If you’ve been involved in an accident in Las Vegas, whether a car crash, slip and fall incident, or a motorcycle accident, you’re likely wondering, “How much is my personal injury case worth?” This question is a common concern for personal injury victims seeking compensation for their injuries and losses.
Understanding the factors determining the value of your personal injury case in Las Vegas is crucial.
Factors That Determine the Value of Your Economic Damages
Your economic damages include expenses incurred from the accident and injuries.
Estimating these costs requires an in-depth analysis of your case, considering:
- Past Medical Bills
- Future Medical Care
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
- Permanent Injuries
- Insurance Coverage
It’s important to note that car accident cases may have specific rules regarding medical bill reimbursement by insurance policies.
Evaluating Damages for Less Tangible Losses
In addition to economic losses, you can pursue compensation for intangible damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic losses. Insurance companies often use a personal injury calculator or “multiplier” to estimate these damages.
Factors affecting the calculation include:
- Recovery Duration
- Emotional Distress
- Lifestyle Changes
- Enjoyment of Activities
In some particularly severe cases, you may even be entitled to punitive damages, which aim to punish the defendant.
Every case is unique, and various factors influence the dollar value assigned to intangible losses. Experienced attorneys work with experts in medicine, psychology, and other fields to strengthen your claim.
Compensation for Future Expenses
You’re entitled to compensation for future expenses related to your injury, even if you’re still in the recovery phase. Experts who may be involved in assessing future losses include:
- Medical Experts
- Life Care Planners
- Vocational Experts
- Economists
- Financial Specialists
A reasonable medical certainty is required to support your claim for future medical expenses. If you lost a loved one in the accident, you may also be entitled to “loss of consortium” damages. Seek legal counsel to navigate these complex issues.
What if the Accident Was Partly My Fault?
Your personal injury case’s value may be reduced in partial fault cases. Nevada observes a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% recovery bar, meaning you can still receive compensation if you’re partly at fault. Your injury settlement may be reduced based on your share of fault.
For example, if you were 15% at fault and your damages award was $100,000, you can still receive $85,000. However, you cannot recover damages if you are 51% or more at fault.
Statute of Limitations in Nevada
In Nevada, as in any legal matter, time is of the essence. The statute of limitations designates the deadline for filing a claim after an injury occurs. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Here’s what you need to know:
Different Time Limits for Different Cases
The statute of limitation length will vary depending on the personal injury case type. Generally, you have two years from the injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada. This includes car accidents, slips and falls, and dog bites.
For medical malpractice cases, you typically have three years from the date of the injury or one year from the discovery date, whichever comes first. Product liability cases usually have a four-year statute of limitations, starting from the date of injury.
Exceptions to the Rule
Nevada law provides certain exceptions to these general time limits. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or under a legal disability at the time of injury, the statute of limitations may be “tolled,” or paused, until they reach the age of 18 or the disability is removed.
Legal Fees and Contingency Agreements in Personal Injury Cases
A contingency fee agreement means that your attorney’s fees are contingent upon the successful outcome of your case. In other words, you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Your attorney only gets paid if they win your case. Advantages of contingency fee arrangements include:
No Out-of-Pocket Costs
You won’t have to pay hourly rates or upfront retainer fees. This makes legal representation accessible to those who may not have the financial means to hire an attorney.
Aligned Interests
Your attorney’s interests are aligned with yours. They are motivated to secure the highest possible compensation because their fee is typically a percentage of the recovery.
Risk Mitigation
You won’t be responsible for attorney fees if your case doesn’t succeed. This reduces the financial risk of pursuing a personal injury claim.
The specific percentage that an attorney charges can vary, but it typically ranges from 33% to 40% of the final settlement or award. Your attorney will discuss the fee percentage before taking on your case.
Understanding the contingency fee agreement before proceeding with your case is essential. Your attorney should provide a written agreement outlining all terms and conditions.
How an Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Can Maximize the Value of Your Case
To obtain the full compensation you deserve, it’s crucial to determine the cause of your Las Vegas, NV accident. Experienced personal injury attorneys can help you investigate the accident, value your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies.
To learn more about your case, contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers at (702) 222-9999 for a free consultation with our Las Vegas personal injury attorney.