Personal Injury Law 2024: Must-Know Stats and Sound Advice
Court verdicts in personal injury cases could be headline-worthy. But we hear less about such trials. Because most personal injury cases are settled outside the court. Some settlements are also binding to non-disclosure agreements.
Besides, the settlement figures aren’t as high as other types of cases, like divorce. It’s a different game though, when high-profile individuals are involved, comprising millions of dollars.
Still, there’s no undermining that personal injury cases are a huge market itself. The reasons aren’t obscure to scan. As a civil law, personal injury cases stem from different scenarios-automobile collisions, workplace accidents, faulty goods, and even dog bites.
This article highlights vital industry stats and offers vital advice for personal injury claims. Read on!
Personal Injury Law Market Is Bigger Than You Can Imagine
Every lawyer specializes in one field or another. With the rising number of cases, personal injury law has been a favorite for young law graduates. Here’s why:
- The number of personal injury cases increased by as much as 46% in 2023.Â
- The global personal injury law market is valued at $57.3 billion and is expected to surge by 0.4% by the end of 2024.
Damages arising out of personal injury can be either general or special. However, in torts, all special damages have measurable costs, further classified as medical expenses or loss of earning capacity. General damages, on the other hand, include pain or suffering, defamation, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.Â
Majority of Personal Injury Cases Are Road Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports over 9000 people lost their lives to traffic crashes in the first half of 2023. Another industry study predicts road traffic injuries will become the seventh leading cause of death globally by 2030.
If you were to trace the history of road accidents in the US alone, the city of Little Rock in Arkansas has a bad reputation. In recent years, Arkansas has been in the news for several fatal crashes leading to significant injuries.
Reportedly, Little Rock also received $25 million in federal grants to improve the condition of some of the busiest roads. So, if you ever meet with a serious accident at the 12th Street and Woodrow intersection, reach out to a personal injury lawyer at once.
Besides Little Rock, Rogers in Arkansas is another traffic accident hotspot. Victims suffering due to negligent drivers can seek services of a local Rogers personal injury lawyer as they know the traffic nuances of the city well.Â
Keith Law Group suggests that one shouldn’t wait too long to file a personal injury claim. That way, they can claim big for both compensatory and punitive damage. With solid evidence, you can easily prove third-party liability and get compensated faster.
Personal Injury Trial-How Long Do You Have To Wait for the Verdict?
You stand eligible to claim compensation for personal injury from the moment you’re hit. But once the matter rolls into court, things are up in the air. While some may get immediate relief, others have to wait months (even years).Â
What’s worse is the rising expense of legal proceedings adding to one’s frustration. That’s why seasoned personal injury lawyers are keen on finding the sweet spot and settling early. Here are some factors that can speed up a personal injury trial.
- When there’s minimal injury — In case of minimal or less severe injury, the matter is disposed of quickly. However, in such scenarios, the court may not order a high settlement amount as compensation.
- When there’s strong evidence — Like all legal matters, evidence is the key to fast-track relief. When the complainant has solid evidence to prove third-party liability, the claim is likely to be settled sooner.
- When the insurance company agrees to negotiate — Sometimes the details of a personal injury case may lead to the at-fault party’s insurance denying the claim. Any pre-existing health condition of the aggrieved party can also be a factor. But for apparent liability or when they don’t wish to contest fault, settlement won’t take long.
- When you accept the first settlement offer — No matter what amount of compensation you claim, there’s always a limit to the insurance available with an at-fault individual. In some cases, they might be uninsured as well, and thus, accepting the first settlement offer puts an end to all frustration.
- When you have a skilled personal injury lawyer — If you’re lucky enough to have a dynamic personal injury lawyer fighting your case, they will always hold it from going to trial. That way, you can reach a fair settlement a lot faster and even get a higher compensation.
Are Fast Settlements Always Ideal in Personal Injury Cases?
The answer is yes and no. You see, no one likes lengthy legal proceedings. But then, not every case has the perfect ground for a speedy trial. Besides, there can be several odds along the way. For example, insurance coverage of an at-fault individual might not agree to the proposed settlement amount.
On the flip side, if your lawyer doesn’t come up with a counter-proposal, you may get a lot less than you actually deserve. For serious injuries leading to prolonged hospitalization or death, you might want to see things through the end of the day.
Personal injury is a vast and complex civil law involving another individual’s wrongdoing and negligence. And as the cases stem from diverse scenarios, it makes things more challenging. That’s why it’s always advised to seek expert intervention. It will not only help you prepare better for the trial but also expedite your case and minimize court expenses.