How Are Damages Calculated for Personal Injury?
Gregg Hollander | January 6, 2026 | Uncategorized
When clients ask “how are damages calculated for personal injury?”, the answer comes down to documenting every way the injury has affected your life, financially and personally. In the sections below, we break down the most common categories of compensation and explain “can medical bills reduce/increase a settlement?”, including how future care needs, lost income, liens, and pain and suffering factor into the value of a claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include all measurable losses such as medical bills, lost income, and future expenses for care or rehabilitation. We rely on economists and life-care planners to estimate the present value of these long-term costs.
Can Medical Bills Reduce or Increase a Settlement?
Medical bills often determine a case’s overall worth, which is why “can medical bills reduce or increase a settlement?” is such an important question. Large, well-documented bills supported by credible medical opinions increase the case value by showing the severity of the injury. However, any outstanding liens or unpaid medical bills must be satisfied before you receive your net settlement, which can reduce the final payout.
How Are Future Medical Costs Calculated?
For catastrophic injuries, we work with rehabilitation physicians who develop detailed life-care plans projecting all future medical needs, from surgeries to in-home care. These reports show the lifetime impact of an injury and form a cornerstone of the damages claim, answering “how are damages calculated for personal injury?” in a clear, evidence-based way.
Economists calculate future wage loss and earning capacity, while vocational experts assess how injuries limit employment options. Together with medical specialists, they build a complete picture of financial harm.
Can Medical Liens Be Reduced to Increase Your Recovery?
We negotiate with hospitals, doctors, and insurers to reduce medical liens wherever possible. Lowering liens can significantly increase the amount our clients keep after all deductions.
What Are Pain and Suffering Damages?
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress are less tangible but equally important. Consistent medical treatment, expert testimony, and visual storytelling help quantify these losses so that compensation reflects both financial and personal harm.
Get a Free Personal Injury Case Evaluation
If you are dealing with serious injuries and have questions like “how are damages calculated for personal injury?” or “can medical bills reduce/increase a settlement?”, we can help you understand what your claim may be worth and what steps can protect your recovery. Contact our personal injury team at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your medical records, explain how future costs and lost income are calculated, and discuss strategies to reduce liens so you can keep more of your settlement.
We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 960-2745
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873