Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Law and Lawsuits

7. What recovery will I receive?

In most jurisdictions, if the defendants are found liable, you are entitled to a judgment that fully compensates you for your financial loss. If you suffered a personal injury, the defendant is responsible for paying for your medical care, both past and expected, your past and future lost earnings, and an amount to compensate you for pain and suffering. Your spouse also might be entitled to an award.

If a loved one died, the recovery usually is based on the amount of economic support and services that you lost, plus, in some jurisdictions, an amount designed to compensate for your grief and mental anguish. We have economists who specialize in evaluating these injuries and calculating the lump-sum amount to determine a monetary compensation for your loss.

If the conduct that caused the accident was egregious, you may also be entitled to an award of punitive damages in certain states.