How Do You Calculate Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

It’s one of the most common questions personal injury attorneys hear: “How much is my case worth?” It’s a natural question, but unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed answer. However, an experienced lawyer can place an estimated value on your case after reviewing the circumstances. This amount will serve as a starting point for settlement negotiations as your case proceeds.

How is Personal Injury Compensation Calculated in Arizona?

The legal term for compensation in a personal injury claim is “damages.”  pain and suffering calculation after an accident in Arizona, your attorney will collect and review various records related to the accident, such as medical bills, pay stubs, receipts, and invoices. They may also consult medical experts, vocational specialists, and family or friends to testify how the injuries affect your working ability and quality of life. The goal is to gain a big-picture view of just how much the accident cost you.

Types of Personal Injury Damages

You could receive compensation to cover a wide range of losses after an accident in Arizona. Compensation generally falls into three categories:

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover financial expenses that you incur because of an injury. Examples include:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech services
• Ongoing costs for home health care, housekeeping, child care, and necessary medical equipment
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity

 

Non-Economic Damages

Accidents hurt more than your bank account. In Arizona, non-economic damages reflect personal losses that do not have a specific dollar figure, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and distress
• Lost quality of life
• Loss of companionship or consortium

 

Punitive Damages

In Arizona, juries can award punitive damages to an accident victim under limited circumstances, such as if the liable party intentionally caused the injury or knew their actions would likely cause harm but acted anyway. Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party rather than compensate the victim for their losses.

Are There Caps on Damages in Arizona?

Arizona does not cap damages in personal injury cases or wrongful death claims. However, victims cannot recover punitive damages in lawsuits brought against state or local governments, public entities, or public employees acting in the scope of their employment.

Why Choose Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC?

For over 20 years, accident victims have trusted the personal injury attorneys at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC to provide solid guidance and fierce legal support during some of the toughest times in their lives. When you choose us, you will work with an experienced lawyer skilled at developing effective legal strategies customized to meet your unique needs.

At our firm, we know life doesn’t stop because of an injury. Our team will adapt to your schedule and can meet, speak, or video chat whenever is convenient for you. Contact us today for a free consultation* for pain and suffering calculation.