So you sustained an injury resulting from an auto accident, a slip and fall accident or any other type of personal injury accident that you were not responsible for, now what?

In Connecticut, you have the right to seek compensation for our injuries. Depending on the severity of the accident, people often turn to the help of a personal injury lawyer to deal with the insurance company. You may not need the representation of an attorney for your particular personal injury case. Your decision to hire an attorney to handle your car accident claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and outstanding medical bills, property damage and lost time from work. The objective of filing any personal injury claim is to receive the appropriate compensation for injuries and/or damages that resulted from the accident.

Here is a rundown of five factors that impact the value of your injury case.

1. Severity or Scope of the Injury – The more severe the injury, the higher the value. For example, the value of an injury case will be higher if there are broken bones involved versus bruises.

2. Amount of Medical Bills and Out of Pocket Expenses – The amount of all your medical bills determines the value of your case. Insurance companies deal in dollars and cents. Be sure to keep good records of your bills. The more out of pocket expenses there are, the higher your case is worth. In some cases, your bills may be covered under benefits from your insurance company. This in turn will then lower your medical expenses and also the value of your case.

3. Liability – The value of your case is higher if you bear no responsibility in the accident. If you are found partially at fault, the amount of your reward will be lessened.

4. Prior Injuries – Prior Injuries may positively or negatively affect the value of your case. One example is, if a past accident’s injuries have been made aggressively worse from your new injury. This is called an aggravation of a pre-existing injury.

5. Prior Claims – All past claims are recorded onto into databases that insurance companies are able to access. Your past claims will be used by the insurance company to devalue your character in from of the jury. This can affect your claim if you are not ready to back up your case.

This list is not exhaustive; there are many other factors that can impact the value of your personal injury claim. These 5 factors are important. It is advisable to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to go over your specific auto accident or other injury case. Insurance companies are skilled in knowing how to keep payouts low and you have the right to work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney that will know how to play them at their own game.

We are here to answer any questions you have and give legal advice concerning personal injury cases. If you are in Connecticut or the New York area, contact Personal Injury Attorney James A. Welcome at jwelcome@welcomelawfirm.com or via the telephone number above.