“How much is my case worth?” is typically one of the first questions a client asks a lawyer after giving a rundown of the facts of their case. The reality is that there are so many details and specifics that dictate the value of a case, it is nearly impossible to estimate the value of a case on the front end.

Here are some of the different variables we use when determining what is a fair value for our clients:

1. LIABILITY If a jury (or insurance adjuster) sees a dispute about the responsibility of each party for causing the accident, they may apportion (or split up) fault and assign what is known as comparative negligence. The value of your damages can be offset by the percentage of fault assigned to each party. Where liability is in dispute, we use our experience and team of highly qualified experts to investigate and gather evidence to prove liability in your favor.

2. INSURANCE COVERAGE Sadly, in Florida, motorists who are legally insured may still not carry what is known as “bodily injury” liability insurance. No matter how valuable your case is, your ability to recover damages from the other driver may be limited by the amount of their insurance coverage. If the other driver’s policy has low limits, your multimillion-dollar case is worth only as much as the insurance company is contractually obligated to pay. There are other potential sources of recovery. For example, if the other driver was engaged in a work activity for their employer when the accident occurred, the employer’s insurance may cover your damages. Also, as a safeguard, it is important to carry Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM) on your own policy which may provide additional coverage for your personal injury damages. At Spinner Law Firm, we perform a comprehensive investigation to reveal each potential source of insurance coverage.

3. SEVERITY OF INJURIES No matter how minor or how major your accident was, it is up to you as a Plaintiff to prove the injuries that were caused by the crash. If the client experiences an awful accident, but was not seriously injured, the claim for personal injuries is not significant. Conversely, even if a client was in a minor accident but suffer serious and/or life altering injuries, the claim will be worth much more. We will work alongside your medical providers to assure that the severity and permanency of your injuries are properly documented for maximum recovery.

4. MEDICAL BILLS AND DAMAGES In Florida, your initial medical bills are covered in part by your own personal injury protection (“PIP”) coverage up to $10,000. Medical treatment is expensive and when someone is seriously injured, it is likely that their medical expenses will exceed that which is covered by PIP. The medical expenses you’ve incurred for accident-related treatments, and the cost of future medical expenses that you are “reasonably certain” to incur underly the damages you can collect in your personal injury case. In many cases we rely on experts, including life care professionals to calculate the amount of your past and future medical expenses. Other economic damages can be recovered in a personal injury case, including loss of earnings, loss of future earning capacity, loss of spousal support and companionship, and pain and suffering. At Spinner Law Firm, we work hard to develop all the damages suffered in your accident to maximize the value of your case.

GET HELP FROM EXPERIENCED SARASOTA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS As you can see, personal injury cases are very complex, which is why it is in your best interest to have skilled and knowledgeable legal counsel. At Spinner Law Firm, our team of injury attorneys and support staff focus on accident cases day in and day out. We have the experience and resources necessary to fully prosecute your case and we never settle for anything less.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call us today at (941) 269-1111 for a free, in depth, attorney consultation.