Settlement FAQs

how to calculate a whiplash settlement

by Abby Welch Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The multiplier for your auto accident settlement formula for minor injuries, such as sprains or whiplash is usually to multiply by 1½ to 3 times the amount of medical bills. The multiplier for more serious injuries, such as broken bones or herniated disks, is 3 to 5 times the amount of medical bills.

Full Answer

What is the average settlement payout for a whiplash injury?

On average, settlement for whiplash injuries can range from $2,000 to $10,000. But it can go as high as $100,000 depending on the extent of the injury. There is no minimum settlement amount for whiplash injury. But if your symptoms are very mild and you’ve recovered quickly, your compensation will obviously be lower.

How much to expect from a whiplash settlement?

Settlement values or trial verdicts for whiplash vary greatly, but most cases or mild to moderate whiplash will be valued between $2,500 and $10,000. More serious cases involving treatment (typically physical therapy) over several months may cost the defendant upwards of $30,000.

What is the average settlement for whiplash?

Average whiplash settlements will vary depending on your jurisdiction, the severity of your injury, and the culpability of the other driver. In most mild to moderate cases, the average settlement for whiplash in a car accident will be between $2,500 and $10,000. More serious cases that require physical therapy for several months can result in a ...

What is the average whiplash claim compensation payout?

The Average Whiplash Compensation For Your Whiplash Injury. The average amount for a whiplash claim is approximately £2,500 for the injury on its own. In addition to this sum, you can claim for any lost earnings, medical treatment and all of your losses and expenses, so the final amount can be considerably higher than this sum.

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What is my whiplash injury worth?

That said, most whiplash settlements in the United States range between $10,000 to $100,000 for minor neck and back injuries. However, the average whiplash settlement amount is $1 million to $5 million for significant, life-changing injuries.

How do I find out how much my settlement is?

After your attorney clears all your liens, legal fees, and applicable case costs, the firm will write you a check for the remaining amount of your settlement. Your attorney will send you the check and forward it to the address he or she has on file for you.

What is a Grade 3 whiplash?

Grade 2: The patient exhibits musculoskeletal signs including decreased range of motion and point tenderness. Grade 3: The patient also shows neurologic signs that may include sensory deficits, decreased deep tendon reflexes, muscle weakness. Grade 4: The patient shows a fracture.

What is the formula for personal injury settlements?

The formula goes like this: Damages = Economic damages x 1.5 (based on the injury severity) + lost income. For instance, assuming you fractured an arm in a motor collision and the medical expenses sum up to $10,000. Let's also assume that the injury made you miss 2 months of work which would have paid you $20,000.

How much money can you get from a neck injury?

How much is a neck injury worth? It will vary depending on the type of injury, but the average payout for a neck injury is between $5,000 and $50,000. Soft tissue neck injury claims are worth between $5,000 and $20,000 on average. Neck disc injury cases that result in surgery average over $200,000.

How long after settlement will I get my money?

At settlement, your lender will disburse funds for your home loan and you'll receive the keys to your home. Generally, settlement takes place around 6 weeks after contracts are exchanged. Your conveyancer or solicitor can check and negotiate the settlement period with the seller.

Are there degrees of whiplash?

Grade 0: no complaints or physical signs. Grade 1: indicates neck complaints but no physical signs. Grade 2: indicates neck complaints and musculoskeletal signs. Grade 3: neck complaints and neurological signs.

What category does whiplash fall into of back pain?

Whiplash is defined as a sudden extension (backward movement of the neck) and flexion (forward movement of the neck) of the cervical spine. This type of trauma is also referred to as a cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) injury.

What does whiplash look like on MRI?

While whiplash does not have a definitive appearance in MRIs, they are useful for diagnosis. First, MRIs can rule out things like fractures, slipped discs, or other severe injuries that may cause pain, allowing doctors to determine whiplash as the primary injury to treat.

How do you calculate emotional pain and suffering?

These types of compensation are called pain and suffering. Generally, pain and suffering awards will be calculated by adding up the economic damages and multiplying them by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of the injury.

What reduces the amount paid in a claims settlement?

Car insurance coverage The insurance company pays up to the policy limits. They also reduce the settlement by the amount of any applicable deductible. Car insurance coverage can limit the amount of a settlement even if the damages are greater than the policy limits.

How are damages calculated in personal injury cases?

The damages to which you are entitled are typically calculated based on the severity of your injuries, the underlying circumstances of the incident in question, and whether the case settles or proceeds to a trial. The following factors are typically considered: Medical treatment expenses.

Can my lawyer cash my settlement check?

While your lawyer cannot release your settlement check until they resolve liens and bills associated with your case, it's usually best to be patient so you don't end up paying more than necessary.

What is the largest personal injury settlement?

Here are the Largest Personal Injury Settlements in US History$150 Billion For The Family of Robert Middleton. ... $4.9 Billion For The Anderson Family From General Motors. ... Gas Station Manager Awarded $60 Million After Suffering Brain Injuries Caused by Derailed Train. ... Ford Motor Co.More items...•

How is emotional distress calculated?

