What is my injury case worth?
That is the burning question for most injury victims. If you are going to go to the trouble of pursuing a lawsuit, you want to know how much money you stand to win so you can decide if it is worth it to you. Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy answer to that question or magic formula for calculating the value of your case. Each personal injury case is unique and there are multiple factors which can affect how much you will receive.
Economic and Noneconomic Damages
Calculating the economic and noneconomic damages involved in your case is one part of determining what you case is worth. Economic damages are fairly straightforward because they are attached to a specific dollar amount. Your expenses, such as medical expenses, lost income, and lost earning capacity are examples of economic damages.
Noneconomic damages are more elusive. These are the damages that do not have a specific dollar value, such as your pain and suffering, and the inability to participate in the activities that you enjoyed before you were injured, such a playing sports or playing with your kids. As attorneys, we have to make a compelling case for noneconomic damages.
Were You Partly to Blame?
In Connecticut you can sue for your injuries even if you were partly to blame, as long as you were no more than 50% at fault for your injuries. Your compensation will be reduced by a percentage equal to your percentage of fault.
Many Other Gray Areas
Aside from those basic factors which can help determine the value of your case, there are many other factors which will determine what it is worth in the end. Some examples include:
- Jury perceptions of you and of the defendant which can be influenced by your relative ages and likeability
- Expense of properly pursuing your case
- Quality and persuasiveness of testimony from doctors and expert witnesses
- Insurance limits and defendant’s ability to pay
If you have been injured in the Hartford, Connecticut area, please contact the Hartford injury attorneys of Hastings, Cohan, and Walsh, LLP, right away to find out if you may be entitled to monetary compensation.