What is my case worth? It very much depends. A number of factors are taken into consideration when determining the value of a case, many of which cannot be determined at the outset. Therefore, certain specific guidance can be given, subject to some major exceptions. At the outset of your case, discussions concerning value are likely to be inherently limited by several unknowns. Nevertheless, they can help you understand the factors that are taken into account when your case can be resolved. It is important to know that the full extent of your damages are unknown and you should not settle your case until you have reached maximum medical improvement, meaning either no additional treatment is needed or additional treatment will not improve your condition. Once you have finished treating, an experienced attorney can start to more accurately determine the value of your case based on the documented liability and injuries and damages.
Liability: You must be able to prove that your injuries were caused by another party's negligence. The clearer the liability, such as the other driver blasted through a red light, the stronger your case is. Even in cases that appear to have clear liability, many aspects of your liability case often need to be investigated and documented early on.
Damages: There are two types of damages: 1) Economic damages, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and out of pocket expenses; and 2)Non-economic damages, which cover pain and suffering. Other economic and non-economic damages such as loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment of life may be recoverable as well.
Other factors that are often taken into consideration are the severity and permanence of your injury and any disability, the severity of the impact, credibility as a witness, the location of your accident, and the location of the defendant.
For more specific information on what your case may be worth, please contact the experienced injury attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys for your FREE no obligation consultation at 816-471-5111.