California doesn't have a set formula for calculating pain and suffering. In order to recover damages for pain and suffering (including mental distress and other economic damages), the plaintiff must prove that they suffered this harm or are certain to suffer in the future as a result.

How much should I settle for a knee injury?

The average compensation payout for a knee injury in a personal injury case is between $70,000 to $150,000. The more serious knee injuries can have much higher than average settlement values.

Summary of the Key Findings

Whiplash injuries can range from minor, which pass in a couple of days or weeks, to severe, which can impact mobility and cause chronic pain.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden movement of the head and neck back and forth.

What Factors Influence Whiplash Settlement

Whiplash injury claims are filed when accident victims don’t receive enough damages from insurance companies to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages.

Hire Experienced Lawyers for Your Whiplash Claims

The extent of your whiplash settlement offer will depend on many factors, most importantly, the severity of your neck sprain and current and likely future medical expenses.

How to determine whiplash compensation?

To determine the whiplash compensation you deserve, the insurance company will hire an insurance adjuster to add up your financial burdens and develop a settlement offer. To calculate a dollar amount for your pain and suffering, most adjusters use the multiplier method.

How to contact the whiplash settlement office?

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, and wish to discuss a whiplash settlement, call our office at 334-269-3230.

What to do if you have a whiplash settlement?

If you do believe that you have a whiplash settlement case, it is imperative that you hire an attorney and file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance as soon as possible. Even if you do not have the total of all expenses and damages yet, it is better to move quickly than have your case delayed or dismissed.

What is whiplash in the neck?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid and forceful back and forth movement of the neck and head. The motion is similar to the cracking of a whip, hence the name. According to Mayo Clinic, a common cause of whiplash is a rear-ending accident, but it can also occur due to slip and falls, sports injuries, and other physical traumas.

What paperwork is needed for whiplash?

This paperwork may include medical records from psychologists, therapists, or physicians and recommended prescription medications. To be proactive in your whiplash case, collect witness testimonies of how the injury has affected the day-to-day life of yourself and those around you.

What are the two types of damages?

Many different elements determine the amount of compensation your claim is worth. Each element falls under two categories of damages: economic damages, otherwise known as special damages, and non-economic damages, called general damages.

Can insurance adjusters settle whiplash claims?

Individual insurance companies have their own processes for settling whiplash claims, but there is not an industry standard that must be upheld. This is why it is beneficial to hire experienced personal injury lawyers who will go toe-to-toe with insurance adjusters to get you the amount of compensation you deserve.

What Is the Average Whiplash Settlement?

In most cases, whiplash injuries rarely get large settlements after car accidents. This is usually because insurance companies consider this neck injury minor. Besides, most victims take just a couple of months to fully recover from the condition, while permanent damage is not usually associated with this type of neck injury.

How Long Does a Whiplash Settlement Take?

If your claim proceeds to court, the entire settlement process may take six months or even over a year. However, most personal injury cases are settled before going to trial. Therefore, it is more likely for the insurance company to reach you in the early stages of the process, typically within a few weeks.

What Is Whiplash?

This is a painful injury in the neck that usually results from a forceful, rapid back and forth neck movement of the neck, hence the name neck sprain in some circles. Whiplash injuries mainly result from car accidents but can also be due to slip and fall accidents or physical abuse. The sudden movement of the neck that leads to this type of injury is similar to cracking a whip, hence the name whiplash injury.

What are the Common Whiplash Injury Symptoms?

In some cases, whiplash symptoms may manifest immediately or within hours after an accident. These symptoms include:

How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?

In most cases, doctors rely on verbal and manual examination to diagnose victims in case of whiplash. But the first step involves determining whether there was a rapid movement that could have led to such an injury. In some cases, doctors may need to use an X-ray examination to rule any fears of bone injuries in your neck.

What Types of Compensation are Available for Whiplash Claims?

Car accident injury victims are entitled to a number of types of compensation. In most cases, whiplash injury victims incur various expenses, which need to be compensated. Some of the common types of compensation available for whiplash victims include:

What is whiplash in medical terms?

Whiplash is a painful neck injury. It is caused by a forceful back and forth snapping movement of neck. The movement causing whiplash is rapid, oftentimes described as like cracking a whip. Thus the name. Whiplash technically is not a formal term for a medical diagnosis. However, the term is widely used by medical professionals, ...

What is Considered a Whiplash Injury?

Whiplash injuries cause a rapid, forceful movement of the head and neck to jerk back and forth quickly. While these soft tissue injuries are usually sustained in car accidents, they can also be the result of a slip and fall, sports injury, physical abuse or other trauma.

How long does it take for whiplash to appear?

