How a Personal Injury Case Is Valued: What Goes Into the Settlement Number in Missouri
How a Personal Injury Case Is Valued: What Goes Into the Settlement Number in Missouri
When someone is injured due to another party’s negligence, one of the first questions they often have is: “How much is my case worth?” Determining the value of a personal injury claim in Missouri involves a careful review of both tangible and intangible losses. While every case is unique, understanding the key factors that influence settlement amounts can help you set realistic expectations.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses you’ve suffered. These typically include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Income you’ve lost due to time off work.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles or other property.
These costs are supported by documentation such as bills, pay stubs, and expert evaluations.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages account for the emotional and physical toll of the injury, which is harder to quantify. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
In Missouri, juries and insurance adjusters often use past verdicts and settlement comparisons to gauge what similar injuries have been valued at.
Comparative Fault
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were found 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by that percentage.
Insurance Policy Limits and Evidence Strength
The available insurance coverage and the strength of your evidence—such as witness statements, expert opinions, and medical records—also significantly affect the settlement outcome. A strong case supported by clear liability proof typically results in higher compensation.
How Allen Injury Law, LLC Can Help
At Allen Injury Law, LLC, we can provide legal assistance to the Clayton public. Our firm works diligently to ensure that clients receive fair compensation that reflects both their economic losses and personal suffering. Understanding what goes into a case valuation is the first step toward a successful recovery.