When you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. The amount you can recover in a personal injury case in New Hampshire depends on a variety of factors. This article will explore those factors and help you understand how much your personal injury case may be worth.
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Damages That Can Be Recovered
In a personal injury case, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are those that are more subjective, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Factors That Determine Case Worth
Several factors are taken into consideration when determining the value of a personal injury case in New Hampshire. Here are some of the most important:
Nature and Severity of Injuries
The severity of injuries is one of the most crucial factors in determining the value of a personal injury case. More severe injuries typically result in higher compensation. Factors such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are all taken into account when determining the value of a case.
Comparative Negligence
New Hampshire follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your injuries, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for your injuries and you would have received $100,000 in compensation, your award would be reduced to $80,000.
Insurance Policy Limits
The amount of insurance coverage available also impacts the value of a personal injury case. If the at-fault party has a small insurance policy, it may not be enough to cover all the damages. In these situations, you may need to pursue additional compensation from other sources, such as your own insurance policy or the at-fault party’s personal assets.
Statute of Limitations
In New Hampshire, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries.
Examples of Case Values
While every personal injury case is unique, here are some examples of case values in New Hampshire:
Soft Tissue Injuries: A case involving soft tissue injuries such as whiplash or sprains may be worth $5,000 to $15,000.
Broken Bones: A case involving a broken bone may be worth $25,000 to $75,000.
Head Injuries: A case involving a head injury may be worth $50,000 to $100,000 or more.
Spinal Cord Injuries: A case involving a spinal cord injury may be worth $100,000 to $1 million or more.
Conclusion
When you are injured in an accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine how much your case may be worth. Your attorney can help you understand the factors that impact the value of your case and work to maximize the amount of compensation you receive. With the right legal representation, you can recover the damages you deserve and move forward with your life.