When a person is wrongfully injured due to another person’s negligence, they may file a claim against the negligent party to recover damages. They will do so either through a verdict or a settlement. In the unfortunate event that you have been injured due to negligence, reach out to a qualified Washington D. C. Injury Attorney who can help you get the ball rolling.
What makes a verdict different from a settlement?
Verdict
A verdict is made by a judge and jury in a court proceeding. The verdict is the final decision based on the factual evidence presented during the trial. The verdict is reached after closing arguments. The verdict will conclude the trial.
Settlement
A settlement is typically reached outside of a courtroom with no outside input from a judge and jury. However, a settlement may be reached during a trial if both parties can agree on the disputed issue at hand. Essentially, a settlement is a binding contractual agreement between two disputing parties. It is not uncommon for a plaintiff and defendant to disagree on the terms of a settlement. If they cannot reach a collaborative agreement, they will take the issue to court where a verdict will then be delivered.
What categories are assessed when determining damages through a verdict or a settlement?
In determining a verdict or a settlement, the economic and non-economic damages will be assessed to determine what the defendant owes if at all.
Economic damages
Economic damages are factors that have affected you and can easily be quantified. Economic damages may include:
Lost wages
If you were seriously injured, you may have to take time off work which could be several weeks or months. If your injuries were severe but only had you out of commission for a little while, you may have used vacation or sick days. You can demand liable parties pay for any lost income you may have faced due to any injuries sustained.
Medical Bills
After a serious injury, you may be overwhelmed with expensive medical bills. You can seek damages for any past or future medical bills.
Household and Life Care services
If your injuries prevent or restrict you from performing any household services like taking care of your children, you can seek damages. Additionally, if you now require expensive life care services because of the injury, you can also seek reasonable compensation to cover those expenses.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are harder to put a price value on. They may include factors such as:
Pain and Suffering
If you were injured, you may be compensated for any physical or emotional damages you have endured because of your injuries.
Emotional Distress
A serious injury could take a huge toll on your emotional and mental health. it can cause you stress and anxiety.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If life is no longer enjoyable due to your injuries restricting you from activities you once loved, you may be warranted compensation for this type of damage.
Any of these economic or non-economic factors could warrant compensation. If you have endured any injuries due to another person’s negligence, speak with one of our adept attorneys who can help you seek justice.
