How to Calculate Your Personal Injury Claim

Brian was in a car accident that stopped him from going to work for three weeks. To compensate for the pain and suffering caused, he decided to file a personal injury claim. The only thing left was to calculate how much he should ask for as the claim amount. Brian didn't want to ask for too little and at the same time didn't want to ask for an amount the insurance company would turn down.

Calculating your personal injury claim worth is not very difficult. The secret is to know how much your claim is actually worth and stick to it if the insurance company tries to make you settle for a lesser amount. Here are the different types of damages you can claim compensation for:

Medical expenses: This is the easiest parameter to calculate. Medical expenses comprise emergency room fees, medication bills, consulting fees of doctors, and hospitalisation expenses. If your injury requires extended treatment like physiotherapy, this charge should also be included in your claim.

Income lost: This one should not be a problem if you draw a regular paycheck. Simply add up the salary for the weeks or months you are unable to work. If you are self-employed or work in an industry where work is not steady (like acting), you will need to provide an approximate value of the income you are missing out.

Emotional damages: Emotional damage is often overlooked in a personal injury claim. When you suffer an injury, you experience mental stress and anxiety in addition to physical pain. If this stress prevents you from functioning normally, you are entitled to compensation.

Property damages: Any damage to your property caused by the accident must be compensated for. For example, in a car accident, this will comprise of repair bills and the cost of parts replaced.

Missed social experiences: Did your accident cause you to cancel your travel and hotel bookings for your family vacation? Or miss out on your children's school picnic? You are well within your rights to claim compensation for damage to your social life.

Insurance companies will always try to bring down your claim amount. If you think you cannot defend your claim properly, consider hiring the services of a personal injury lawyer. Such a person will not only help you calculate your claim properly but also ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Diana Joseph has an in-depth knowledge in dealing with in injury claims. She has written numerous articles on injury claims issues, particularly those involving car accident and other topics of claims. Please contact her for further information on claims related issues.