What Is My Claim Worth?

Often times individuals who suffer an injury want to handle their own case. One issue that frequently comes up is how do I know what my claim is worth. There is no simple answer to this question.

The value of your claim is dependent upon a lot of factors. Initially there is the question of whether you can meet your burden of proof with regard to establishing that another party was at fault in causing you your injuries. Even if you can establish that another party's fault caused your injuries you have to also be able to prove by the preponderance of evidence each and every item of loss of damage you claim to have suffered. There are certain types of damages that are more difficult than others to prove. For example, damages for pain and suffering often times involve complex medical issues. Before an attorney can give you an opinion with regard to the value of this element of damage the attorney is going to need to have a complete understanding of your medical problem and condition. This would include knowledge of your medical condition prior to the injury as well as after the injury.

In most situations the value of your claim is going to be dependent upon the evidence surrounding several factors. First of all, what medical or other out of pocket expenses have you suffered as a result of your injury? Will you incur medical expenses and other out of pocket expenses in the future as a result of your injury? Have you in the past or will you in the future suffer physical and mental pain and suffering? As a result of the injury have you lost any income or wages in the past? Will your ability to earn money in the future be affected because of the injuries you suffered in your accident? Have you in the past suffered from any loss of bodily function as a result of your injuries? Will you suffer any loss of bodily function in the future as a result of your injures? Finally, did your spouse or your children also suffer as the result of your injuries?

Before you make any decisions with regard to the value of your claim you should make sure that you have a complete understanding of all of the factors that are involved in determining the value of your claim. If you do not have sufficient knowledge or experience in evaluating a claim like yours it is probably in your best interest so seek legal advice or help.