A personal injury can leave a victim with substantial medical bills, pain and suffering, and time out of work for treatment and recovery. These are just a few components that can translate into cash damages for an injury victim. However, determining the exact value of an injury case is not as straightforward as it might seem. 

Why It’s Difficult to Establish a Value

During an initial consultation, most people will ask the lawyer how much they can expect to be awarded if their case is successful. At this early stage, the attorney will need to gather a lot more information before they can assign a dollar amount. They first need to launch their own investigation into the claim to determine the merits. This involves evaluating the quality and amount of evidence, including witness statements and medical evaluations.

They will then calculate forthright costs, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and more ambiguous costs, including emotional distress and loss of companionship.

Their final step will be to research similar personal injury cases and statutes. While no attorney can guarantee an outcome, understanding how they should apply relevant laws and how past cases were resolved can help them evaluate your claims.

If your lawyer is comfortable sharing a typical range for cases similar to yours, remember that the information represents just one of many possible outcomes. Manage your expectations and be open to ultimately accepting a higher or lower amount.

How You Can Try to Get the Most Value Out of a Claim

If your wish to obtain an exact case value stems from concerns over having the funds to pay your attorney, find a lawyer who works on contingency. Many injury attorneys work this way, only accepting payment if they win your case or get you a favorable settlement.

Working on a contingency ensures they are focused on getting you the most beneficial results, and it can help relieve some of the money-related stress that often follows a personal injury.

When you need a personal injury attorney, contact Bellotti Law Group, P.C. Their lawyers, who work on contingency, have been serving the Boston, MA, area for more than 25 years. They offer representation in all types of personal and work injury claims. Call (617) 778-1000 to schedule a free consultation and visit their website for more information about the personal injury claims process.