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How To Put a Value On Your Injury

In order to file a personal injury claim against any individual or entity, you must first determine how much money you seek to gain for your damages. Many individuals struggle with this aspect of filing their claim, as they do not want to ask for too much in the event that the jury will laugh them off; however, they do not want to seek too little, for they still need to cover all medical expenses, lost wages, vehicular repairs, pain and suffering, and other financial losses. At The Pendas Law Firm, our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers can assist you in coming up with an appropriate amount to file for, and present your case in such a way that it increases your likelihood of winning.

Factors to Consider When Determining Desired Damages

There are two factors to consider when determining how much money you hope to gain from your personal injury claim. They are:

  • Your chances of winning the trial. Before settling on an amount, be honest with yourself about your chances of winning a trial for the injuries sustained. In order to realistically evaluate your odds, consider all of the evidence for and against you, your credibility, the credibility of all witnesses, and the outcome of cases similar to yours in the Jacksonville area over the years.
  • What a jury might realistically award as damages for your particular injury claim. When a personal injury occurs, there are two types of damages that may be awarded in a Jacksonville personal injury suit. They are:
  • Special damages, which are damages capable of exact calculation. Special damages include lost earnings, medical bills, and other financial losses.
  • General damages, which are damages not capable of exact calculation. These include pain and suffering and emotional distress.

For a more detailed account of the types of damages typically awarded in a Florida personal injury lawsuit, review Florida Standard Jury Instruction for Civil Cases 501.2.

When filing your claim, you should have a clear idea of the type of damages you hope to claim, as well as an understanding of the types of awards that juries in your jurisdiction have been making in recent years. For example, if you live in a jurisdiction in which the courts are very conservative, you may want to temper your expectations and file for only what is absolutely necessary to your physical recovery. However, if you live in a notoriously lenient jurisdiction, you may want to raise your settlement figures to cover physical injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Do the Math

Once you have determined your odds of winning a trial and decided on the type of damages you are going to file for, put the two together. Rule of thumb states that if you think that you have a 50 percent chance of winning a trial, and you want to file for $75,000 worth of damages, settle instead for going to court for $37,500. However, keep in mind that every case is different, and this calculation can only provide a rough estimate of what to expect from your own case.

Let a Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer Negotiate a Settlement for Your

At The Pendas Law Firm, our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers are skilled at negotiating fair and sizeable settlements for our clients. If you have been involved in an accident, and if you sustained considerable injuries as a result, you may have a tough time reaching a desirable settlement. Our lawyers can help you determine your chances of winning a trial, as well as help you research cases similar to your own so you can get a feel for the type of jury you will be up against. Furthermore, we can help you compile all of the necessary evidence and documentation, that way, when it does come time to stand trial, you are armed and prepared to win.

Let us fight for your rights today – contact our Jacksonville personal injury law firm at 1-844-200-0000 or online to schedule your private consultation. We also serve clients in the Orlando, Fort Myers, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale & Tampa areas.

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
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