How Much Can You Ask for in a Personal Injury Case?
Some states set a maximum amount for personal injury claims, but not Arizona. However, that doesn’t mean the sky’s the limit.
If you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit, it is important to understand how much you can reasonably claim as damages. While Arizona does not have a limit on how much you can ask for in a personal injury case, asking for too much could make you seem greedy. To win your case and get compensation, you need a lawyer who can help you decide exactly how much to claim.
Here are a few of the factors that we take into consideration when we’re calculating a claim.
Calculating Your Damages: How to Ask for Enough
Since every case is unique, calculating the amount to claim can get pretty complicated. Depending on the circumstances, the range can be quite wide. For example, compensation for injuries suffered in car accidents can range from several thousand up to one million.
So what factors change your numbers? These are the first questions we ask:
- How much damage was done?
- Were you or a loved one injured?
- Was the incident caused by severe neglect?
Economic damages are the easiest category to calculate. They relate to the cost of medical care or the cost of repairing damaged property. But if you suffered extreme emotional distress, you can sue for non-economic damages as well. And depending on the case, the judge might award punitive damages as well, to make sure an incident like this doesn’t happen again.
Economic Damages
First, you’ll need to collect receipts as evidence of any money spent or billed as a result of the incident. This includes medical bills, repair bills, lost wages, and other out of pocket expenses.
These are your economic damages, and typically, you should only ask for what you can prove you will need (formal estimates) or money that you already spent (invoices or receipts).
Non-Economic Damages
Next, you need to consider non-economic damages. Did this incident injure you forever? Are you no longer able to enjoy life? Have you lost a partner? Was there significant emotional distress?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes, tell your lawyer about it. They will be able to advise you on whether or not you should claim an additional amount, and if so, how much that should be.
Punitive Damages
Finally, was the incident due to gross negligence? If the incident happened because someone was acting without regard for human life, the judge might also award punitive damages. But claiming punitive damages in Arizona is not easy. You’ll need clear evidence and an experienced attorney at your side.
Don’t Ask for Too Much
Once your personal injury case goes to court, it is up to the judge to decide how much, if any, of the amount you asked for is awarded.
Most judges consider three important factors:
- Are you (the plaintiff) in any way at fault? If you are in any way at fault for the incident, the judge will decide on the percentage of fault and deduct that amount from your compensation.
- Do you have enough evidence? It is up to the plaintiff to prove that the defendant caused these damages, that the plaintiff is unable to enjoy life, or that the plaintiff deserves punitive damages. If you don’t have enough proof, the judge will most likely dismiss your case.
- Are you asking for a reasonable amount? While you really can’t put a price on someone’s suffering, asking for an unreasonable amount can make it seem like you are looking for a windfall, rather than the compensation you deserve.
Filing Personal Injury Claim? Our Attorneys Can Help
If you want the best chance of winning your case, you should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will help you gather your evidence, build your case, and advise you on the amount of damages to claim.
For personal injury cases in Scottsdale, contact Van Norman Law to request a consultation. We’ll review your case and help you come up with an estimate that gives you the best chance of winning compensation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/31/2026). Photo by Camilo Rueda Lopez on Unsplash.