Legal Question in Personal Injury in Wisconsin
Settlement concerns for an ongoing P.I. claim
Several months ago I was involved in a roll over car accident that was not my fault. As a result, two tendons in my left hand were cut (I'm right handed), the index, which was severe requiring immediate surgery, 2 months of therapy, and light duty from work until the end of winter. The other cut, on my ring finger, was less severe and wasn't discovered until after the therapy on the index, but it did require surgery. Those two fingers are slightly deformed and they still hurt. All in all, I lost 5 months from my job (which is outside work) totaling over $32,000 and medical bills at over $11,500. My question is: What dollar amount range should I expect my settlement to be? My lawyer has kept me in the dark about this issue and I think I can understand why, however I�m the one who has lost everything and I�m trying to gain an understanding of what I may receive. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Settlement concerns for an ongoing P.I. claim
It is difficult to answer a question about the settlement value of a claim without knowing ALL of the facts. There are many factors that enter into making such a determination. I think you will have to trust your lawyer to give you the advice you are seeking.
Re: Settlement concerns for an ongoing P.I. claim
Of course the standard plaintiff's attorneys
often use for a good result would be three
times the amount of your out of pocket
expenses. Insurance adjusters will argue
for a lower amount, especially if there
is any doubt on such issues as fault, causation or
reasonableness of the medical care. Your
disfigurement, however, puts your claim
into an entirely different ballpark and
could increase its value significantly. Feel
free to send me a private e-mail for any
further details. On a claim this size,
you should definitely be represented, since
you will be going up against a professional
claims adjuster who does nothing but settle
claims, making the negotiation pretty
one sided if you lack such experience yourself.
Although they are often decent and caring people,
claims adjusters are seldom rewarded by
their employers for settling claims for
too much money.
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