Calculating Damages

Choose A Firm With A History of Excellence

LET OUR TEAM FIGHT FOR YOU

Calculating Damages After an Accident

Insight from Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pottsville, Shippensburg, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Frederick & York

Personal injury claims can be extremely complex, which can make calculating damages challenging. Since 1888, Metzger Wickersham has been fighting for justice for clients in Pennsylvania. Our firm believes in pursuing maximum compensation for our clients, leading to our membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. Whether your case involves wrongful death or catastrophic injuries, it is important to effectively assess the damages you have suffered and may suffer in the future when crafting your claim.

After an accident, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to determine an amount that sufficiently addresses your circumstances after the incident. The purpose of compensation is not necessarily to make up for what happened (although that may be part of the purpose). The overall goal of compensation is to make the victim "whole" again. This means that they are justly compensated for their injuries and other losses and are able to look forward to a secure future after the accident.

Types of Damages

Since damages are meant to compensate an individual for monetary losses, emotional losses, and future losses, it can be a complicated calculation. That is why damages are typically broken up into two different categories: objective damages and subjective damages.

What Are Objective Damages?

Objective damages may include:

  • Medical and hospital bills
  • Funeral / burial costs
  • Loss of employment, wages, or benefits
  • Loss of earning potential

What Are Subjective Damages?

Subjective damages are based off of less specific issues, including:

How Are These Damages Calculated?

This can vary depending on numerous factors, from the jury to the judge to the unique circumstances involved in the accident case.

In general, some of the factors that may be used to calculate compensation include:

  • The anticipated lifespan of the decedent in wrongful death cases
  • The earnings and other benefits that have been lost
  • Any comparative fault that may have played a role
  • The severity and permanency of the injuries
  • Whether any of the injuries will cause permanent disability
  • The individual's ability to work in the future

Our Harrisburg personal injury attorneys have been helping our clients recover fair compensation for decades. We can help you properly estimate damages in your case and fight for justice in court.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact our Pennsylvania injury lawyers at (888) 286-2850.

Our attorneys also can pursue damages for lost earning capacity (if your personal injury prevents you from working) and for loss of consortium (if your personal injury affects your relationship with a spouse or loved one).

Our Harrisburg Personal Injury Attorneys Will Fight for Maximum Damages!

If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury, you deserve an aggressive legal advocate. Our team of Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers works relentlessly to make sure victims obtain the full compensation they deserve. You deserve justice if you've been injured in an auto, motorcycle or truck accident, because of a dog bite or as a result of a fall. At Metzger Wickersham, we have the resources and skills to work for you. With a track record of success dating back to the 1880's, our firm can effectively represent your needs. In fact, we are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®!

Should your injuries be too great to travel, our attorneys can make home or hospital visits. We are available 24/7 to take your calls, so reach out to us today at (888) 286-2850 or by filling out our online form!

