The average settlement for a neck injury is between $10,000 and $100,000; however, you could receive much more, and settlements over $500,000 are not uncommon. Neck injury settlements are based on factors like the severity of the injury and the extent of damages you’ve sustained.
Some neck injury settlements in North Carolina resulted in millions of dollars worth of awards. While this kind of settlement is certainly possible, it is rare. It is important to approach your case with realistic expectations.
Contacting a Charlotte neck injury lawyer for a free case evaluation is one of the best ways to get an idea of what your neck injury may be worth. We can help you fight for the settlement you deserve.
Should You Take the First Settlement for a Neck Injury?
In most cases, you should not accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without first speaking with an attorney. You may receive an offer very quickly after your injury, and it may seem like the insurance company is on the ball and eager to help.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. An insurance company may offer a low settlement, hoping you don’t know what your injuries are worth. If you accept it, they are off the hook for a fraction of what you deserve. And you forfeit your right to future compensation.
A skilled attorney knows the law and how insurance companies operate. We know what your case is worth, too, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. We can let you know if an offer is fair and prevent you from making a major mistake.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Good Neck Injury Settlement
In addition to carefully evaluating insurance company offers, there are a few more things you can do to improve your chances of getting maximum compensation.
Comply With Your Doctor’s Recommendations
Following your doctor’s recommendations shows that you are serious about your injury. Your appointment visits record the severity of your injury and the treatment that is required. This is a key component of your compensation amount.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Your lawyer can help you avoid taking a low settlement and many other common mistakes made by accident victims in your position. The guidance of a legal professional will help you stay on track, meet deadlines, and take the right steps toward getting the compensation you need.
Keep Track of Your Expenses
Keep copies of your receipts and invoices for all expenses associated with your accident and injury. This includes medical bills, pay stubs showing lost wages, and any invoices showing property damage, as well as bills for things like child care or rideshare services.
Keep a Journal
You may wish to keep a journal where you note changes to your relationships and household. While the average settlement for a neck injury does not always include non-economic damages, your attorney may be able to use your journal to show they are warranted.
Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies
Some insurance companies may use unscrupulous tactics to try and lure you into saying something that may hurt your case. Don’t play their game. Simply refer them to your attorney. It is also wise to limit your discussion of your injury on social media.
What Damages Are Available In Neck Injury Cases?
Your attorney will know how to calculate your maximum compensation amount and negotiate for a fair settlement. The severity of your injuries and the treatment you receive will play a major role in your potential settlement.
For example, if you’ve already had surgery due to your neck injury or if you require surgery, you may expect to see a larger settlement amount. While every case is different, some of the damages that will factor into your settlement are:
Economic Damages
These are financial expenses and losses associated with your injury. They are easy to quantify because they typically come with a specific dollar amount, like the cost of a doctor’s visit. Obviously, the more medical care you require, the greater this number will be.
Aside from your current medical expenses, other economic damages you may be able to claim include:
- Future medical care expenses
- Lost wages
- Losses due to your inability to return to your current job in the long term
- Property damages
Non-economic Damages
In some cases, you can recover damages for the emotional, social, and psychological costs of your injury. Non-economic damages include things like:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
A court awards punitive damages in cases where the defendant has acted with extreme negligence or recklessness. The intent is to punish them and deter similar future behaviors.
Punitive damages will not be part of your compensation package; however, in cases where they may be applicable, an insurance company may be more eager to settle for a higher amount than to face a civil trial.
Your attorney can advise you if punitive damages are relevant to your personal injury case.
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Get Help With Your Neck Injury Settlement
When you are injured, it can be a struggle to get to work, pay your bills, and care for your family. Neck injuries, in particular, can be very painful and require long periods of healing and rehabilitation.
While the average settlement for a neck injury may be enough to cover your costs in some cases, don’t let an insurance company convince you to take less than you really need. A skilled attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
At DeMayo Law Offices, our team has over 250 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured victims. Contact us today and learn how we can help.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
