How Much is My Case Worth?

Often, one of the most common questions that our Lawyers hear is , "How much is my case worth or How is a case valued?" While this may seem simple enough question, it is actually difficult to determine the value of a case early on in the case. Just as all individuals are different and the facts of each case are different. Even the smallest of differences can make one case worth much more or conversely much less than another. Because of this, we are unable to give you an exact estimate of the value of your case until we have discovered all the facts and you have completed all medical treatment.

Before an experienced lawyer can give you an estimate of your case value, you must have been released from treatment by your medical doctor. At this point, you will have most likely reached your Medical Maximum Improvement. Then, we must submit all of your medical bills (doctors, EMS, hospitals, etc.) along with our settlement demand package to the at-fault insurance company in an attempt for a settlement. It is likely at this point we will be able to give you an idea of how much we believe your case is valued.

Here are some of the factors that go into determining the value of a case:

• Cost of medical treatments (doctors, hospitals, therapy, prescriptions, etc.)
• Need for rehabilitation, future medical treatments, or surgery
• Degree of future disability, if any
• Written opinions of your treating doctors
• Test results from independent medical diagnostic groups
• Amount of lost wages due to injuries
• Probability of future lost wages, or lower wage earning capacity
• Pain and suffering due to injuries
• Age of client, previous injuries, previous claims, subrogation issues, etc.
• Defendant's percentage of liability
• Other possible damages (loss of society, etc.)
• Damage to client vehicle
• Damage to defendants vehicle
• Gaps in medical treatment
• Was the defendant drunk or did he/she flee the scene?
• Severity of physical injuries and permanence of injuries

Upon retaining our Law Firm, we will collect all of the evidence and at that point in time we can advise you of the value of your case. The value of your case is based on a number of factors, both objective and subjective. Factors considered for settlement value include the current state of the law in fact situations like yours, past jury verdicts in local courts, and any offsetting non-reimbursable costs. Ultimately, we must also seriously consider the "risk factor." The "risk factor" is a decision which only you, the client, can make. It takes into consideration the fact that any case can be won or lost through no fault of the lawyer or the client. There are no “guarantees.” Accepting a settlement without going to court eliminates the "risk factor," however the value of the case may be reduced if the case is settled rather than going to trial. Our Law Firm can give you an estimate range of the value, after the medical treatments are completed; final medical reports have been submitted by all treating doctors; and after we have reviewed all pertinent facts in your case, and counsel you as to the best course of action.

It is our belief and philosophy to file a lawsuit against all responsible defendants if it is determined that an acceptable settlement cannot be obtained via settlement negotiations. Litigation can be an expensive path option, and if possible we will use dispute resolution alternatives do not produce the preferred results. Our philosophy of using the least expensive alternative first usually (but not always) saves our clients money and results in more net cash from your settlement. If your case warrants litigation, we will advise on it, and seek your full cooperation.