Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer explains how to calculate your accident settlement

Ottawa Lawyers:  Calculating Your Settlement 

1. Damages 

First you must understand what damages you are entitled to.  If your accident or injury caused you to miss time and wages from your work, you are entitled to receive those lost wages in your compensation.  If your injury requires you to take long term disability, you should be compensated for that as well.  Any property damages as a result of your accident, as well as emotional trauma and medical bills from physical trauma, these are all things that you will want to calculate in as damages for your compensation.  Experienced Ottawa lawyers can help you figure out what your damages are from your accident and ensure that you are properly compensated. 

Who’s More at Fault? 

Another factor in determining settlement amounts is the percentage of fault.  In order to win a case, Ottawa lawyers must have evidence that the accident or injury was due to the negligence of the other party.  However, 100% of the injury need not be their fault.  Typically some of the blame may lie on the side of the injured party, and in that case the insurance company and the victim can come to a conclusion as to what percent of the accident was the fault of the injured party and what percent was the fault of the other party.   

Once a conclusion has been reached, there is a new calculation of the possible settlement amount.  After adding up all of the damage amounts, including lost wages, disability, mental anguish, and anything else you may feel entitled to, the percentage that is attributed to your fault is then taken out of the equation.  For example, if your damages total $1,000, and it is decided that you are 30% to blame for the accident, you would be seeking out $700 in compensation for your losses.  Experienced Ottawa lawyers may try to argue for more on your behalf, but this is the number that will typically begin the negotiations. 

If you or a loved one has been injured or died as the result of an accident, you may be entitled to accident benefits you are not receiving. As an Ottawa lpersonal injury lawyer specializing in personal injury, I meet with people daily who have been seriously hurt and need help. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information.