A serious injury can turn your life around. Your career, health and even your relationships with friends and family may all be adversely affected by that unfortunate accident. Compensation goes a long way in making things better and providing you with the things you need for your recovery. It is only human to wonder how much you may be awarded in damages for your claim.
After an accident, damages can either be compensatory, to reimburse you and compensate you for your injuries or (in rare cases) punitive, to punish the liable party for their actions or inactions. Compensatory damages cover the economic cost of your injuries like medical bills, loss of present and future income, additional costs associated with your injuries, among others. Such damages also extend beyond what can be easily quantified. These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering caused by the injuries
- Lower quality of life
- Mental anguish as a result of the injuries
Damages depend on several factors
Simply put, the dollar amount of your expected damages depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident as well as the extent of your injuries. A lot is taken into account when arriving at a solid figure, including the varying state laws. For instance, under the doctrine of contributory negligence followed in North Carolina, you cannot recover damages if you were even slightly at fault for the accident.
In addition, North Carolina does not have a cap on damages when it comes to personal injuries, except for medical malpractice cases and punitive damages.
Obtaining what you are due after an injury
Sometimes, the best deal is not what the insurance company puts on the table. An insurance adjuster may present a potential settlement amount early on to coax you into accepting the offer and signing away your rights. You should never settle for less than you deserve.
