Determining the Value of a Personal Injury Case

If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, there’s a good chance you’re wondering how much you will be able to recover. As a victim, it’s extremely important to understand that determining the value of a personal injury claim is a complicated issue, and insurance companies actively take steps to limit the amount of money they pay out. These two factors combined make it highly advisable for you to retain a St. Louis personal injury attorney as soon as you can to protect your legal rights. 

In Missouri and Illinois, You Can Recover for Both Your Economic and Non-Economic Losses

Under state law in both Illinois and Missouri, people who are injured by the negligence of others are typically entitled to compensation for all of their accident-related losses. Compensable losses include both economic losses, like bills that you incur because of your accident, and non-economic losses, like the pain you experience as a result of your injuries. Examples of specific losses that you may be able to pursue after an accident include: 

• Lost income
• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Lost quality of life

• Physical impairment
• Disability
• Disfigurement

As an accident victim, it’s critical to understand that establishing your losses is not as simple as putting together a stack of medical bills and forwarding them to the insurance company. First of all, there are various ways to value non-economic losses like pain and suffering and lost quality of life, and insurance companies will not think twice about taking advantage of unrepresented parties by making them unreasonably low offers.  

In addition, it’s critical that you consider the fact that physical injuries can result in losses well into the future for which you should be compensated. For example, people who suffer spinal cord injuries often develop long-term medical issues that may never resolve. In fact, according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the lifetime costs for a 25-year-old living with high tetraplegia is in excess of $4.7 million. In cases like these, it’s vital for accident victims retain an experienced attorney who has the resources to work with experts who can estimate the long-term economic and non-economic losses associated with their injuries. Failing to do so could result in accepting a settlement far below the actual value of their cases and significant compensated losses. Remember – once you accept a settlement offer from an insurance company, it’s nearly impossible to reopen the case and get more money for your accident-related losses. 

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Injury Attorney in St. Louis 

At Bruntrager & Billings, we are committed to making sure that injury victims are compensated for all of their accident-related injuries. We are tough negotiators and skilled litigators who understand what it takes to get insurance companies to pay out. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our St. Louis personal injury lawyers, call our office today at 314-646-0066 or send us an email through our online contact form.