Insurance companies pay settlements because they have no other alternative, not because it is the right thing to do. The proper value of a claim is established when an experienced trial attorney reviews and interprets the case information, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of past income
- Future medical bills
- The client’s age
- Permanent limitations you now have
- Impact on your future earning capacity
- Activities you no longer do
- Activities you do but no longer enjoy
- Prognosis for further problems
- Strength of lay witness testimony, etc.
A good attorney begins with one goal in mind—what a reasonable jury would award as fair and adequate compensation, but there is no set or average amount.