Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Re: What is an appropriate settlement amount?

it is very easy for any of us on this board to second guess your attorney. not knowing all of the facts and factors, however, no one can, for sure, tell you that he/she is right or wrong. yes, it is true that for the last several years, jury verdicts, especially on auto cases, have declined, the value of each case is different, and depends upon what tangible residual injuries your wife's treating doctors can convince the jury about.

any of us here would need to know the above, as well as review the medical reports, the defense expert's reports, etc.

Re: What is an appropriate settlement amount?

Mr. King is right. There are many factors involved, including the nature & extent of her injuries, their lasting effects, the defendant's ability to pay, etc. You need an experienced serious injury attorney who will maximize the recovery to your wife. Best wishes and feel free to contact me with any questions at no cost.

Re: What is an appropriate settlement amount?

There are not enough facts to help you on the evaluation of the case. On it's face, it sounds a little low. There is a book called O'Brian's Evaluator which lists all the jury verdicts in California and some settlements. We have these for the past 5 years if you would like to review them. Make sure your attorney is an experienced personal injury attorney willing to take your case to trial if you do not get the settlement you are looking for. Good luck.

Steven R. Kuhn

Attorney/Mediator

Law Offices of Kuhn & Belz

30900 Rancho Viejo Road

Suite 230

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-1771

(949) 218-6600 Ex. 101

(949) 218-6500 (Fax)

[email protected]

www.kuhnbelz.com

Re: What is an appropriate settlement amount?

$60,000 is pretty low given the injuries you describe. In my view this is a 6 figure verdict even in Orange County.

You may want to consider changing attorneys to one more enthusiastic about the idea of trying this case.

By the way, you don't mention the amount of insurance coverage. This may be a factor coloring your attorney's recommendation.

Also, it is possible to negotiate the medical liens to reduce the amounts so as to enable the settlement to occur.

Hope this helps. Obviously, this opinion is based upon the facts as you present them in your question. The evidence may be more equivocable. This would also affect any attorneys recommendations regarding settlement.