclear as to how they will interpret these conditions. For example, a twisted knee acquired from a sporting event years beforehand may be aggravated again by an accident; however, a jury can either see this as increased suffering worthy of greater compensation or less if they deem that the pain was always present and not a direct result of the accident.

In a similar sense, age can sway a jury's view on the severity of pain and suffering. Younger victims tend to bounce back quickly, but a wound that causes a degree of incapacity, preventing participating in activities important to the injured party such as sports or travel, may result in greater compensation. The injured is often at the mercy of the jury's perception as well as the personal injury attorney's ability to argue effectively.

Medical Treatment Post-damage

If you returned to normal activities immediately following the physical damage, don't expect to receive much if any compensation for your pain. Most people who make good candidates for a personal injury lawsuit require some degree of medical attention following the accident. Even a simple doctor's visit can help create a more solid and convincing case.

If you had to undergo a series of medical treatments, such as weekly physical therapy or therapeutic massage, this should work in your favor. Compensation includes the cost of medical attention received after the incident in question and can include long-term treatment needs. Proof from credible sources will be required.

Similar personal injury cases can vary widely in results, but proper preparation, a skilled attorney, and an understanding of the system can help you receive fair compensation for your pain and suffering.