How to Calculate the Value of Your Personal Injury Case
There are many factors that determine the value of your injury case. Minor injuries may be worth thousands of dollars. More severe injuries can result in settlements that are worth millions of dollars. When evaluating your personal injury case in Michigan, you should consider the following factors which will determine the amount of the financial recovery:
Severity of Harm and Losses
- The severity and type of injuries you sustained
- The length of your recovery period
- Whether you will need ongoing medical treatment and future care
- If you suffered any permanent disabilities, scars or disfigurements
- The impact of your injuries on your ability to work and enjoy life
- The value of your economic damages including medical bills and wage loss
Keep in mind that not all injuries are immediately apparent. Some injuries can take time to develop and diagnose. It is important to have your injuries documented by medical professionals as soon as possible.
Is the Other Party Collectible or Have Adequate Insurance Coverage
The insurance company only has a legal obligation to pay up to the insurance policy limits stated in the insurance declaration page of the negligent party. Policies with higher insurance will likely result in larger settlements. If the damages exceed the policy limits, the defendant's personal assets may be used to pay additional compensation to the injured parties. However, there are many limitations on what assets may be attached to satisfy a judgment and most at-fault parties are not collectible above the insurance policy limits that are available.
Liability and Negligence of the Other Party
Aggravated liability such as accidents involving a drunk driver or distracted driver on a cell phone may increase the value of a case. Other factors that can increase or reduce the value of your personal injury case are as follows:
- Failing to seek prompt medical treatment: If you wait too long to see a physician, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are unrelated or not serious.
- Sharing information on social media: Insurance adjusters and attorneys will likely look for posts contradicting your injury claims. Avoid discussing your accident on social media platforms.
- Comparative Fault: If you were guilty of some level of fault that caused or contributed to the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your fault as determined by a jury.
What to Do If You Suffer an Injury from a Motor Vehicle Accident
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury from a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, or rideshare accident you may be entitled to compensation from the person or company whose negligent conduct caused the injury. You should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explain your legal rights under the law. The consultation is free!
Our personal injury law firm in Ann Arbor has been helping injured parties throughout the state of Michigan for more than 45 years.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to what matters most about your case and how we work.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value of your personal injury case depends on several factors including the severity of your injuries, length of recovery, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent disabilities, insurance policy limits, and the degree of negligence by the at-fault party. Minor injuries may be worth thousands while severe injuries can result in settlements worth millions of dollars.
What factors reduce the value of a personal injury claim?
Several factors can reduce your claim value: failing to seek prompt medical treatment (which allows insurers to argue injuries aren't serious), sharing information on social media that contradicts your injury claims, and comparative fault (where your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault in causing the accident).
What if the at-fault party doesn't have enough insurance?
Insurance companies are only legally obligated to pay up to the policy limits. If damages exceed these limits, the defendant's personal assets may be used for additional compensation. However, most at-fault parties are not collectible above available insurance policy limits due to legal limitations on asset attachment.
How does liability affect my case value?
Aggravated liability situations, such as accidents involving drunk drivers or distracted drivers using cell phones, may increase your case value. Clear negligence by the other party strengthens your claim and can lead to higher settlements.
When should I contact a personal injury attorney?
You should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Early legal consultation ensures your rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and injuries are properly documented. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case.
Our record speaks to those we've helped in Michigan
Numbers that speak to our commitment to our Clients and our Community
Our track record reflects years of hard work and dedication to our clients' recovery.
Schedule a Free Case EvaluationYears of trial work and case victories
Successful outcomes for injured clients
In damages recovered for our clients
Our rating on Google Reviews
Schedule a Free Case Review with a Lawyer
Don't face this alone. Let us review your case and show you what's possible. We never charge legal fees unless we recover damages on your behalf and the initial consultation is free as well. Reach out to us today.
Adrienne D. Logeman
Partner
James A. Iafrate
Partner
What Our Clients Say About Us
Cases won, lives changed, and we are happy to have helped each one of our clients.
If I could give them 100 stars I would!
"At the lowest point in my life they were there for me and got more than I expected. Mr. Logeman was amazing and Cheryl his assistant was so caring and professional. I would recommend them to anyone with a personal injury or accident. They went above and beyond for my son and I. I will forever be in their debt!"
They did wonderfully in winning our case!
"We were referred for a personal injury motorcycle accident. We had no idea even where to begin, but the caring and professional team reassured us and took off a lot of stress. They did wonderfully in winning our case, and were always great at communicating where the case was at and what was needed. I would highly recommend and if we were to ever need their services again, I wouldn't think twice about calling them up."
I could not have asked for better representation!
"Adrienne Logeman is an exceptional auto injury attorney. Adrienne put me at ease and explained every step of the process. She was composed, professional, polite and extremely competent. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in our favor. I could not have asked for better representation and care. I am very thankful for her. An incredible experience."
I truly believe you could not find a better firm to work with.
"Jim Iafrate and his staff are wonderful to work with, professional, compassionate, and do everything in their power when working on your case. I was always part of the process as communication was timely. Additionally, they know the law and will not be bullied by big insurance companies."
Jim was always available when we needed him to answer questions!
"Jim handled our case resulting from a very bad automobile accident. Both my husband and I were injured. He is very personable and efficient. He came to our home to get the details of the accident and continued to provide excellent handling of our case to the end when he reached an excellent settlement for us. We feel we became friends during this whole process."
I cannot recommended them highly enough!
"I'm so grateful to Logeman & Iafrate for taking care of my legal needs for my case. The entire staff are exceptional, professional, communicate well during the entire process."
By far the best lawyer I've ever had!
"I had the pleasure of Jim Iafrate representing me. He was professional, had excellent communication skills and is trustworthy. He always kept me up to date, was responsive and worked diligently. His abilities enabled us to settle my case in a timely manner. Thanks for your hard work Jim!"
I can not say enough about this firm they continue to advocate for me!
"I was in 2 different catastrophic car accidents. Jim Iafrate has been my attorney for many years. I can say that without a doubt he is the best attorney in this field. Jim and his staff are professional and compassionate. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a attorney that has been in a car accident. Jim will go above and beyond for his clients."
My wife and I strongly recommend this law firm and are grateful for all their efforts.
"The attorneys at Logeman, Iafrate and Logeman were absolutely fantastic and professional in handling our case from a severe automobile accident. They provided constant support and guidance in making sure all of our medical needs were met. The staff at this firm was so helpful in all aspects of the case and subsequent trial and settlement."
I know that we can always trust their advice!
"I work with individuals that have suffered a brain injury because of an auto accident. This law practice has always been an amazing resource for them. They always put their clients first and I know that we can always trust their advice."
I would recommend James and his office to anyone!
"James and his team worked right beside our entire family during the whole process and even after. James was always available and fought hard to get my family what we deserved. He didn't back down and was uplifting through the entire process. Not only was I proud to have him as our lawyer, we were even prouder that we can now call him a friend."
Logeman & Iafrate, P.C.
2950 S State St Ste 400, Ann Arbor, MI 48104