A serious injury can set you back in time, money, and general well-being. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall or a car accident, you’ve suffered because of someone else’s actions, and you deserve compensation for that.

Unfortunately, it’s not always as simple as filing a claim for your settlement and receiving a fair amount for your damages. You’ll need to know how to calculate a personal injury settlement in Idaho to get the funds you need for recovery.

Because calculating your settlement can get complicated, make sure you know what to expect before you begin. Consider enlisting the highly qualified help of an Idaho injury attorney from Craig Swapp & Associates.

Economic Damages

Your first concern is likely the financial losses you’ve suffered because of your accident. After all, an injury can get expensive quickly, especially when you require additional and ongoing physical and occupational therapy.

These financial losses are collectively known as economic damages, and if you don’t include all of them in your injury claim, you could be stuck in a financial bind for years to come.

These damages should include any of your expenses from the accident. For example, your mind might go directly to things such as your hospital bills or property damage. However, what if you have long-term injuries that require accommodations to your home or vehicle? These expenses should also be included in your settlement.

Fortunately, calculating your economic damages is pretty straightforward, as most of them have a specific dollar amount attached. You’ll just need to add them together and estimate future expenses caused by your accident.

What Are Non-Economic Damages?

Of course, not all your damages are financial. Although economic recompense can replace broken items or cover hospital bills, they can’t fix emotional and mental distress. In Idaho, you’re allowed to include the intangible effects of your accident, too.

Non-economic damages might include any of the following:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of security
  • Mental anguish

These damages are difficult to calculate on your own because they don’t come within an invoice and their value is based on the relative impact each has had on your life.

For example, you might have suffered a spinal injury in a semi-truck collision. For the average person, that’s already extremely traumatic. If you were a professional athlete, though, it means you’ll be left without your career and something you deeply loved and valued. In this case, the athlete might receive a larger settlement than someone who has a sedentary office job.

When calculating a personal injury settlement in Idaho, it’s crucial to be aware of the state’s cap on includes pain and suffering damages. Idaho Code § 6-1603 limits the amount a claimant can receive pain and suffering. This cap is currently set at $490,512.33, but it’s adjusted annually.

Personal Injury Settlement Calculator in Idaho

While it would be incredibly helpful to have a simple personal injury settlement calculator to determine exactly how much you could receive for your personal injury settlement in Idaho, the reality is much more complex. There are numerous factors that influence the final amount, making each case unique.

However, there are tools and methods to help estimate a potential settlement for personal injury. Some online calculators provide a rough idea by considering basic information like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These can be helpful for a preliminary understanding, but they shouldn’t be taken as definitive answers.

Determining a personal injury settlement in Idaho involves considering various factors – aside from economic and  non-economic damages – each playing a crucial role in the final amount. 

  • Liability: Establishing who is at fault for the accident is crucial. Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule – meaning your compensation could be reduced if you share some responsibility for the incident or you are no longer eligible if more than 50% at fault.

For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, your settlement would be reduced by $20,000. Establishing liability requires a thorough investigation to gather evidence like police reports, witness testimony, expert opinions, photos, and videos.

  • Insurance Coverage: The insurance policies of the parties involved play a significant role in determining the potential settlement amount. If your damages exceed the at-fault party’s policy limits, recovering the full amount can become more challenging. This may involve pursuing claims against your own insurance (if applicable) or even filing a personal lawsuit against the at-fault individual.

For a more accurate assessment, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Idaho. They can thoroughly evaluate your specific circumstances and provide a more realistic estimate based on their knowledge of similar cases and Idaho laws.

Getting the Full Settlement You Deserve

Calculating the true and full value of your personal injury settlement might seem straightforward, but when you’re including the intangible effects of an accident, they don’t always arrive with an invoice.  

Without the necessary knowledge and experience, you could be looking at a much lower settlement amount than you deserve. Instead, reach out to a lawyer from Craig Swapp & Associates. 

Get started with your free consultation to maximize the funds you deserve for your injuries. When you’re ready to file a claim, call 1-866-308-3822 or complete the online form.