Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

personnel injury

How do you come to a settlement cost for a civil case. Our lawyer asked us, ''How much will you settle for'', no figures have been said, approx $10.000 in medical bills, i was assualted by security police. We have a settlement hearing coming up, and this question has been asked, how is a monetary amount put on, humilition,pain and suffering,mental and physical ailments, with more operations, possibly, i have had one to date because of broken nose. I guess what im asking where do you start on dollar figure?


Asked on 9/16/07, 10:44 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert L. Bennett Law offices of Robert L. Bennett

Re: personnel injury

This is just a rough answer, especially because you already have an attorney, and he or she should have quietly given you the time to answer all of your questions.

You can always hire, or fire, a lawyer, so I would insist upon answers that explain the matter to you, so you and your family can come to an informed decision. If you are not fully satisfied, consider replacing your lawyer. However, possibly you never told your lawyer you have no idea what you would settle for, because, you don't know about what amount would be appropriate to ask for?

Now, a very general answer would be to take your medical bills, plus lost wages, and multiply by three to ten times, BUT that doesn't include the possibility of permanent injuries, or that you may have been at fault in causing some of the problems. Also, remember, once you settle, the case is OVER. You cannot go back, and ask for more money.

My guess would be a minimum of $20,000 (twice medical bills so far) and I won't begin to guess at a maximum for all the unanswered variables above.

Talk to your lawyer. Follow you lawyer's advice, or find another attorney. Chances are, your lawyer is doing a good job, and you two haven't communicated properly.

Good luck!

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Answered on 9/23/07, 11:08 pm
Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: personnel injury

If you cannot discuss this issue to your satisfaction with your lawyer, you have the wrong lawyer. Talk to him or her, or change lawyers.

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Answered on 9/23/07, 11:59 pm


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