If you have had a personal injury that was not your fault in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation. However, it can be difficult to know how much you are entitled to. When you are making a claim for personal injury compensation, there are a number of things that you need to consider to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. Here is a guide on how to calculate the value of a personal injury claim in New Jersey.
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Types Of Personal Injury Claims
The first step in calculating the value of a personal injury claim in New Jersey is to identify the type of personal injury claim that you are making. Personal injury claims can arise from a variety of different situations, including:
- Car accident
- Slip and fall
- Medical malpractice
- Dog bite
- Workplace accident
- Product liability
- Assault and battery
Each type of personal injury claim will have different factors that will affect the value of your claim. It is important to identify the type of claim you are making before moving on to calculating its value.
General And Special Damages
There are two main types of damages that you can claim when making a personal injury claim in New Jersey: general and special damages.
General Damages
General damages are non-monetary losses that you have suffered as a result of your personal injury. They might include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. These damages are more difficult to calculate because they do not have an exact value and are generally subjective.
Special Damages
On the other hand, special damages are economic losses that you have incurred as a result of your personal injury. They might include things like medical bills, loss of income, and property damage. Unlike general damages, special damages have a precise value and can be easily calculated.
The Role Of Negligence
In order to make a personal injury claim in New Jersey, you need to establish negligence on the part of the person or entity that caused your injury. Negligence means that they failed to exercise reasonable care, and as a result, you suffered a personal injury. The level of negligence will play a role in determining the value of your personal injury claim.
Settlement Offers
After filing a personal injury claim, you may receive an offer of settlement. It is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you evaluate this offer. Settlement offers are typically low, and it is important to ensure that you are not accepting a settlement that is less than what you are entitled to.
Working With An Attorney
While it is possible to calculate the value of a personal injury claim on your own, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your claim and ensure that you receive the full compensation that you are entitled to.
If you have been the victim of a personal injury in New Jersey, it is important to take action as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to gather evidence and prove negligence. Working with an attorney can help you ensure that you have the strongest case possible and that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.