Pain and suffering question

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veronicak5678

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California

I was hit by a car last month while walking. I had the right of way and there is no question that the driver was totally at fault. I went flying and hit my head on the concrete. Luckily nothing was broken but I have had severe headaches since and was painfully sore and bruised for the first few weeks. I didn't call the police that day but the next day I filed a claim with the driver's insurance company and called a lawyer.

The lawyers have set up many medical appointments for me. They ordered an MRI of my brain and then another of my neck because of the headaches and the gaps in my memory and the the lingering pain in my neck. I saw a neurologist twice, a GP twice, and I have seen the chiropractor three times a week since the accident.

Because I have a lien I haven't seen any medical bills, but I estimate them to be around $9,000. I also lost around $5,500 in wages and leave time because of the accident.

I have one last follow-up with the neurologist, but I'm pretty sure I won't have any lingering effects from this accident.

Considering all this, what would a reasonable request for pain and suffering look like? The lawyers are hesitant to tell me anything quite yet so I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience they could share with me. Thanks!
 
Considering all this, what would a reasonable request for pain and suffering look like? The lawyers are hesitant to tell me anything quite yet so I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience they could share with me. Thanks!


Anything anyone told you would be nothing but anecdotal.
One size doesn't fit all.
Your lawyers are being quite ethical, and you should follow their wise counsel.
Its counterproductive to think your lawyers want anything but the HIGHEST settlement for you they can obtain.
The more you receive, the more they receive.
I suggest you listen to their advice, see the medical specialists they advise you to see, and focus 100% of your efforts on your improving your health.
That's why you were SMART enough to hire lawyers.
Internet advice would only cloud your clear pond.
 
I think they're hesitant just because I'm not technically done with my treatment, but like I said I really don't think anything new will come to light. I don't doubt that they want anything but the highest settlement and I am listening to their advice, I was just hoping to hear about the outcomes of similar cases if possible.
 
I think they're hesitant just because I'm not technically done with my treatment, but like I said I really don't think anything new will come to light. I don't doubt that they want anything but the highest settlement and I am listening to their advice, I was just hoping to hear about the outcomes of similar cases if possible.

One size doesn't fit all.
All plaintiffs aren't the same.
The answer you seek can vary from $500 up to millions of dollars, and you can bet the insurance company will fight tooth and nail to drive down any settlement you might one day receive.
 
I think they're hesitant just because I'm not technically done with my treatment,

Exactly.

They will wait until you are fully recovered or have reached maximum medical improvement before trying to quantify your claim.

I was just hoping to hear about the outcomes of similar cases if possible.

There is no such thing as a similar case. All personal injury cases are different, either to a slight degree or to a great decree. Sure, there have been statistical studies that show that personal injury settlements or awards run between a dollar and a gazillion dollars but knowing that won't help you an iota in figuring what you claim might be worth.

Even I, with a lifetime career in the insurance industry, wouldn't give you a guess.

You'll just have to rely on your lawyer and wait it out.
 
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