After an accident, you may be unsure of whether your injuries are worth the trouble of filing a lawsuit. After all, you may be suffering, but you may also be uncertain that you’re suffering enough to file a claim for damages.

We understand how fine the line might feel sometimes. Deciding what to do after an injury can be a confusing process, which is why we often hear the question, “When does an injury qualify for a settlement?”  

If you’re not sure whether your injury qualifies for a settlement, there are a few easy criteria that can help you decide. First and foremost, your injury must have been caused by someone else’s negligence. For more qualifying factors, read on.

Your Injury Is Expensive

Some injuries simply cause more expenses than others. Whether this is because of an extended treatment length or because the injury is complicated to fix, an injury that breaks the bank could be cause for a claim.

For example, let’s suppose you badly broke your arm during a car crash, and you regularly lift things at work. In your case, that broken arm alone could cost you the following:

An injury isn’t always fixed by a quick doctor trip, after all. Even a broken arm can mean treatment, waiting for it to heal, and possibly surgery to make sure you’re back to normal. If you’re injured and the expenses are piling high, you may need the compensation a personal injury claim could provide.

Your Injury Has Caused Non-Economic Strain

Of course, not every injury has an obvious financial impact, but that doesn’t mean the injury isn’t serious. The less visible effects of an injury can cause distress and suffering that you wouldn’t have experienced if the accident hadn’t happened.

If you suffered a spinal injury, for instance, you’re likely thinking of the financial costs, especially if you were paralyzed in the accident. However, you need to consider the mental and physical pain, as well. If you’re paralyzed, you’ve suffered a life-changing event that can affect your relationships with loved ones and your mental health.

Paralysis can cause severe mental anguish, leaving you depressed, possibly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and otherwise dealing with the aftermath of another person’s actions. With serious injuries like this, you should be compensated for more than just the medical bills.

We Can Help You Decide

Of course, each case is different, and you may still have questions about when an injury qualifies for a settlement. That’s perfectly fine—it’s what the attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates are here for.

Our firm understands that dealing with an injury is complicated. You may not realize how much you need compensation until later, when you’re already struggling with the bills. Fortunately, you don’t have to make the decision alone. Our attorneys can review your injuries and explain how much your settlement could be worth.

If you’re still struggling with your injuries and you need help determining whether a claim would be worth it, we can help you get on track. Give us a call at 1-800-404-9000 or fill out the online contact form below.