Determining the exact amount of compensation for your injury is challenging. Personal injury evaluations help in comparing the pre and post-injury conditions. It aims to examine the consequences of an event on a person’s functioning and well-being in the present and the future. The results of such evaluations ultimately help in claiming fair negotiations from the insurance companies to compensate for your losses through legal proceedings or depositions. 

The basics of personal injury evaluation

Medical complications can arise months or even years after the happening of an accident. Your attorney scrutinizes every detail of your injury that may cost you financial stability. Here is everything you should know about personal injury evaluation and the factors considered by an insurance company:

Determining the type of damage

According to insurance language, all your injuries or losses are termed as damages. However, all these damages are further divided into two categories based upon the severeness of the damage. The categories are:

  • Special Damages

Special or economic damages are the measurable amount of money paid or will continue to be spent because of the negligence of the party at fault. Medical bills and lost wages are some examples of special damages.

  • General Damages

General or non-economic damages are the intangible losses that you have suffered or will continue to suffer because of the accident. Emotional trauma and pain fall under the category of general damages.

How to calculate special damages?

Special damages backed by medical bills lay a solid foundation for your personal injury value calculations. While calculating the total cost of special damages, you must include the full amount of every medical bill. You can calculate special damages by adding together your expenses incurred due to injury. Such damages include:

  • Medical bills 
  • Lost wages immediately after the happening of the accident
  • Cost of living, such as childcare and housekeeping while you were incapacitated.
  • Lost or damaged personal items
  • Other expenses (for instance, transportation fees for medical appointments)

How to calculate general damages?

General damages are hard to compute since your sufferings or pain are hard to measure in monetary terms. Two people can sustain the same injury, yet one may experience immense pain than the other. Such damages include:

  • Emotional trauma
  • Physical pains and discomfort
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Restlessness or persistent sleep loss

Most insurance companies multiply the total of special damages by a coefficient to get a fair estimate of your general damages. 

Claiming the compensation

The biggest challenge is to convince the insurance company to compensate your injury claims. By hiring an experienced attorney, he/ she can guide you about the in-depth procedures involved in personal injury evaluations. Your attorney collects all the shreds of evidence such as photographs, witness statements, medical records to prove your injury claim. 

About The Wotitzky Law Firm

If you’re searching for a lawyer to evaluate your personal injury in the Punta Gorda, Florida region, look no further. The Wotitzky Law Firm is a trusted law practice with extensive experience in personal injury, civil litigation, family law, and business and corporate law. Our team comprises highly competent and experienced legal professionals and attorneys committed to providing the best services to meet all your legal needs. We have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Port Charlotte, FL. Contact us on our phone number +1 941-639-2171 or send us an email at info@wotitzkylaw.com.