Sometimes whiplash injuries could be delayed and may not appear for several days or weeks. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above health issues after a car accident, we recommend seeking immediate medical attention, followed by speaking to a licensed attorney for help with your whiplash claim. The sooner you act, the better your recovery efforts may be.

How long does whiplash last?

One being the severity of your injury and two being how long it is expected to last. Some whiplash injuries could be minor and may heal on their own within a few weeks or months, however, other more severe injuries could last years and may require extensive medical treatment. A good lawyer will be able to calculate how much compensation you may be ...

How do you know if you have whiplash?

Some common symptoms of whiplash injuries include: Pain or stiffness in the neck area. Limited range of motion in the neck. Increased pain with neck movement. Dizzy spells. Fatigue. Numbness or tingling in the arms. Headaches usually beginning in the base of the skull. Other symptoms may include:

What to do if you are still recovering from whiplash?

Depression. If you are still recovering from your whiplash injury, your lawyer will most likely advise you to wait until your condition has stabilized and a medical professional deems that there is no further possibility for improvement.

What is the Average Compensation Amount?

The typical compensation amount depends on how much you need to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage and other personal losses.

What Is Whiplash?

When you are involved in a head-on collision, the possibility of suffering a whiplash injury is high. This type of injury is caused by the quick movement of your head and cervical spine in a backward and then forward direction. This snapping movement injures muscles and tendons and can cause vertebral damage.

How to contact a whiplash lawyer in California?

If you have any questions, give David a call at (800) 991-5292. Speak with a California whiplash lawyer anytime you need to talk to us. Let’s get started on dealing with the accident and its repercussions, so you can get on with your life.

What is the financial loss you suffered due to an accident?

The financial loss you suffered due to an accident is known as damages. After your attorney knows the details of your case, the damages will be determined. It is possible to get an “about” figure of how much your injury claim is worth, using our injury calculator.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck. The injury typically occurs when impact causes the head to abruptly snap forward and backward. You may also hear this type of injury described as a sprain or a strain. Car accidents are among the most common causes of whiplash injuries. This type of injury is especially likely to occur in a rear-end collision, since the sudden impact from behind causes the head to jerk back and forth. Even a low-speed collision can put significant stress on the neck.

How to treat whiplash pain?

Whiplash treatment typically involves both pain management and work to restore the range of motion in the neck. Depending on the pain level, pain management may be as simple as a day or two of rest, some over the counter medication, and the application of heat or cold. In more serious cases, stronger medications may be required. Some possibilities include prescription pain medications, muscle relaxers, or even lidocaine injections.

How much does a PIP cover in Florida?

In Florida, your PIP is the primary source of coverage for medical expenses associated with a car accident injury. PIP covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses. That’s enough to cover many whiplash injuries, which means there’s often no litigation with the responsible party. If your medical expenses exceed that limit, you may be able to seek reimbursement from the responsible party. However, Florida law limits who can pursue a claim for intangible damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish and inconvenience.

How are damages determined in a car accident?

You may have heard that damages in a car accident case are determined by a formula, such as three times your economic damages. Economic damages are countable monetary losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

What are the factors that affect a car accident settlement?

Some of these may include the quality of your representation, the county in which the accident occurred, and the insurance company involved.

What is permanent injury?

Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement.

Can whiplash injuries be unpredictable?

Whiplash injuries may create special challenges. They are difficult to diagnose, and the outcome can be unpredictable. The injured person may recover quickly, or they may suffer long-term pain and limitations.

What is Martindale Nolo?

Nolo is a part of the Martindale Nolo network, which has been matching clients with attorneys for 100+ years.

What is special damages?

Special damages are all of the easily calculable losses stemming from your accident or injury -- your medical bills, your lost income because of time missed at work, your property damage, and any other out-of-pocket losses. General damages include things like pain and suffering, which means discomfort and physical pain, but also emotional distress, ...

How to calculate special damages?

1. Multiply Your "Specials". The most common approach is to add up all the special damages (remember, those are your easily calculable economic losses) and multiply those by a number between 1.5 on the low end, and 4 or 5 on the high end.

What is evidence of pain in medical records?

Evidence Of Pain In Your Medical Records. When it comes to general damages, when you are receiving medical treatment, it is important to be very thorough in your communication with health care professionals. Report any pain and discomfort you are experiencing.

What is the multiplier method in insurance settlement?

The multiplier method is used in AllLaw's Injury Settlement Calculator, because it's believed to be the calculation most frequently used by insurance companies. The sticking point in settlement negotiations is going to be the multiplier used. You are going to argue for a higher multiplier while the defendant, or more specifically their insurer, will want to use a lower multiplier. See this list of factors to help you determine the appropriate multiplier.

What are the two types of damages in a slip and fall case?

These are your economic or "special" damages, and your non-economic or "general" damages.

How long does whiplash last?

You are forced to wear a neck brace and take pain pills for two months. You continue to suffer pain for another three months, for a total of five months (roughly 150 days) of pain and discomfort.

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