For this analysis, we will assume that fault and causation are not issues. The only issue in the case is how much is the case worth.
The first issue would be medical bills owing. This issue is not always so easy as sometimes there is auto PIP that pays some of the bills or the client has health insurance which reduces the bills. But to keep it simple, we can just total the medical bills for this analysis. And of course, it is possible for the defense to challenge the bills, saying their unreasonable or unnecessary, etc.
The second issue would be future medical bills. This would have to be through the expert testimony of a doctor. And the doctor would usually give a total. Saying the client is expected to live another 30 years and would need $10,000 per year or treatment would amount to a $300,000 future medical bills claim.
The third issue would be lost wages. The client or the employer would have to testify to how much time was missed. In some cases, someone may miss work in the future and there could be lost wages in the future or a loss of earning capacity.
The fourth issue would be non economic damages. This is referring to pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, inconvenience, etc.
The juries job is to figure out these number and the total of all of these numbers would amount to the damages in the case.
