Factors That Affect the Value of a Personal Injury Claim

If you have a personal injury claim in Arkansas, the value of your claim depends on several factors. Understanding these factors is important, as it is up to you to make sure you are seeking the full compensation you deserve. 

If you settle your claim for too little, you will have to live with the consequences—and these consequences could potentially impact the rest of your life. If you can’t afford the treatment you need, if your medical bills and inability to work leave you in debt, or if you are forced to cope with daily pain and suffering without compensation, you may never be able to fully move on. 

Securing Compensation for Your Injuries 

With this in mind, how can you make sure you are seeking compensation for your injuries? Here are some of the main factors you will need to address in order to accurately calculate the value of your personal injury claim: 

Your Long-Term Medical Needs as a Result of the Accident

One of the most important factors for determining the value of your personal injury claim will be the cost of treating your injuries. With this in mind, it is critical to ensure that you have a clear understanding of your long-term medical needs. Medical bills from a serious accident claim easily climb into the tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars. 

Your Need for Occupational or Rehabilitative Therapy 

If you will need occupational or rehabilitative therapy, these are also costs that you can (and should) include in your personal injury claim. Just like your medical bills, you are entitled to compensation for the costs of any and all physical therapy you may need in the future. 

Your Need for Psychological or Psychiatric Therapy 

If you are struggling to cope with the consequences of your injuries, you may need to pay for psychological or psychiatric therapy as well—and these are also costs that will add to the value of your personal injury claim. If you will need any type of professional care as a result of your accident, you should work with your lawyer to seek the funds you’ll need to pay for this care in the future. 

The Costs You Will Incur for Prescriptions and Other Necessary Purchases 

From prescriptions and medical supplies to transportation and home modifications, serious injuries can lead to a variety of out-of-pocket costs. Here too, you are entitled to compensation for all of the costs you are forced to incur as a result of the accident. 

Your Employment Status and Whether You Are Unable to Work 

If you are forced to miss work as a result of the accident, this could add significantly to the value of your claim as well. Accident victims are entitled to compensation for their lost income and benefits under Arkansas law. Your age, occupation, wage or salary, and other employment-related details will all play a role in determining how much you are entitled to recover. 

The Severity of Your Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma

On top of compensation for your medical bills and other treatment-related expenses, you are also entitled to compensation for the effects of living with pain, suffering, and emotional trauma on a daily basis. Whether you experience these effects for weeks, months, or years, they could also account for a substantial portion of the value of your personal injury claim. 

Your Other “Non-Financial Losses” from the Accident 

Along with pain, suffering, and emotional trauma, serious accidents can lead to various other “non-financial losses” as well. If you experience loss of companionship, loss of consortium, or loss of enjoyment of life, your lawyer will be able to seek compensation for these losses on your behalf. 

Whether You Were Partially at Fault in the Accident 

If your accident was entirely someone else’s fault, you are entitled to compensation for 100% of the losses discussed above. However, if you were partially at fault, this could reduce (or even eliminate) the amount you are entitled to recover. With this in mind, if you are concerned that the insurance companies might try to blame you for your own injuries, this is a key factor that you will want to discuss with your lawyer during your free initial consultation. 

Contact Oliver Law Firm for a Free Personal Injury Consultation in Rogers, AR

Do you need to know more about seeking compensation after an accident in Arkansas? If so, contact us for a FREE consultation today. During your initial case review, our experienced attorneys will listen to your story, assess the merits of your personal injury claim, and explain your rights and legal options.

Contact Oliver Law Firm today online or at 479-202-5200 for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients throughout Arkansas and throughout the United States from our office in Rogers, AR.