One of the first questions most accident victims ask is: How much is my case worth? While every case is different, there are common factors that lawyers use to estimate the value of a personal injury claim.
Types of Damages
Your claim’s value comes from two main types of damages:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life.
At National Injury Attorneys, experienced litigators walk clients through both economic and emotional losses to determine full case value.
Key Factors That Affect Case Value
- Severity of Injury: More serious or permanent injuries result in higher compensation.
- Medical Costs: Extensive treatment increases the overall value.
- Liability: If the other party is clearly at fault, your odds of a strong settlement rise.
- Insurance Coverage: The defendant’s policy limits often cap how much you can collect.
- Your Age and Occupation: A younger person with a high-income job may be entitled to more lost earning potential.
According to Morgan & Morgan, documenting every aspect of how the injury has affected your life is essential to maximizing value.
Settlement Ranges
While small claims may settle for a few thousand dollars, serious injuries can bring settlements or verdicts well into the six or seven figures. For example:
- Minor car accident: $3,000–$25,000
- Broken bones or surgery: $50,000–$200,000
- Catastrophic injury or brain damage: $500,000–$5,000,000+
As noted by NAOPIA, verdicts and settlements can vary by region, judge, and jury demographics.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
Online calculators are rarely accurate. To get a true estimate, speak with a qualified attorney who understands the complexities of injury claims. Sites like Lawfirm.com provide tools to connect with local and national personal injury lawyers.
Trial vs. Settlement
While most personal injury cases settle, going to trial may lead to higher compensation if liability is clear and damages are high. Ben Crump Law is known for litigating high-value cases and securing substantial jury awards that reflect the full scope of a client’s suffering.
