2007-01-26 07:50:54 · 5 answers · asked by blenlo 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
That really depends. If you are unable to work and provide for yourself, then an economist will determine your likely life span (if affected by your injury) and the cost of living for that life span taking into account inflation.
If you were making a lot of $$ and living an affluent lifestyle prior to injury, you will be awarded more than the mere cost of living, but not the full amount you could have potentially earned.
If the injury was as a result of negligence or malice you can also be awarded damages, which can really range.
All in all, it depends of the severity of the injury, the opinion of the economist and the ultimate decision of the judge.
If this is a motor vehicle accident, alot of provinces have public motor insurance, and you cannot sue, you are paid directly from the insurance and cannot really contest it.
Speak to a lawyer. Plenty of them will speak to you for free to determine if you have a case. (Careful not to sound like you are just asking for advice to do it yourself though, or you will get no where. )
If you have little money but decent case, most lawyers will do it on a contigency, which means they take 30% (or so) of your settlement amount if they are successful plus their out of pocket costs (faxing, copying, filing fees and serving docs and the like).
2007-01-26 08:43:30 · answer #1 · answered by elysialaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elysia's answer is pretty good. Awards and settlements vary tremendously as between provinces, as does the procedure for suing. By the way, in BC you have two years from the date of the injury to sue unless you can establish a reason for postponig the running of the limitation period. If the potential defendant is a municipality, give written notice NOW or you could be barred from claiming. The amount of damages for pain and suffering is capped, but wage loss is not. Sounds like a potentially MAJOR claim and any good personal injury lawyer should be happy to have a look see. Remember, even if you sue and get judgment, this is only the right to collect. If the defendant has no money, you are out of look, so hope for insurance!
2007-01-29 05:47:40 · answer #2 · answered by Eric W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most settlements are relevant to your income before injury. They are often a % of your normal salary, so
If you were making $500,000 your settlement would be a lot more than if you were making $10,000.
How much were your previous couple of years earnings ?
2007-01-26 08:01:06 · answer #3 · answered by kate 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the severity of the brain injury. Play it up, memory emotions, control etc you'll get heaps.
2007-01-26 07:56:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF THEY ARE FRENCH $3.98
2007-01-26 07:55:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