My spine was severely injured in an accident. How can I determine the value of my injury in a personal injury lawsuit?

Spinal cord injuries can be life altering, sometimes causing permanent disability and leaving victims seeking fair compensation for disc injuries from the liable party. The first step in obtaining compensation for these injuries is finding evidence that another party was liable, or at fault, for your injuries.

Next, once the full extent of the injury and the treatment required are determined, the total medical special damages must be determined. These specials include all doctor bills, medications, medical equipment, and rehabilitation that has been required or that is expected to be required in the future. For spinal cord injuries, that may mean greater costs due to the possibility of paralysis or other disability.

Once those specials are calculated, they are multiplied by a number reflecting the seriousness of the injury. This multiplier can range from 1.5 to 5 in the majority of cases, although it may reach 10 for extreme injuries.

Finally, the lost income or the projected loss of income for the length of the incapacity are calculated and added to the total. This then becomes the estimated compensation that an attorney uses to begin determining a settlement amount. Since these calculations are often complex and based on how insurance companies and courts award settlement amounts, an attorney who is experienced in resolving spinal injury cases is often required to help a victim obtain the settlement they deserve.