Attorney At Law
At Vaziri Law LLC, every potential client we meet with inevitably asks how much we think their claim is worth. The answer is always every lawyer’s favorite answer — it depends.
The Worse You Were Injured, The More Money You Deserve
Under Illinois law, the victims of personal injury accidents can expect to receive enough money to put them in the position they would have been in if their accident had never occurred. These are known as compensatory damages.
The concept of compensatory damages sounds great in theory, but the reality is that often, no amount of money can heal the physical and emotional scars left by a serious accident. But money is the only solution our civil justice system offers, so Vaziri Law LLC works to maximize the amount of money our clients recover. Generally, the worse you were injured, the more money it will take to compensate you for your injuries.
Economic Damages
Compensatory damages can be broken down into two types: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost income;
- Decreased earning capacity; and
- Property damage.
These are considered economic damages because it is possible to put an exact dollar amount on them. For example, medical expenses can be proven by totaling your medical bills.
Documenting all of the expenses related to your accident or injury can also push the defendant and the insurance companies involved with your case to settle your case quickly. It shows the other side that you are determined to get the compensation you deserve and signals your willingness to go to trial if needed.
Non-Economic Damages
However, things you can put an exact dollar amount on aren’t the only harms you suffer as a result of an accident. The law recognizes this and also allows you to seek compensation for non-economic damages like:
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Permanent disfigurement or disability;
- Loss of consortium; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
It is impossible to put a price on these life-altering damages, but that is what the legal system asks juries to do. In order to fairly estimate these damages, Vaziri Law LLC hires experts, consults actuarial tables, and researches how much juries have awarded in similar cases. This evidence is then used to demonstrate the worth of your case.
Punitive Damages
In serious accidents, where it is clear the person or people who caused your injury acted with disregard for human safety or engaged in criminal behavior, Illinois law allows the injured to seek punitive damages.
Punitive damages are different from compensatory damages. Rather than compensating the victim, they are designed to punish the defendant and discourage others from engaging in similarly egregious reckless or intentional conduct. To achieve these goals, awarding a significant amount of money is often appropriate.
Fueled by Passion. Built on Trust.
Figuring out how much your case may be worth, and persuading the legal system that the other side should pay up means gathering evidence that tells a compelling story about your accident and the damage it has done to your life. This can be a painful experience in and of itself, but the Vaziri Law LLC team will be with you every step of the way. Contact Vaziri Law LLC today to share your story and find out what your options are.