Determining the Value of an Injury

When you have been hurt because of the careless or negligent act of another person, one of the first things you want to know, once you've sought legal counsel to help you recover for your losses, is "how much can I expect to recover for my injury?" You want to know that all your losses will be reimbursed, from lost wages and income to medical expenses to physical pain and suffering. Here are the factors that the courts (and juries) look at when determining a personal injury award:

• What is the extent and duration of your injury? Does your injury keep you from doing most or all of the normal activities of life, or does it only limit use of a hand or foot? Are you expected to fully recover or will you suffer from the injury for the rest of your life?
  • The more serious the injury, the more you should be able to recover. The longer the duration, the more you should receive in compensation.
• Does the injury keep you from working? Will you be able to return to your job in time? Will you be able to work at all? Will you need to develop skills for other types of work?
  • If you can work again, but not in your current job, you should be able to pursue compensation for costs of vocational rehabilitation. If you are expected to be able to return to your job, your recovery will be limited to lost income for the time you cannot work.
• What are your anticipated current and future medical expenses?
  • You should be able to recover the present value of all current and future medical costs, including rehabilitation or physical therapy.
• Will you need to retrofit your home or house to accommodate your injury?
  • You can recover the costs of putting ramps, rails or other devices in your home.
• Is there a psychological component to your injury? Do you now have fears or anxieties that you did not have before, solely because of the type of injury you suffered? For example, if you were bitten by a dog, are you now terrified of all canines?
  • You can seek damages for emotional distress.
• Have your loved ones suffered because of your injury? Have they lost your emotional guidance or parental support?

Contact the Attorneys at Metzger & Kleiner

To schedule an appointment with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer, contact us by e-mail or call our office at 215-622-2210 in Philadelphia, 610-563-2186 in the Lehigh Valley, or toll free at 800-228-1760. There is no charge for your first consultation. We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency basis. We won't charge attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your losses.