How Much is My Case Worth - Car Accident Injury Example
"How much is my case worth?" is a commonly asked question by new clients. Here is part of what goes into a legal evaluation in determining the value of your case:
(1) How certain is liability?
(2) what are your injuries?
(3) do you have any pre-existing injuries/conditions? This may/may not effect case value, and may even increase the value.
(4) what type of medical treatment have you received?
(5) For how long did you receive medical attention?
(6) how much are your medical bills (regardless of whether paid by an insurance company)?
(7) how much time did you miss from work?
(8) what is the amount of insurance for the defendant? yourself?
(9) for how long were you prevented from engaging in your regular social, recreational and family activities?
(10) will you require medical treatment in the future?
(11) are your injuries permanent in nature?
(12) How do you present- are you likable? appealing?
straightforward? nervous?
Answers to these questions can change over time. For example:
- A witness, long missing, may be located by an investigator.
- Medical treatment sought to be avoided may become inevitable.
- Medical treatment may/may not have the hoped for effect.
Most attorneys avoid suggesting the value of a case to a client early on, because we can't control events and don't know what your future holds. All attorneys are, or should be, willing to discuss with you the value of your case as time goes on and their reasons for believing the value of your case to you.
In the final analysis, it is your case, and you will have to make a decision to accept settlement or go to trial.
