Hawk Law Group | September 4, 2023 | Personal Injury

Experiencing a personal injury can be physically and emotionally traumatic. Navigating a personal injury claim’s legal and financial aspects adds another layer of complexity. The primary concern for many victims is, “How much of my personal injury settlement goes into my pocket?” The personal injury attorneys at Hawk Law Group can help you maximize your settlement.

Fortunately, many personal injury cases settle. A Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) study estimated just four percent of personal injury cases go to trial. With that in mind, here is a detailed breakdown of the process to help you anticipate your net gain:

Understanding the Makeup of a Settlement in Augusta, GA

When you are awarded a personal injury settlement, the final value often includes compensation for the following:

  • Medical Bills: This includes past, present, and expected future medical costs related to your injury. 
  • Lost Wages: This includes money lost due to missed work or a diminished earning capacity due to permanent injury or disability.
  • Pain and Suffering: This compensation is for physical discomfort and emotional anguish from your injuries.
  • Property Damage: This reimbursement is for your damaged property. This most typically includes your vehicle. 

You may recover other types of damages as well, depending on the facts of the case.

Deductions from the Settlement

Your gross settlement will be subject to a series of deductions, such as:

  • Attorney Fees: Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means your attorney will not bill you hourly but will claim a portion of your settlement as their fee. The exact percentage may vary based on the complexity of your case and your agreement with your attorney. The average contingency fee is 33 percent.
  • Medical Liens: Any practice with a medical doctor may have a lien on your settlement for unpaid treatment. Providers have this right under O.C.G.A. §§ 44-14-470-476. You should expect this amount to be taken from your settlement.
  • Litigation Costs: While your attorney may work on a contingency fee, not all expenses are covered by your attorney. Fees for court filings, expert witnesses, and investigations may be owed to your attorney from your settlement.
  • Insurance Subrogation: Insurance companies likely covered your medical expenses. They can often claim a portion of your settlement for reimbursement. 

Your lawyer will go over any potential deductions with you at the beginning of your case, so you won’t be caught off guard.

Influential Factors on Your Settlement Amount in Augusta, GA 

Many factors influence your settlement amount, including:

  • Strength of the Case: Cases with clear liability, photographic evidence, and eyewitnesses can be more solid. This increases the likelihood of a more substantial settlement.
  • Insurance Policy Limits: The defendant’s insurance coverage can set an upper limit on payouts. It may be difficult to recover compensation beyond policy limits from some defendants.
  • Gravity of Injury: Serious injuries are associated with heftier medical bills. Severe or permanent injuries can warrant larger settlements.
  • Negotiation Prowess: An attorney adept in negotiation can leverage the facts and evidence in your case to secure a bigger settlement. 

Other considerations could play a role as well, such as whether you were partially to blame for the accident.

Strategies To Maximize Your Final Personal Injury Settlement 

There are certain steps you can take to maximize the amount of compensation you receive for your personal injury settlement, including:

  • Engage a Skilled Attorney: An attorney can investigate your case and advocate on your behalf. They can pinpoint liability and connect your damages to the accident. This increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement.
  • Maintain Comprehensive Documentation: Keeping detailed records after your accident is crucial. Maintain all related documents, including medical reports, invoices, and accident scene photos.
  • Consistent Communication: Update your attorney on changes in your medical condition. Keep them informed of new appointments, treatments, and out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Exercise Patience: A larger settlement often requires a longer wait. At times, it is more profitable to be patient than to hurry the process.

It can also help to begin the claims process as soon as possible, as evidence can fade over time.

Consult Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Augusta, GA

Determining the value of your personal injury settlement is complex. Understanding how to maximize your settlement can be less daunting with an experienced attorney. The attorneys at Hawk Law Group have over 71 years of collective experience representing victims of car accidents, catastrophic injuries, and virtually any other type of personal injury incident.

For more information, please contact the personal injury lawyers at Hawk Law Group at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout the Central Savannah River Area and its surrounding areas:

Hawk Law Group – Augusta, GA
338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901, United States
(706) 722 3500

Hawk Law Group – Evans, GA
4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809, United States
(706) 863 6500

Hawk Law Group – Thomson, GA
146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824, United States
(706) 361 0350

Hawk Law Group – Waynesboro, GA
827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States
(706) 437 9122

Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC
156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
(803) 226 9089

We also serve in Edgefield County, SC.