What Factors Affect Personal Injury Settlement Amounts?
After an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you may wonder, “What’s my case worth?” At Bruntrager & Billings, P.C., our St. Louis personal injury lawyers know every case is unique, but understanding the factors that influence settlements helps you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions.
The extent of your injuries is often the biggest factor. Catastrophic injuries. like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe burns, typically result in much higher settlements.
Permanent disabilities or disfigurement also increase case value because they affect your long-term quality of life. Soft tissue injuries and whiplash generally result in lower settlements. Insurance companies rely on objective medical evidence, so documented injuries with diagnostic tests are valued higher than subjective complaints.
Your total medical costs directly impact your settlement, including:
Your St. Louis personal injury attorney will work with medical experts to document all current and projected expenses, ensuring your settlement reflects the full scope of your treatment.
If your injury caused you to miss work, you can recover lost income, including past income and any future earning capacity reduced by your injuries. For example, if you cannot return to a physically demanding job, the difference in earnings is factored into your settlement. Self-employed or variable-income individuals can still recover lost wages, though documentation is important.
Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, can be substantial. Factors influencing awards include injury severity, recovery time, permanent limitations, impact on personal relationships, and emotional toll.
The at-fault party’s insurance coverage can limit how much you recover, even if your case is worth more. When coverage is insufficient, your compensation may be capped, and you might need to pursue additional sources, such as the defendant’s personal assets, to fully cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Studies show that accident victims represented by personal injury lawyers recover significantly more than those handling claims alone. Experienced St. Louis personal injury attorneys know how to properly value your claim, gather and present evidence, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
Having a skilled lawyer ensures your case is accurately assessed and increases the likelihood of maximizing your settlement, protecting your rights, and securing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
In Missouri, most personal injury claims must be filed within five years from the date of the injury (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120). Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Settlement values depend on your case facts, evidence, and legal representation. Don’t accept the insurance company’s first offer without knowing your case’s true value. Call Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. at 314-646-0066 or contact us online. Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers will review all factors affecting your claim and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
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