One of the most common questions asked by personal injury clients is the value of the case. Of course, that is often an impossible question to determine at the onset of a case. Every case is unique and different, and many details of a case must be explored before a value can be assigned.
Many factors affect that determination, and the value will be fully learned over the course of representation, as your attorney obtains necessary information and investigation. However, a few factors are always taken into consideration.
Factors That Impact The Value of a Personal Injury Case
Liability
Liability is a significant factor. Your attorney obviously cannot predict a victory at trial. If liability is clear-cut, it is much more likely that the case will settle, or a jury will find in your favor. On the other hand, if you are partially at fault, or if a defendant has legitimate defenses to rely upon, those factors can certainly reduce the potential value of a claim.
Potential Assets & Insurance Coverage
One of the most important factors is the potential assets or insurance coverage available to cover damages. The amount of available coverage will likely “cap” the money that you may be able to collect.
For example, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, and the other driver has only a minimal insurance policy, it is unlikely that you may be able to collect “an excess verdict” and obtain any of the defendant’s personal assets. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help explore additional layers of available coverage or uncover additional assets that may be able to compensate you for your injuries.
Injuries
Finally, we obviously also look to the value of the injuries themselves, and the impact of those injuries upon you. The exact same broken bone may have wildly different values, depending on the description and presentation of that particular plaintiff, their “station in life,” and the venue of the case, among other factors.
In general, injuries that are more severe or permanent will certainly have a greater value than mild and temporary injuries. However, even “mild” injuries can have a significant value if they have impacted your employment and your ability to participate in your usual and customary daily activities.
All of these factors, and numerous other variables, are all taken into consideration in assessing the value of your claim.
Understand The Value of Your Personal Injury Case
The best way to fully understand what your personal injury case may be worth is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney about your specific case.
The attorneys at Maynard, O’Connor have extensive experience in litigating personal injury claims, and will draw upon their training and experience to fully assess your claims and obtain the full compensation that you deserve. We’ve achieved impressive results for past clients, and will work hard to recover the compensation you are entitled to after you’ve been involved in an accident.
If you or a loved one have been injured, please call us at (800) 721-3553, or contact us online to set up a free case review with a member of our legal team.
