A lawsuit cannot be reopened after settlement. The settlement agreement you sign in a personal injury claim includes a release of liability, which states you will not pursue additional damages in the case. Therefore, it is vital to get a fair settlement the first time. You might want to consult with a personal injury law …
Is Mississippi a Diminshed Value State?
Mississippi is a diminished value state. Car accident victims can recover additional compensation to cover the reduced value of their vehicle as a part of their property damage claim following a crash. If there is a reduction in the market value of your vehicle following a crash – despite the repairs – you might recover …
Can You Switch Personal Injury Lawyers?
What Are Compensatory Damages?
Compensatory damages make up most of the recoverable damages after a personal injury accident. They cover the actual expenses and losses the accident victim suffered due to the accident and their injuries. The at-fault party whose negligence caused you harm is generally responsible for paying your compensatory damages following an accident. An insurance settlement may …
Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable?
Most personal injury lawsuits in the U.S. settle out of court. A common question many accident victims ask our New Orleans personal injury lawyers is whether or not they have to pay income tax on personal injury settlements. It’s understandable since the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seems to collect taxes on everything. Chances are good …
Is Alabama a Diminished Value State?
Most states do not allow drivers to pursue compensation for the diminished value of their vehicle following a crash, but Alabama is a diminished value state. Under case law such as Robbins v. Voigt (1966), victims of traffic accidents can include the cost of their vehicle’s lost value in their insurance claim or lawsuit. You …
Is There Any Charge or Fee to Discuss My Case with a Lawyer?
Most personal injury law firms provide free consultations for injured victims of accidents caused by negligence. This could allow you to discuss your case with an attorney or a team member at no cost. Personal injury cases also generally do not require any upfront payment to get started. If you want to work with an …
How do I Maximize My Personal Injury Settlement?
Knowing how to build a case, value your damages, and navigate the claims process are key factors in maximizing your personal injury settlement. This will require taking steps to protect your rights and uncover evidence that supports your claim against the at-fault party. Working with a personal injury attorney from our firm may make it …
How Long does It Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement Check?
How long it takes to get your settlement check following a personal injury accident depends on many factors. There is no way to know how long it could take from the outset. Factors that could impact the speed at which your claim settles include: The difficulty of the investigation The strength of your case Whether …
Can a Lawyer Settle Without My Consent?
No. A lawyer cannot, under any circumstance, settle your case without your consent. Furthermore, doing so would be an ethical violation. According to the American Bar Association Model Rule 1.8, your lawyer must inform you about the settlement terms before an offer can be accepted. As a client, you have the final say about whether …
What Qualifies As a Personal Injury?
Personal injuries generally center around who or what caused the incident. If another party caused the event, injuries, and financial losses, they might support a personal injury case. These are a type of civil case that allows victims to recover compensation and hold the at-fault individual or group accountable. A member of our legal team …
What Is the Difference Between Bodily Injury and Personal Injury?
Bodily injury is a type of auto liability coverage, while personal injury is a type of civil case. They both refer to injuries suffered by traffic accident victims. If you were hurt in a collision caused by another driver, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and treatment in one of two …
How do I Increase My Personal Injury Settlement
What Qualifies As Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering refers to a wide range of intangible damages an accident victim might experience due to their injuries. However, what qualifies as pain and suffering in legal terms can vary slightly depending on the state. In general, this category of damages includes physical pain and an array of psychological impacts, such as mental …
What Is the Average Settlement for a Personal Injury?
The median payout for a personal injury lawsuit is approximately $52,900. For most victims with moderate injuries, like broken bones, sprains, and whiplash, the payout ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. However, extreme injury and mental suffering has helped some victims earn millions. Higher settlements may skew the typical payout, making the average much larger than …