The settlement amount for a Texas personal injury case varies depending on numerous factors. Two cases involving the same injuries could have different values because of a few differences in the facts.
For example, two people sustain similar broken legs. The first victim works in an office. Even though they have a slight impairment because of their injury, they can return to work and earn the same level of income after the injury as they did before the accident.
However, the second victim works in construction. The same level of impairment restricts the time they can work. Thus, they experience much higher damages for lost wages than the first victim.
Therefore, you should not base the value of your personal injury claim on the “average” settlement in Texas. Instead, the best way to know how much your claim is worth is to take advantage of a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
What Factors Can Impact How Much I Recover in a Texas Personal Injury Case?
The factors that can impact the settlement amount for your personal injury case include, but are not limited to:
- Your injuries and the medical treatment you received
- The length of your recovery period
- Whether you could be partially to blame for the cause of your injuries
- The strength of your evidence
- Whether you can return to work
- The extent and type of impairments and disabilities you sustained
- The availability of insurance coverage for your claim and the policy limits
- The parties involved in your case
The value of damages typically increases as the severity of the injuries increases. It costs more to treat catastrophic injuries, and the permanent impairments and future damages are higher.
However, do not assume your injuries aren’t worth filing a claim. Always talk with a lawyer before accepting a settlement from an insurance company.
What Damages Can I Receive in a Personal Injury Claim in Texas?
The average settlement for a personal injury case in Texas includes compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Examples of damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Personal and/or nursing care
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Lost wages and benefits
- Impairments and disabilities
- Reductions in earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
In addition to compensatory damages, some victims receive punitive damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Punitive damages are awarded by a jury as punishment for the defendant (at-fault party). The purpose is to deter the defendant and others from engaging in the same or similar activity.
Shared Fault Can Reduce a Texas Personal Injury Settlement
Texas applies a modified comparative negligence standard to damages in a personal injury case. If a victim is more than 50% at fault for the cause of their injuries, they are not entitled to compensation for their damages.
However, if the victim is 50% or less to blame, they can receive a portion of the damages awarded by the jury. The amount they receive depends on their level of fault. For example, if they are 25% to blame, they can receive 75% of the damages award.
How Can a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me Receive a Fair Settlement?
An experienced personal injury attorney gives you an advantage. They level the playing field with the insurance company.
Insurance companies don’t play fair. They use their considerable resources to fight claims.
Examples of things a personal injury lawyer can do to help you recover a fair settlement include:
- Gather evidence that proves the other party is liable for your damages
- Document your damages and determine the value of your case
- Work with experts to gather additional evidence to strengthen your case
- Defend you against allegations of shared fault
- Fight for future damages for impairments and disabilities
- Take your case to court if the other party refuses to negotiate in good faith
Your personal injury claim may be worth more than the average settlement. It is probably worth more than the initial offer from an insurance adjuster.
Before you accept a settlement offer and waive your right to pursue a claim in court, talk with a personal injury lawyer. A free consultation can keep you from accepting an offer that does not compensate you fully for your damages.
Call The Houston Personal Injury Attorneys of Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact our Undefeated personal injury attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours