Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers | March 24, 2023 | Personal Injury
Every Vista personal injury case is different. There are a variety of factors that impact how much money will go into your pocket after an accident. For example, the severity of the accident, your injuries, and your medical care will all affect what your case is worth.
Your Vista personal injury lawyer can help you calculate exactly how much you should expect from a personal injury settlement. Until then, there are a few things to keep in mind.
How Much To Ask for in a Personal Injury Settlement
In California, there are many different types of damages available in a personal injury case. You should ask for a settlement amount that takes into account all of your damages.
Medical Bills
Medical bills are the most common form of damages in a personal injury settlement.
You can ask the defendant or their insurance company to pay for:
- Emergency services
- Doctors visits
- Follow-up appointments
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices like wheelchairs, prosthetics, and walkers
- Physical therapy
- In-home and long-term nursing case
Your medical bills and treatment will depend on the severity of your injuries and the required follow-up treatment. Generally, settlements for catastrophic injuries are greater than for minor injuries.
Lost Income
If you’ve been hurt, chances are you have missed some work. You may not be able to work at all. Sometimes, injury victims can no longer perform the same type of work that they did before the accident. This frequently means that they must settle for a lower-paying position.
You can factor in lost income in your settlement amount. Examples of what you can ask for include:
- Past and future wages or salary
- Lost commission or bonuses
- Tips and gratuity
- Retirement benefits and vacation time
- Lost earning capacity
If you previously worked in a higher-income job, your settlement amount may be higher. Furthermore, if you are permanently disabled and unable to work at all, you should ask for a higher settlement to account for that.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering losses are non-economic damages that happen after an injury. These damages account for the emotional toll of an accident.
Pain and suffering damages can include compensation for:
- Mental anguish and trauma
- Physical discomfort and pain
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These losses are highly personal but equally as significant as other types of damages.
Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses are other costs that you incur because of an accident. The most common out-of-pocket expenses include:
- Travel expenses to and from appointments
- Child care (if you can no longer care for them or need to hire extra help)
- Domestic help, such as hiring a cleaner, chef, or landscaper
These costs will vary depending on the specifics of your injury and case.
How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out in Vista, CA?
Once you reach a settlement agreement and sign a release, the insurance company or the defendant will send a check directly to your lawyer. Your lawyer will temporarily hold the funds in escrow.
In escrow, your lawyer will deduct certain costs from the settlement before sending the rest to you. These costs include:
- Outstanding medical bills
- Medical liens
- Certain case costs, depending on your agreement with your lawyer
- Attorney’s fees
Your lawyer may negotiate with the medical providers to reduce your bills. This can delay the transfer of funds to your pocket, but it will help you get more money in the long run.
What Percentage Does a Lawyer Get in a Personal Injury Case?
Vista personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee. The lawyer takes a certain percentage of the final settlement amount. You and your lawyer will agree on the amount before representation. Usually, the fee is between 30%–40% of your final settlement.
A Vista Personal Injury Lawyer Will Recover the Maximum Settlement For You
Hiring an experienced Vista personal injury attorney will be the best way to ensure you receive a full and fair financial recovery. They’ll advocate for you throughout the process and protect your rights. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Vista, CA today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Contact the North County Personal Injury Lawyers at Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the Vista personal injury law firm of Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in North County, CA and its surrounding areas:
Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers – Vista, CA Office
380 S Melrose Dr. Ste. 201
Vista, CA 92081
(619) 344-0360
Petrov Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers – Oceanside, CA Office
702 Civic Center Drive Ste. 105
Oceanside, CA, 92054
(619) 678-1016