      HOW ARE DAMAGES CALCULATED IN AN INJURY OR                             AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASE
                                      By Gary Bryce Holder
     How are the damages calculated? The answer to this question is entirely dependent on the facts and circumstances of the particular case, and you should consult an attorney to obtain an answer that is particular to your individual case. That being said, the following areas of damages should be evaluated in any injury or automobile accident case.
     Q. HOW ARE THE DAMAGES CALCULATED?
     A. There are many factors that go into the calculation of damages in any injury or automobile accident case. These include property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, pain & suffering, and punitive damages. A permanent or temporary disability will also come into play in determining your lost wages and pain & sufferinۥ
     -PROPERTY DAMAGE: Property damage consists of the damage to your automobile or other property. You are entitled to have your property replaced or put in the same working condition that it was in prior to the accident.
     - MEDICAL EXPENSES: You are entitled to recover the cost of all medical bills relating to your accident. Please note that the medical provider may be entitled to recover any unpaid medical bills from the proceeds of your recovery. Also, if your health insurer paid all or a portion of your medical bills, then it may also be entitled to recover those amounts from any proceeds that you receive. However, many medical providers and health insurance companies may be willing to accept a reduced payment if negotiated prior to your recovery. Be sure to ask your attorney about a possible reduced payment to your medical provider or health insurer. HOME NEXT - ARTICLE CONTINUED