It’s impossible to determine a precise dollar amount to compensate someone for a serious injury caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness. When someone suffers a catastrophic injury that will result in lifelong problems, a reasonable monetary settlement should include payment for future expected expenses as well as immediate ones. An Injury Attorney needs documentation from physicians and any other health practitioners the person has seen to craft a settlement demand. The settlement also should pay for lost wages while the individual cannot work, and for any permanent loss of physical or mental function.
A medical professional can create a care plan to cover any expected necessary treatments for the person’s lifetime. This might include ongoing physical or occupational therapy, for example. Prescription medication, future surgery and adaptive equipment like walkers and wheelchairs all should be covered in the settlement. Modifications to the home and vehicle, or even the purchase of a different vehicle, also qualify for compensation. The individual may need a ramp to get in and out of the house and may benefit from having railings installed inside. Modifications to the shower may be necessary for the person’s safety.
The Injury Attorney may also ask for funds that make life easier for the client and his or her family who will have an ongoing hardship to deal with. Some physical, emotional and mental problems may never be resolved. The accident victim may experience bouts of dizziness, headaches, joint and muscle pain, anxiety, panic and depression. There may be a temporary or long-term change in personality and in the relationship between this person and the spouse. Effective parenting skills may be impaired.
Insurance companies typically seek to settle quickly, knowing the injured person and the family need money. It’s a good idea to avoid doing this if possible, since a lawyer such as Chris Richard, Attorney at Law, is likely to obtain a much higher settlement amount. This type of attorney is familiar with state laws addressing compensation for accident victims and with the amount of money insurers have paid in similar cases. Please visit the website chrisrichardattorney.com to schedule a free consultation and begin the process.
