When you’re hurt, it can take time, money, and energy to recover. If you are involved in a South Carolina accident, however, you might not be so sure that it automatically means you quality for compensation. A lawyer from HawkLaw can help you review the details of your case to determine if you have a viable claim. We are prepared to help you in settlement negotiations and, if needed, in court.
We can also help you calculate your personal injury settlement in South Carolina. You do should not receive a settlement that is less than what you are owed for your damages and losses.
Adding Up Your Damages after an Injury
To calculate your claim, you need to add up all your losses. This can include financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Don’t forget to include future losses in your calculation.
To calculate your non-economic damages, you should factor in your pain, mental suffering, and any effects your injuries and the accident have caused in your life. A South Carolina injury attorney can assist you in this step.
When Does an Injury Qualify for a Settlement in South Carolina?
Determining whether you quality for a settlement is tough. You might not have been seriously injured, or you might not be sure who is responsible for your losses. Fortunately, your lawyer can help. The answer depends on your unique claim, which is where a lawyer from HawkLaw, PA can help. We know that you are facing complex injuries and losses, and we know how confusing this can be. That’s why we offer free consultations.* That way, you know whether you might qualify for a settlement before you begin.
When the Accident Was Someone Else’s Fault
After you have suffered injury in an accident not of your making, you have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person responsible for your injuries. No matter what kind of accident you were hurt in, the at-fault party can be held liable.
In many cases, accident victims decide to file an insurance injury claim with the negligent party’s insurer, as opposed to taking the at-fault party to court.
When You Suffer Financially
When you’re hurt, chances are good that you need to head to the hospital as soon as possible. Even something that seems small, such as a slip-and-fall accident in a store, can leave you with an injured back or even a concussion. More serious situations, such as a car accident, could leave you in pain and dealing with treatment for years.
If you need medical care to any degree, however, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. Hospital bills can be expensive, even if you have insurance. If you racked up some bills from the ambulance ride or the ongoing treatment, you may be entitled to compensation.
When You Suffer Emotionally
If you’re hurt in an accident, chances are good that you suffered some severe injuries and losses. You might have been traumatized after a dog bit you, for example, or you’re now anxious on the road after someone hit your motorcycle.
If you’ve been hurt because someone else was careless, you’ll need to take action to get compensated for your damages. That means getting both your economic and non-economic losses covered.
For example, you might have suffered some damage to your car, which you shouldn’t have to repair. You might also struggle with pain after the crash. Even if your medical care wasn’t expensive, your pain can affect your quality of life and should be compensated. Because you’ve possibly suffered severe losses, it’s important to act now and get compensation for your injuries.
Understanding How Modified Comparative Negligence Works in South Carolina
An important point to address is that South Carolina compares the negligence of all parties involved in an accident and uses that comparison to decide if you’re owed damages.
For instance, if you and one other party were in a vehicle collision and you held a percentage of blame for the accident, your damages will be reduced by how much fault is attributed to your actions.
In South Carolina, as long as you weren’t more than 50 percent to blame for the accident, then you can still go after the other party for damages. If you were somewhat at fault for the accident that hurt you, you will need to keep this in mind when calculating your claim’s value. Read more about comparitive negligence here.
Connect with a Personal Injury Attorney in South Carolina
Hopefully this information has helped you to better understand how to calculate a personal injury settlement in South Carolina. For additional information regarding filing a claim or lawsuit, contact HawkLaw, PA at 1-888-HAWK-LAW (429-5529). You can also send in the online form below.
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