HOW MUCH IS MY CASE WORTH?
If you or someone you care about is recovering from an injury after an accident, you might wonder how much your case is worth. Many accident victims contact our office in Alexandria, Virginia, with one question: “How much is my personal injury case worth?” Here at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we always tell our clients that the amount of compensation available to them depends on the unique factors of their case.
As a law firm providing legal counsel to injured victims throughout the state of Virginia, including Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Woodbridge, and Manassas, we understand the financial stress a victim may experience as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. That is why we are dedicated to serving accident victims’ individual needs and helping them recover maximum compensation.
Possible Recoverable Damages in Virginia
If you wonder how much you can recover after your accident, you need to understand the possible recoverable damages made available under Virginia law. Compensatory damages are broken down into these categories:
Economic damages. These damages refer to monetary losses and expenses such as medical bills, loss of income, diminished earning potential, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and other costs and losses.
Non-economic damages. These damages are more subjective in nature and do not have a dollar amount attached to them. Common examples include loss of consortium, mental anguish, pain and suffering, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, diminished quality of life, and more.
Virginia law also allows injured individuals to recover up to $350,000 in punitive damages, which are awarded to victims when their injury was caused by someone who acted with willful or wanton negligence.
Factors That Determine Case Amount
There are different factors that determine how much you might receive for your accident. In other words, your case’s worth depends on a multitude of factors, including but not limited to:
The extent of damages. The case amount you are entitled to receive will depend on the extent of damages you have sustained as a result of the accident.
Fault. The compensation you can receive after an accident also depends on state law regarding shared fault and the degree to which the injured party is at fault for their own injury.
Insurance coverage. Insurance policy limits can also play a significant role in determining the case amount.
The severity of injuries. The available compensation in your personal injury case depends on the severity of injuries you have sustained and the impact of these injuries on your life.
Consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to assess the value of your case so that you know your options moving forward.
Contributory Negligence Law in Virginia
Virginia is one of only four states that still adhere to the contributory negligence system. Under the rule of contributory negligence, an injured party is prohibited from seeking any amount of compensation for their injuries if their own negligence contributed to the accident.
In other words, you will not be able to recover damages even if you were 1% at fault for your injury and the other party is 99% responsible for causing your injuries. The rule may seem unfair, but there is no way around it. A skilled attorney on your side will help you seek to prove that you were not at fault for the accident in order to secure compensation on your behalf.
Steps You Can Take to Maximize Compensation
When determining how much your case is worth, it is also vital to understand what steps you can take to maximize compensation:
Hire an attorney. Since each case is unique, an accident victim needs the assistance of a skilled attorney to build their personal injury case and pursue the compensation to which they are entitled.
Get immediate medical attention. Many accident victims underestimate the need to seek medical attention right after the accident. However, getting medical care as soon as possible after the accident can give you an accurate picture of your damages, which will have a positive impact on your future claim.
Do not accept the insurer’s first offer. Often, initial settlement offers do not fully cover the extent of the damages suffered by the victim. When you get a settlement offer from an insurance company, it is best to consult with an attorney before accepting the offer to ensure that the proposed amount is adequate.
Document everything. The evidence you collect and the documentation you can present to prove your damages and losses will directly affect how much your case is worth. Thus, if you want to maximize compensation, you need to document everything about your injuries, obtain witness statements, and gather all available evidence proving the other party’s fault.
Being injured in an unexpected accident can be a life-altering experience that might affect you and your loved ones for years to come. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, our personal injury attorney can help you navigate Virginia’s legal system and pursue the maximum compensation in your case.
Turn to Experienced Legal Counsel
If you were injured in any kind of accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed. Turn to experienced legal counsel to start moving forward. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, assists injured individuals in Alexandria, Virginia, and other parts of the state. Get a free case evaluation with Attorney Joseph A. Blaszkow to find out how much your case is worth.