According to the Jury Verdict Research, the average settlement for Ohio personal injury cases is $300,000.
However, the median personal injury verdict is only $13,000. This means that while some victims receive a significant payout for their personal injury claim, many receive much less than they need. Why is that?
It is important to note that personal injury settlements are not guaranteed, and victims may receive less than they had hoped for. Insurance companies are often involved in personal injury cases, and they will do everything within their power to decrease the amount of compensation paid out.
In fact, there are many factors that determine how much the injured person will receive from the insurance company or at-fault individual following a car accident in Ohio. Personal injury verdicts have many variables in this state; only an experienced lawyer can help victims fully understand their rights.
Factors Determining the Settlement Value of a Personal Injury Claim in Ohio
When individuals suffer injuries because of the negligence of another party, they may be able to file a personal injury case to be compensated for their damages. In Ohio, there are various factors that determine the settlement value of a personal injury claim, such as:
Medical Bills
Medical expenses are a significant factor in determining the settlement value of a personal injury claim in Ohio. They can add up fast and can be a financial burden on the injured person.
The medical costs in Ohio personal injury cases may include hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
On the other hand, lost wages can also determine the settlement value in an Ohio personal injury verdict. In this case, the injuries sustained may prevent the victim from working and earning, as a result being financially dependent on relatives and friends.
This compensation can cover wages lost while the victim was recovering from injuries and any missed future income opportunities related to the injury.
Physical Pain and Suffering
Motor vehicle accident injuries can include long-lasting physical pain and mental suffering as well. In this case, the compensation the car accident victim will receive will depend on the severity of the issue and their long-term medical expenses.
However, it is important to note that while Ohio personal injury verdicts typically set aside a minimum of $300,000 for compensation, victims might receive only $13,000 as the median personal injury verdict settlement.
It all depends on the severity of the injuries stated in the Ohio personal injury case, when the issue was filed, and how much the at-fault individual and insurance company are willing to pay.
Common Car Accident Injuries Sustained
As mentioned above, the median personal injury verdict in Ohio is $13,000, but this figure can vary widely depending on the specific case. In general, an Ohio personal injury case can often have a higher settlement value if the injuries are severe or cause significant impairment or disability.
Some of the most common injuries caused by car accidents are:
Whiplash
Spinal cord injury
Neck injury
Head injury
Collapsed lung
Back injury
Other bodily issues include chronic pain, partial disability, fractures, mental trauma, soft tissue injuries, etc. In some cases, victims who severely suffered injuries might also need to go under the knife for reconstructive treatments, such as:
Neck surgery
Brain surgery
Leg injury
In this case, the victim will need compensation for physical therapy after the surgery as well, which adds to the settlement amounts set to receive.
How Much Will an Insurance Company Pay for a Car Accident Settlement?
Motor vehicle accidents are not easy to navigate. They can cause serious injuries and result in a significant amount of property damage, not to mention the emotional and physical scars that come with a car crash.
Victims involved in car accidents due to someone else's negligence may be entitled to compensation from the person responsible and their insurance company.
Such companies typically pay out settlements for vehicle accidents based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries, property damage, and who was at fault.
Medical Procedures
Some accidents, such as head-on collisions or T-bone collisions, can cause serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, including surgical procedures. In many cases, victims may also suffer back and neck injuries, which can be particularly painful and debilitating.
Economic Damages
On top of that, injuries from motor vehicle accidents can lead to soaring medical bills and missed time from work, which is where economic damages come in.
These policies can reimburse victims for any costs associated with unfortunate incidents, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical treatment. In short, economic damage claims can compensate the victim for what they couldn't earn while injured or completely bedridden.
Wrongful Death
In some cases, accidents can lead to wrongful death claims, in which an individual's death directly results from someone else's negligence.
Direct relatives and family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf to help cover any treatment expenses and punitive damages, as well as seek compensation for mental suffering.
Comparative Fault
Comparative negligence is another factor that can come into play when determining how much an insurance company will pay for car accident compensation.
This means that both parties may be partially responsible for the motorway accident, and the amount of reimbursement someone receives will be based on how much fault they have in the incident.
Suppose someone was texting while driving and rear-ended the victim in question, but the plaintiff was also speeding at the same time. In that case, they may be partially responsible for the accident and receive less compensation as a result.
Law firms with experienced personal injury attorneys can help confused victims receive maximum compensation for their pain and suffering. Many firms also provide free consultation sessions that plaintiffs can take advantage of.
How Can an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Help?
While some accidents may not cause any serious injuries, others can be life-changing. In many cases, the consequences can even be fatal. Generally, a motorist involved in an automobile accident may be entitled to compensation from the uninsured driver.
However, navigating the legal system can be a challenging and overwhelming task, particularly when dealing with personal injury cases. An experienced personal injury attorney can help victims in numerous ways:
Evaluate the Case
One of the first things an experienced Cincinnati personal injury lawyer will do is evaluate the personal injury case.
This process involves the attorney reviewing the particulars of the accident, including how it happened, who was involved, and the extent of the injuries caused. Based on this review, the attorney can determine whether or not the plaintiff has grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Collect Evidence
Once the attorney has evaluated the case and determined that the victim does indeed have grounds for a lawsuit, they will begin collecting evidence to support the claim. The pieces of evidence may include photographs, witness statements from the accident, and even medical malpractice records.
In short, a medical malpractice case may involve a doctor, surgeon, nurse, or any other medical professional whose negligence caused harm.
Negotiate with Insurance Agencies
Insurance companies are often involved in personal injury cases. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help plaintiffs negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.
This reimbursement can help the victims cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident.
Victims who hire experienced attorneys receive significantly higher verdicts than those who do not.
The average verdict in a personal injury case varies depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the injuries involved and the specifics of the accident.
However, in cases where a plaintiff has suffered significant bodily harm and mental trauma, it is not uncommon for the average amount awarded to be in the six or seven figures.
Of course, every case is different, and there are no guarantees in the legal system. However, by working with a qualified personal injury attorney, victims can give themselves the best possible chance of recovering the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
Final Words
Motor vehicle accidents resulting in head-on collision injuries are quite common in the United States, but the average verdict for settlement amounts can vary from one state to another.
The average settlement a victim can expect to receive in an Ohio personal injury claim is usually around $300,000. However, most plaintiffs only receive $13,000 once the case is settled.
As mentioned above, there are many factors that determine this value. The average amount of compensation awarded in a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the accident, but an experienced attorney can help ensure that the victim receives the compensation they deserve as well as advise on personal injury statute of limitations Ohio.
It's important to note that driving without insurance is illegal and can leave individuals stranded without coverage even if they aren't at fault in an accident.
In these cases, an experienced attorney can help uninsured drivers understand their options and may be able to help them pursue compensation from the person responsible for the incident.
Overall, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help plaintiffs understand their rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue compensation for damages caused by automobile accidents.