Settlement amounts for Personal Injury related to an auto accident for a minor...?

Question

Does anyone have any advice for a settlement amount for a small personal injury? I am not going to get an attorney, it was fairly minor. The fault is totally on the other party, and they've settled $1200 for myself for minor whiplash, missed work, etc. ($500 of that was for pain and suffering). We're getting ready to settle on my son's settlement. His nose was fractured and he had a cut inside his mouth. His medical bills are approximately $1800, what should I expect for pain and suffering for him? I don't want to take advantage, but I don't want to be taken advantage of... Never done this sort of thing before, so any advice is extremely welcome!! Thanks to all!!

Answer 1

You may be better served going to Law & Ethics here in Y!A.

One thing that you must do is include 'lifetime medical coverage' for and your son. Don't quibble there. For instance his nose is fractured, it is not unheard of to have post nasal problem with the septum and God forbid need to have corrective surgery, this scarring can occur many years later.

Pain and suffering is subjective. How much time did you lose from work? Purchase of supplies for son at pharmacy, time/gas to and from doctors appointments (as well as time lost in doing this) {past and future}. It is completely in the normal to request 10,000. That is for everything I mentioned and then some. Up to you, don't settle for less in regards to the lifetime medical however.

Best Wishes and God speed in both of your recoveries.

Answer 2

I once was in an accident. It depends on case and local law, I think. I actually got nothing for pain and suffering- just my medical bills and vehicle damage were paid. The other party was an ambulance that was speeding without his emergency lights on (and it was in the hospital parking lot!). That's when I lived in Georgia

Answer 3

$.02

Answer 4

wow you thanked me....