Whiplash injuries can be challenging to recover from and may require significant medical treatment. Understanding the typical settlement amounts for whiplash injuries can help you gauge what to expect when pursuing compensation. At Sieben Polk P.A., we specialize in helping victims of whiplash injuries secure the compensation they deserve.
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- What Is the Average Settlement for Whiplash as the Result of a Car Accident?
- Types of Compensation You Can Claim for Whiplash Injuries
- What Factors Can Affect My Whiplash Settlement?
- How Are Whiplash Settlement Payouts Calculated?
- Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Get the Settlement You Deserve
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What Is the Average Settlement for Whiplash as the Result of a Car Accident?
The amount of compensation you may receive for a whiplash injury depends on several factors. Whiplash settlement amounts typically range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, with some cases reaching settlements of $100,000 or more. However, settlements for whiplash alone are generally lower. If the accident involved multiple injuries, the total settlement could be significantly higher.
Types of Compensation You Can Claim for Whiplash Injuries
If you suffer from whiplash due to a car accident, you may be eligible to claim various types of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses
You can claim compensation for past and future medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and more.
Rehabilitation Costs
If physical therapy or other treatments are necessary for your recovery, these costs may be reimbursed.
Lost Wages
If you missed work due to your injury, your settlement could include reimbursement for lost wages.
Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injury causes a long-term reduction in your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost income.
Pain and Suffering
You may be eligible for additional compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If your injury prevents you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed, you could be compensated for this loss.
What Factors Can Affect My Whiplash Settlement?
Several factors influence the amount of compensation for a whiplash injury:
Severity of the Injury
More severe injuries tend to result in higher settlements due to the increased need for treatment, longer recovery times, and a greater impact on earning capacity.
Quality of Legal Representation
Skilled legal counsel can significantly affect the settlement amount. A knowledgeable attorney will help negotiate with insurance companies and know when to escalate the case to court.
How Are Whiplash Settlement Payouts Calculated?
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Whiplash settlement payouts are calculated by adding both economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic Damages: These include quantifiable costs like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are harder to quantify but include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Methods for Calculating Non-Economic Damages
Two common methods are used to calculate non-economic damages:
- Multiplier Method: This method multiplies your total economic losses by a factor between 1 and 5, depending on how much the injury impacted your life.
- Per Diem Method: This method involves multiplying a daily rate by the number of days it takes for the injury to heal.
The Impact of Comparative Fault
Under Minnesota’s comparative fault law, you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Get the Settlement You Deserve
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident and suffered whiplash, Sieben Polk P.A. can help. Our experienced attorneys are committed to securing the maximum compensation for whiplash victims.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation at (651) 437-3148.
