Case Valuation And The Personal Injury Attorney In Greenville NC

Posted by Tyrion Lannister
2
Feb 19, 2013
625 Views
The value of a personal injury case is very important for a number of reasons. First of all, the victim of the accident often needs the money in order to compensate for lost wages in order to pay for basic necessities. Secondly, the personal injury attorney in Greenville NC has to look at the potential value of a case when deciding whether or not to accept it on a contingency basis. If the potential value of the case is too low, the attorney may lose money on the case. That is why it is very helpful for injury victims to understand what is involved in the valuation of a case.    

First of all, there is a good reason why unrepresented injury victims do not get good settlement amounts from insurance companies. The insurance company knows that a victim who does not have legal counsel will not sue in a jury trial until a lawyer is hired. Without the real threat of a lawsuit, insurance companies know that victims can do little to increase the amount paid in a injury case. That is why it is absolutely necessary for the injury victim to hire a personal injury attorney in Greenville NC.  

The next thing that will determine the value of a case is the seriousness of the victim's injuries. If the injuries are extensive and permanent, then the case will be worth more. If the victim's injuries are mild and temporary, then the case won't be worth as much. In some instances, the cost of the medical treatment may suggest how much a case might be worth since injuries that are more serious will cost more to treat. However, not all medical expenses are equal. Expenses that are diagnostic in nature don't necessarily reflect how seriously injured the victim is, especially if the diagnostic procedure is not associated with actual medical procedures. That is why it is sometimes not helpful to use medical expenses to estimate the value of a case.  

Lost wages can be an important part of a personal injury case, especially if the victim was earning a high amount of income prior to the accident. The personal injury attorney in Greenville NC will ask the victim to submit documentation from the employer regarding wages and the amount of time off due to the accident. This evidence can be important in increasing the amount of a personal injury lawsuit. Victims should note that any settlement attributable to wages will be taxable, which is not the case for the other amounts given in a personal injury lawsuit.    

The demeanor of the victim can be an important part of valuing a case. The insurance company's lawyers will probably require the victim to undergo a deposition at some point during the case. The deposition is still sworn testimony that can be admitted in court. If the defense lawyers find that the victim is untrustworthy and unlikable, that may reduce the amount that needs to be offered in a settlement. On the other hand, a victim who is likable by potential jurors may be able to increase the value of his or her case. That is why it is important for the personal injury attorney in Greenville NC to prepare clients for depositions.    

Finally, there are some instances when there may be property damage that needs to be reimbursed by the other party in a personal injury lawsuit. For example, motor vehicle accidents generally involve reimbursing the value of the victim's vehicle. In other instances, there may be little to no property damage to claim. Those that have property damage will need to have it included as part of the overall personal injury case.
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