If you live in South Carolina and have been injured in an accident, you may wonder how much your personal injury case is worth. This isn’t an easy question to answer as each case is unique, and many factors will affect the value of your claim. However, some general guidelines can help you understand what to expect.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our personal injury attorneys have helped many people in South Carolina get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. We know how to investigate accidents, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to get our clients the best possible settlement. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Should I File a Personal Injury Claim?
Choosing to pursue a claim is a personal choice. Some people may feel their injuries are not severe enough to warrant a claim, while others may want to pursue a claim to receive compensation. If you are considering whether or not to file a personal injury claim, you should speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Common Personal Injury Cases in South Carolina
There are many different types of personal injury claims. Some of the most common claims in South Carolina include:
- Auto accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace injuries
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have experience handling all types of personal injury claims. We will work with you to determine your case’s best course of action.
Types of Damages Included in Your Personal Injury Settlement
If you are successful in your personal injury claim, you may be entitled to receive damages. These damages include:
Economic Damages and How They May Impact Your Claim
Economic damages are those that reimburse you for your financial losses. These damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
The total amount of economic damages you may be entitled to receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your financial losses. For example, if you have suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident that has caused you to miss work, your economic damages will be higher than if you only suffered minor injuries.
Something to note about your economic damages is that you should wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before you complete a final calculation. This is because your medical bills will continue to increase as you receive medical treatment.
Once you reach maximum medical improvement, your treating physician will provide you with a final diagnosis and prognosis. This will allow you to calculate your past and future medical expenses accurately.
Non-Economic Damages in Your Personal Injury Claim
Non-economic damages are those that reimburse you for your non-financial losses. These damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These damages are more difficult to calculate than economic damages because there is no one-to-one correspondence between your financial losses and your non-economic damages. Instead, you will need to determine the value of your non-economic damages by looking at the severity of your injuries, the impact your injuries have had on your life, and any other similar cases.
The Value of Punitive Damages in Your Claim
Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their actions. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious. For example, if the at-fault driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be entitled to punitive damages.
Damages Available in a South Carolina Wrongful Death Claim
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim, but it is filed by the surviving family members instead of the injured victim.
The damages available in a wrongful death claim can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of companionship
- Grief and sorrow
The amount of damages you may be entitled to receive will depend on the circumstances of your case. For example, if you are the deceased victim’s spouse, you may be entitled to receive more financial compensation than if you are a parent of the victim.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in South Carolina
It is important to note that there is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in South Carolina. The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit.
For most personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations, you will be barred from recovering any damages.
Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident is important. An attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations and help you maximize your chances of recovery.
What Other Factors May Impact My South Carolina Claim?
Other factors may impact your personal injury claim, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you contributed to the accident
- The insurance coverage available
These are just a few of the factors that may impact your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand how these factors affect your claim and what you may be entitled to recover.
When Is It Okay to Accept a Settlement?
When to accept a settlement is up to you, but it is important to remember that once you accept a settlement, you are typically barred from filing a personal injury lawsuit. This means that you will not be able to recover any additional damages if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially thought.
A good rule of thumb is never to accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without first speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out large settlements and will often try to lowball injured victims. An attorney can help you understand the true value of your claim and ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company.
Contact a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer for Assistance With Your Claim
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of recovering the full amount of damages you are entitled to.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have over 20 years of experience handling all types of personal injury claims, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more. We know what it takes to win these cases and get our clients the full amount of damages they are entitled to.
We serve clients in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and throughout South Carolina. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options.
