Injured Foot Getting Into a Taxi...

by Anonymous
(USA)

My son was injured in March while getting into a taxi. The taxi started to move as he was entering the vehicle and the rear wheel ran over his heel. There was injury on the outside of the heel. There was also an ugly wound on the inside of his heel where several layers of flesh were scraped off.

He had several doctor visits, x-rays, and an MRI. There's no structural damage and there's no deep infection from the wound. There is some numbness on the outside of the heel, and pain on the inside of the heel, especially while wearing dress shoes or after walking a long distance.

An orthopedic doctor said the numbness and pain may subside after much more time. The insurance company of the taxi is ready to discuss a settlement. I have no idea what amount might be reasonable. Can you make any suggestions? Thank you.

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Injured Foot Getting Into a Taxi...":

Anonymous (USA):

A personal injury settlement is normally based on an extrapolation of the medical bills incurred as a result of the injury and subsequent treatment.

Before settling the case it's important you take into account every medical bill, your out of pocket expenses, and even the wages you may have lost while taking your son to the various doctors for his various treatment and tests.

Medical Bills are referred to in the legal profession as “Hard Costs”. Before you decide to make any settlement you must be sure your son’s medical issues are fully resolved.

Settling his case now and finding out later he still has additional medical issues would be terrible. Once a settlement is made and release papers are signed there will be no going back. Talk with your son’ orthopedic surgeon and make sure your son gets a clean bill of health.

A general rule of thumb in personal injury cases is to take the Hard Costs and multiply them by a factor of at least 3x. That multiple will normally take into account the out of pocket expenses such as prescription and over the counter medications, and possibly some of the wages you lost while taking your son back and forth to his doctors appointments and tests. It will also include an amount for his pain and suffering.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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