Legal Question in Personal Injury in Florida
Best way to search for settled cases?
I am currently trying to settle with a large insurance company for an incident in which I sustained a back injury. Understanding that there are many factors to consider, my question is simply this - my attorney indicated he reviewed a few cases and determined there was a wide settlement range given my circumstances ($15K to $125K respectively). Is there any way that I can do some of my own research of settled cases to validate his findings? If so, where? As time goes on (it has been over a year) I continue to see how the injury is affecting my life in ways I previously had not seen and I simply would like to feel comfortable that what we settle on is reasonable. Thanks.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Best way to search for settled cases?
Settlement figures do vary widely. If you look at 'jury verdict research' at the law library you will see cases evaluated by injury. This will not be of much help since the cases are given on the basis of jury awards not settlment figures which are less. This will help make your case worth more: pictures of the accident scene, good medical reports, your social standing,and a pain diary where you can list all the daily problems (to name a few) . You may also decide to mediate the case-a formal settlement conference. You may want to do this in order to hear how the insurance company evaluates the case and mediatator will give valuable insights as well. You are not required to settle at a mediation but you may have an idea should you decide your case should go to trial. Just about 98% of cases are settled rather than going through the trial. process and it uncertainity. Hope this helps.
Re: Best way to search for settled cases?
Look for something called the florida jury verdict reporter.
Re: Best way to search for settled cases?
Your atty is correct. Every back injury case is unique. You can validate the range he suggested by submitting the facts to Jury Verdict Research Service of Horsham PA and getting a computerized custom response or referring to their book. Their answer will probably match your attys opinion as back injuries are the most difficult to quantify.Your atty is the best source for an opinion as he knows the local area, the quality of your doctors opinions and your ability to convey your injury to a jury. No computer can match the human ability of an experienced atty.
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