What Is My Case Worth?
Quick Answer
Case value is driven by the severity and permanence of the injury, total past and future medical costs, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, the strength of liability evidence, and — critically — the insurance limits actually available to pay the claim.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent impairment increases value far more than bill totals alone.
- A strong liability record raises value; disputed fault lowers it.
- No responsible lawyer values a case before reviewing the records.
The Components of Value
Economic damages are calculable: bills, projected care, wage records, and vocational loss. Non-economic damages are argued from the documented effect on your daily function, relationships, and independence.
The Ceiling Nobody Mentions
If the responsible party carries $25,000 in coverage and has no collectible assets, the claim's practical value is capped unless another defendant, an excess policy, or your own UM coverage exists. Finding those layers is where value is often created.