Attorney Tony Georgelis is a contributor to a local publication, the Hempfield Roundtable, which is distributed through Hempfield School District to Hempfield area residents. The most recent article featured a topic that is often inquired about at our law firm –“What is my personal injury case worth?”
Here’s his answer, as seen in the most recent edition of the Hempfield Roundtable.
What is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
As a personal injury attorney, one of the most common questions I get asked, by clients and non-clients, alike, is, “How do you know what a bodily injury claim is worth?” Before I endeavor to give and explain my answer, I always preface it with the same caveat: Each and every case is unique,
as there are a host of variables that factor into a valuation, such that there is no specific formula for calculating the amount of financial compensation awardable to an injured party.
Factors that Come into Play in a Personal Injury Case
One of these variables is the individual, or body, who/which is making this assessment—i.e., a judge, jury, attorney or insurance claims adjuster. Another is whether or not there is any comparative negligence on the part of the injured party, which reduces the value of a claim proportionately. Yet
another factor that can ultimately influence how much compensation an individual receives is whether, and how much, insurance coverage actually exists and is available (for instance, in the context of a motor vehicle accident, the injured party’s tort designation—limited versus full—can
play a significant role in the outcome of a claim).
But for purposes of this article, I am going to focus on the factors that are largely within the purview and under the control of an injured party and their legal counsel. These variables, or types of legal damages or losses, can include, but are not limited to:
- the nature and severity of the injuries
- the type and cost of presently necessary, and potentially future necessary, medical treatment
- any income loss sustained
- any out-of-pocket medical and other expenses incurred
- the existence and amount of any health insurance, workers’ compensation or other liens/subrogation interests/rights of reimbursement
- past, present and potential future pain and suffering endured;
and, any loss of life’s pleasures.
This information and evidence, and how it is presented, will go a long way in determining the value of a bodily injury claim. Giving the vast permutations of these factors their due explanation would go well beyond the confines of this writing.
Why Should I Have a Personal Injury Attorney after an Accident?
In closing, however, there is one more important point I will make. In my
opinion, there are extremely few instances where an injured party can resolve their bodily injury claim on their own for more money than they would receive if the right attorney was involved on their behalf, even after taking the lawyer’s fee into consideration.
In other words, by involving a skillful, well-reputed and experienced personal injury attorney to handle your bodily injury claim, in a timely manner (the sooner, the better following an accident)—again, in my opinion—you are almost assured of putting more money in your pocket when all is said and done. This, I believe, is the case even after paying the lawyer’s fee (which, in almost all personal injury cases, is contingent upon, and a percentage of, the ultimate financial recovery).
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Lancaster, Pa.
So, in the unfortunate event of an accident, consider seeking out the right personal injury attorney to represent you. You really have nothing to lose but the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Injured? You can reach out to us 24/7 via our forms on our website, through a live chat, or by dialing 717-394-3004.
