If you’ve been injured in an accident in Louisiana, you may wonder: What is the average personal injury settlement amount? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the factors that impact your settlement can help you get a better idea of what to expect. In this article, we’ll break down what affects personal injury settlement amounts in Louisiana and provide insights on how much you might receive for your injury claim.

Key Factors Affecting Your Personal Injury Settlement

The amount of compensation you receive in a personal injury claim depends on several factors. Here’s a closer look at the most important ones:

1. Severity of Your Injury

The extent of your injury plays a huge role in determining your settlement amount. Minor injuries like sprains or bruises generally lead to lower settlements, while serious injuries such as broken bones, brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries can result in much larger settlements due to the ongoing medical care and long-term effects on your life. In Louisiana, if your injuries are severe and lead to permanent disability, your settlement could be higher to cover not just current medical expenses but also future treatment, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.

2. Medical Bills and Lost Wages

Another key factor is the cost of your medical treatment and the wages you’ve lost while recovering. If your injury requires extensive treatment or long-term care, these expenses will be included in your settlement. Similarly, if your injury causes you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. In Louisiana, if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or career, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity.

3. Pain and Suffering

Unlike medical expenses, pain and suffering damages are more subjective. Louisiana law allows you to seek compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by your injury. The severity of the injury, its impact on your daily life, and the duration of your suffering will all be considered when determining this part of your settlement.

4. Liability and Negligence

The amount of compensation you can receive also depends on who is negligent or at fault for the accident. If the other party is fully responsible, your settlement is likely to be higher. However, Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means that if you were partially responsible for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.

5. Insurance Policy Limits

The amount of available insurance coverage also impacts the settlement. Louisiana law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage, but many people have higher policy limits. If the at-fault party only has the minimum coverage, your settlement may be limited to that amount. In cases where the insurance coverage is insufficient, you may need to pursue additional sources of compensation, such as underinsured motorist coverage.

Average Settlement Amounts in Louisiana

While settlement amounts vary based on the factors discussed, we can give you a general idea of what to expect for different types of injuries.

  • Minor Injuries: If you suffer from a mild injury like whiplash or a small fracture, your settlement may range from $5,000 to $15,000.
  • Moderate Injuries: For injuries like broken bones or more serious soft tissue damage, settlements can range from $15,000 to $50,000 depending on the severity and the impact on your life.
  • Severe Injuries: Injuries that cause permanent damage or require long-term care, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, may result in settlements ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 or more.
  • Catastrophic Injuries or Wrongful Death: In cases of catastrophic injury or wrongful death, settlements can exceed $1 million. These cases often involve significant medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and substantial pain and suffering.

These ranges can vary significantly depending on individual case factors discussed above, including the extent of injuries, insurance coverage, and whether the case goes to trial.

Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

It’s crucial to act quickly after an accident because Louisiana has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. According to Louisiana law, you must file your claim within two years from the date of the accident or injury. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. An experienced personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference by helping you understand the full value of your case, considering all factors, such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your attorney will also handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you’re not taken advantage of and will fight for a fair settlement. If necessary, they can take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.

The average personal injury settlement amount in Louisiana varies based on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and liability. Working with a skilled attorney helps ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact a Louisiana attorney today to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery.

Contact the Metairie Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC for Help Today

If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.

We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas

The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202
Metairie, LA, 70002

(504) 500-5000

The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Gretna, LA Office

1101 Westbank Expy
Gretna, LA, 70053

(504) 384-8053