One of the most common questions our team of personal injury attorneys at Metzger Wickersham get asked is “How much is my personal injury claim worth?” Well, like most legal questions, the somewhat unsatisfying answer is, it depends. The severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses will greatly dictate your range of eligible compensation, as well as the laws of your state. While the information below can help you get a rough estimate of what you can expect to recover, it is highly recommended you consult with one of our knowledgeable lawyers to discover your legal options in full detail.
What Are Compensatory Damages?
The first category of damages you may recover with your personal injury claim are known as “compensatory damages.” Like the name suggests, these damages seek to reimburse you for your calculable losses and make you financially “whole” again. Many compensatory damages are relatively straightforward and can be calculated easily, such as medical expenses. On the other hand, non-economic damages like pain and suffering can be far more difficult to quantify. In most situations, these damages will be calculated by applying a multiplier to your total economic losses.
You may be able to receive compensatory damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Rehabilitation costs
Can I Receive Punitive Damages?
In most cases, a person’s eligible compensation is limited to compensatory damages only. However, if it can be proven that the party responsible for your injury acted in a particularly egregious manner or with a “willful or wanton” disregard for the safety of others, they may be required to pay you additional punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party in order to deter others from engaging in the same conduct. While many states have caps on the level of punitive damages a plaintiff may receive, Pennsylvania currently has no such cap on either punitive or compensatory damages.
Injured? Contact Metzger Wickersham Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury through no fault of your own, your chances of securing a fair settlement for your losses will likely only be as strong as the legal team you have by your side. At Metzger Wickersham, our powerful Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers have more than 125 years experience and can provide the aggressive support you need to maximize your eligible compensation.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help. Dial (888) 286-2850 today to get started.