How much is my case worth?
Personal Injury - July 11, 2024
If you are recovering from an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering about the value of your personal injury claim. The financial strain from medical bills, lost wages, damage to your personal property, and other expenses can add up. Working with one of our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys can help you recover your financial health.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value of any settlement or lawsuit outcome is determined primarily by the liability of the individual(s) or organization involved and the severity and types of injury the victim suffered. Based on these factors, your Illinois personal injury attorney can help you calculate a comprehensive settlement that encompasses current and future losses tied to your personal injury claim.
Determining liability in Illinois injury claims
It is critical in all personal injury cases to show that their injuries were caused by another person or entity’s negligence in order to receive a settlement. Claims can be backed by proof such as documentation, police records, camera and video footage, eyewitnesses, and other forms of evidence. Your personal injury lawyer can work with you to collect evidence for a solid case.
In Illinois, personal injury claims, your claim’s value can also be reduced if you were partially responsible for your injuries. A principle called contributory negligence is outlined under Illinois law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which allows you to recover compensation for your injuries as long as you are not found to be more than 50% responsible for the incident. If you were less than 50% responsible, whatever percentage of fault was determined is then reduced from the value of your claim. This allows you to recover compensation still while attempting to be fair to everyone involved.
Types of damages that can be claimed
Two main types of personal injury damages in Illinois can be recovered: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to losses that are directly tied to a financial sum and can be easily proven with documentation such as bills, receipts, invoices, and medical records. Some economic damages include:
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage or repair costs
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate as this category is meant to compensate a victim for things that are not tied directly to a financial sum and cannot be supported by bills, receipts, or invoices. Some examples of non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium with a spouse
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of reputation
What are punitive damages?
Under Illinois law 735 ILCS 5/2-1115.05, punitive damages are awarded in severe cases where the conduct of the defendant is deemed grossly negligent or particularly reprehensible. These damages are awarded by the court simply to punish the defendant and make an example of them to other individuals and organizations that this kind of behavior is not acceptable. Your Chicago injury lawyer may be able to tell you whether or not your case is likely to receive punitive damages, but it will be up to the court to decide.
How much will my personal injury lawyer cost?
Paying a lawyer should be the last thing you need to worry about when you are feeling the financial strain of medical bills and trying to focus on recovering from your injuries. We work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t pay a dime unless we successfully settle your case.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss any questions you might have. Contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates at (800) 985-1819 or contact us online to set up an appointment today.
