If you have been involved in an accident and you have suffered multiple injuries, you might be wondering if you will get a higher settlement. The amount of your settlement is dependent on the severity of those injuries, how long you are impacted, and the amount of your damages.
Of course, every accident varies so the settlement for every accident is different. As an example, you might be in an auto accident that results in a broken leg, but someone else might be in a bike crash that results in a broken arm, bruised ribs, and a laceration.
You still might end up with a larger settlement because it might take you longer to recover from the broken leg and it might cost more to treat.
Examples of Multiple Injury Claims
If you sustained more than one injury as a result of a personal injury incident such as a car accident or slip and fall, you have the right to file a multiple injury claim to recover financial losses. Multiple injury claims reduce the number of claims filed with insurance companies that seek just compensation.
Let’s say you sustained a broken arm and mild concussion caused by the same motor vehicle accident. Instead of filing two insurance claims-one for the broken arm and one for the concussion, you file a multiple injury claim that addresses the costs associated with diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating both injuries.
Some examples of multiple injury claims include whiplash and abrasion injuries caused by a car accident. Whiplash results from the neck and shoulders snapping back quickly before moving forward at the same speed. Abrasions develop from broken glass and the body impacting the dashboard and/or steering wheel.
Not all multiple injury claims involve requesting compensation for physical injuries. Some accidents cause a considerable amount of mental anguish and emotional distress as well.
For example, a serious vehicle collision can produce several physical injuries, such as lacerations, internal bleeding, and spinal cord damage. However, the severity of the accident can lead to the development of mental issues that make it difficult to function at work, as well as at home.
The victim of physical and emotional injuries files one insurance claim that covers every medical condition associated with the car accident. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can develop after a traumatic event such as a fire and/or explosion, is a common type of symptom that falls under pain and suffering.
Determining Your Accident Injury Settlement
All your damages are considered when your settlement amount is taken into consideration. There are several different things that can affect your settlement.
Here are a few things that would be reviewed:
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Lost wages and missed work
- Future medical expenses
- Future loss of earnings
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on daily activities
You should keep everything that you can to support your claim, including, but not limited to your medical bills, proof of missed work, witness statements, photos of the damages and injuries, estimates for repairing property damage, photos of the accident scene, a copy of the accident report, and anything else that might help your claim.
When possible, keep a daily journal where you indicate pain levels and how your injuries have affected your daily activities.
Damages That Might Result
All injuries will be considered in your personal injury claim. You can also have multiple damages resulting from a single accident.
Here are some of the more common damages claimed after an accident has left an individual with injuries.
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Property damages
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Disabilities
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
Your personal injury lawyer will help you determine which damages you suffered as well as the value of your claim. Your attorney will also gather supporting documentation to show what happened, the extent of your injuries, and your losses.
Consult With A Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in an accident, especially if you suffered multiple injuries in an accident, consult with a personal injury attorney.
Your lawyer will determine if you have multiple injuries if you are eligible for a larger settlement. Accident injury attorneys understand the negotiations and claims process, so your lawyer will make sure you are treated fairly throughout the claim negotiations.
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today so you can get your claim on the right track. You have nothing at all to lose. Remember there is a statute of limitations, so act today.
