Legal Question in Personal Injury in Indiana

Guidelines for appropriate personal injury compensation

In a personal injury settlement case, involving an auto accident, regardless of having legal representation, I've come to understand that a reasonable amount to negotiate after having calculating all damages pertaining to the injury (my personal and my property damages)ranges from 3 to 5 times of those damages. Is this true and if not, how does one determine those damages?


Asked on 12/07/01, 9:01 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Mary J. Hoeller, R.N., J.D. Attorney At Law

Re: Guidelines for appropriate personal injury compensation

In a very broad way you might be right. The amount of compensation depends on many factors including your compensatory losses, lost wages and permanency of injury. In addition, liability issues and other personal factors are often relevant to the determination. Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 12/09/01, 12:49 pm
Ralph Tambasco Tambasco & Associates,P.C. Attornenys at Law

Re: Guidelines for appropriate personal injury compensation

Your question appears to be based on information you may have obtained in the course of pursuing your claim.

Generally, many do adhere to this principle. However, each case is different depending on the damages involved. You must remember that you will be dealing with insurance adjusters whose job it is to keep the dollar amount of the claim as low as possible. This means you should be familar with the company you are dealing with and their track record among other things. You must do your home work.

This is not a clear cut, black and white issue and should not be treated as such if you wish to maximize the possible recovery on your claim.

Read more
Answered on 12/08/01, 11:08 am
Michael Cortson Law Office of Michael D. Cortson, Esq.

Re: Guidelines for appropriate personal injury compensation

You can settle for whatever you want. Whether it is fair or not is for the experts. I have handled several thousand cases in my career and all I can tell from a question like this is how can I do it myself so I don't have to pay an attorney. You are on your own. If you want real litigation experience and someone that can fight in court call me. If not, have a nice time.

Read more
Answered on 12/07/01, 9:09 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Indiana