BlogPersonal injuries happen every single day, leaving victims with injuries, property damage, and financial strain. But what is a personal injury, and what is an average personal injury settlement amount?
The Farzam Law Firm can answer these and many other questions, helping you recover emotionally and financially.
What Is a Personal Injury?
A personal injury is a harm caused by another individual or entity. This harm is not only physical but may also be emotional or financial. Personal injuries most often result from a defendant’s negligence.
Common personal injury claims arising from:
- Car accidents,
- Truck accidents,
- Workplace accidents,
- Construction site accidents,
- Slip and falls, and
- Wrongful death.
If another’s actions have wronged you or a loved one, you may have a personal injury claim. Do not hesitate to contact a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Is There an Average Settlement for Personal Injury Claims You Can Expect to Receive?
The details and circumstances surrounding personal injury claims vary greatly from case to case. Therefore, there is no “average” injury claim settlement amount. The amount of compensation you are eligible for will depend on your particular case. Your personal injury attorney will review your case and determine how much your case is worth.
What Factors Affect the Value of Your Personal Injury Claim?
Many factors can positively or negatively impact the value of your personal injury claim. Some of these factors include:
- The type of accident;
- The severity of injuries;
- Medical expenses;
- The total amount of recovery time;
- Long-term injuries and effects; and
- Whether the victim contributed to the accident.
Your personal injury lawyer will weigh these and other factors to determine how much they impact your personal injury payout.
How Long Does Settlement for a Personal Injury Claim Take?
As with many other details of a personal injury claim, the length of time it takes to resolve your case depends on your particular case and circumstances. Some of the factors that may affect the amount of time it takes to settle your claim include:
- The extent of your injuries;
- When you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI);
- Whether liability is disputed;
- Settlement negotiations;
- Whether your case goes to trial; and
- Your patience.
While many cases settle outside of court, others make it to the courtroom. Even if settlement takes a little longer than expected, trust that your California personal injury attorney works diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.
Damages Available for California Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlements
There are two types of damages available for personal injury claims in California: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages serve to reimburse for expenses directly related to your accident or injuries. They include:
- Property damage,
- Medical bills, and
- Lost wages.
Non-economic damages are also related to your accident or injuries but allow you to recover for intangible damages. These damages include:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress, and
- Loss of consortium.
Punitive damages, while not often awarded, may be available depending on your case. Punitive damages serve to punish a defendant. If a defendant’s egregious, malicious, or careless actions caused your injuries, a court might award punitive damages.
Damages can be challenging to calculate, and you may not know the extent of injuries available for you to include. Fortunately, your attorney will calculate the appropriate amount of damages and fight aggressively for a fair settlement.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in California
While you may be entitled to compensation after suffering a personal injury, it is easy to give up your rights by not taking action and filing your personal injury claim promptly. A statute of limitations imposes a limit on the time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit.
In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years from the accident date. So, for example, if your accident occurred on October 1, 2020, you will have until October 1, 2022, to file your claim. By failing to file your lawsuit within two years, you will forfeit your right to compensation.
Contact a California Personal Injury Attorney Today
Having a personal injury attorney working on your case can bring many advantages, including giving you peace of mind while focusing on your health and recovery. While there is no typical settlement for personal injury lawsuits, your lawyer will protect your rights and help you recover just compensation.
The Farzam Law Firm is led by experienced trial attorney Joseph Farzam. Mr. Farzam has over 20 years of experience helping injured clients get the just resolution they deserve. He fights aggressively for clients’ rights and never backs down from even the more challenging cases.
Our firm offers free consultations. Contact us today to get started on the road to recovery.
Joseph Farzam
Mr. Farzam attended Santa Monica high school and worked at McDonald’s and local coffee shops to support himself. Although he worked 2 or 3 jobs, he valued education greatly and earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge in biology, and attended the prestigious Pepperdine University School of Law. He graduated with high marks and passed the California bar exam on the first try. Mr. Farzam has received the coveted titles of Super Lawyer, Los Angeles Magazine’s Top Lawyers, and has received The Litigator Awards. He is a proud member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA).
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