Success Stories

A History of Happy Clients
  • "You guys have been more than kind and understanding and respectful to me. For that I am greatly appreciative. Thank you for everything you did and are doing."
    Donna S.
  • "My wife had been fighting SSI for over three years. Since working with Metzger Wickersham her stress and anxiety levels were 100% gone. They were always in communication with us, guiding us through ..."
    Carlos B.
  • "Everyone here was very helpful and worked very hard. I have nothing but good things to say about Metzger Wickersham. The team kept me well informed and updated at all times!"
    Thomas C.
  • "Being in an accident is overwhelming with injuries, loss of property, medical bills, and insurance hassles. I'm grateful for Metzger Wickersham's help during this trying time. The settlement results ..."
    Tanya W.
  • "Metzger Wickersham is the best. They helped us a lot and we made some great friends along the way. If you need a great group of lawyers, these are the people you want. They got all our medical bills ..."
    Kathy S.
  • "I was hurt in a bad accident and called Metzger Wickersham. Thankfully I did! They have been great, on top of things, and always doing their job well. Extremely pleased with my experience!"
    Kristen H.
  • "If you need help to right a wrong, I strongly recommend calling Metzger Wickersham. They took my case when others said I had none and found those responsible for my injury even after the moving ..."
    Tim K.
  • "I used Metzger Wickersham for a personal injury dog bite case. Attorney Love was great to work with and made the whole process smooth and painless. Everything was explained with detail, the team was ..."
    Jessica B.
  • "I thank you, Mr. Craig Love. You are a very honest person and explained every detail of my case."
    Elsie J.
  • "You all did a great job for me. You kept in contact with me through everything. I would recommend you to everyone."
    Ruth M.
  • "Thank you card from HHS KeyClub."
    HHS KeyClub
  • "I was involved in a car accident (not at fault), that seemed like it would be straightforward. The at-fault driver accepted fault and so did their insurance company. The problem was that they wanted ..."
    M.H.
  • "I worked with [Attorney] Zachary Campbell & [Paralegal] Tammy Dagrosa & they were AMAZING! They helped me win my case & handle my medical debt from my accident! Thanks to them, my daughter & I will be ..."
    Former Client
  • "I had never dealt with a personal injury firm before, but my neighbor recommended that I contact Metzger Wickersham because they used that firm and were happy with the results. I talked to them and ..."
    Erik R.
  • "Scholarship thank you card."
    Lizzie
  • "Thank you note from a former client."
    Brenda R.
  • "Thank you card from the Golf Classic event."
    Joe
  • "They did wonderful thank you so much."
    Dan C.
  • "Thank you note from a former client."
    Previous Client
  • "Thank you card from a former client."
    Former Client
  • "Thank you note from the Food Pantry."
    Food Pantry
  • "I am absolutely and completely impressed with this firm. Them adding attorney, Lori Painter, to the team was a smart decision. Lori went above and beyond for me during my SS disability appeal process ..."
    Kimberly B. D.
  • "I worked with Troy and he was wonderful. Thoughtful, caring, always was there when I needed explaining or answers. Thanks, Troy."
    Jeremy L.
  • "Our goal was accomplished!"
    Debbie K.
  • "Was a slow process because of the insurance company. They did a great job for me and got a good settlement! Better than I was expecting."
    Jerry C.
  • "I was beyond pleased with the way my case was handled. Each time I either called or emailed the office either [Attorney] Lori or [Paralegal] Kara responded quickly. I had many questions and I also ..."
    Matthew R.
  • "Based upon my experience with the intake associate and especially with Attorney Andrea Staub, I strongly recommend this business. I was recently the victim of a devastating automobile accident that ..."
    Donna S.
  • "When I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle in Nov, of 2021, I learned that having a lawyer would be important to making sure all of my expenses would be compensated by the driver’s insurance. I ..."
    Leonard Z.
  • "This firm goes above above and beyond for their clients. The process was unbelievably simple on my end and my atty kept me updated the entire time. Will use them again in future if ever necessary and ..."
    Alli G.
  • "[Attorney] Craig Love did a Great job for me"
    Jordan F.
  • "They kept me up to date on everything that was goin on with my case. Answered all my questions."
    Lori D.
  • "Very courtesy and understanding and helps you to the fullest therefore you anytime of the day to talk to you and answer your questions and I will use them again."
    Cindy R.
  • "Very happy with our experience would highly recommend them Thank you Zack Campbell"
    Diana B.
  • "They were great with communication and very helpful. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone and everyone!"
    Cheena W.
  • "[Paralegal] Emily kept up to date emailing and getting information and [Attorney] Cat did a wonderful job representing me and explained everything perfectly."
    Debra G.
  • "Troy was a pleasure to work with from the first day of meeting him to our last meeting. Troy always kept in touch even if it was just to say hello and see how I was. best lawyer!"
    Roxanne F.
  • "Metzger Wickersham’s [Attorney] Zach was so easy to work with. His professionalism is unmatched to any other attorney I have ever had to deal with. He always kept me informed on any new information ..."
    Cindy
  • "It is hard to express in words how grateful I am that I chose Metzger Wickersham to help me with my case. [Attorney] Andrea, [Paralegal] Shawn (Wilkes Barre Pa), [Attorney] Zach, [Paralegal] Melanie, ..."
    Patricia L.
  • "[Attorney] Zach and [Paralegal] Amber were beyond helpful. The attention to detail, constant communication and customer service is beyond appreciated. Would recommend to anyone that needs their help ..."
    Denise S.
  • "“My attorney and her team were wonderful. Very knowledgeable, understanding, and caring towards my needs during such a lengthy process. Would use again."
    Tracy O.
  • Client-Focused & Results Driven
    You are more than just a case number. At our firm, we treat our clients like family and ensure you get the recovery you deserve.
  • 24/7 Representation
    The minute you need us, we are here to help. When you can't visit us, we'll visit you, and when you need answers, we'll give you solutions.
  • Dedicated Team
    When you trust us with your case, you get a FULL team of dedicated and experienced attorneys working to solve your case.
  • Decades of Experience
    Our team has had our doors open for over 135 years and we have roots dating back to 1888.

Demand the Justice You Deserve

We Are Here to Help
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.