How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

"How much is my case worth?" It's the first question most personal injury clients ask—and for good reason. You've been hurt, you're missing work, medical bills are piling up, and you need to know if pursuing a claim is worth your time.

The honest answer: It depends. But this guide will explain exactly what factors determine your case value and give you a realistic idea of what to expect.

The Two Types of Damages

Personal injury compensation falls into two main categories:

Economic Damages (The Easy Math)

These are your actual, calculable losses:

• Medical expenses — Past and future doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medication, medical equipment
• Lost wages — Income you've lost while recovering
• Lost earning capacity — If your injury prevents you from earning what you used to
• Property damage — Vehicle repair or replacement
• Out-of-pocket costs — Transportation to appointments, home modifications, etc.

Economic damages are relatively straightforward to calculate. You add up your bills and lost income.

Non-Economic Damages (The Harder Math)

These are your intangible losses:

• Pain and suffering — Physical pain from your injuries
• Mental anguish — Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment — Inability to do activities you enjoyed before
• Loss of consortium — Impact on your relationship with your spouse
• Disfigurement — Scarring or permanent physical changes

Non-economic damages are harder to quantify. How do you put a dollar value on pain? This is where experienced attorneys earn their fee—they know how to document and argue for maximum non-economic damages.

Factors That Increase Case Value

1. Severity of Injuries

The more serious your injuries, the more your case is worth. A broken leg that heals completely is worth less than a spinal cord injury that leaves you paralyzed.

High-value injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Permanent disabilities
• Injuries requiring surgery

2. Clear Liability

If the other party is clearly at fault, your case is stronger. Disputed liability reduces case value because there's a risk you'll lose at trial.

Clear liability examples:

• Rear-end collisions (almost always the rear driver's fault)
• Drunk driving accidents
• Running red lights captured on camera
• Violations of safety regulations

3. Good Documentation

Cases with strong evidence are worth more. This includes:

• Medical records showing consistent treatment
• Photos of injuries and accident scene
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Expert testimony

4. Impact on Daily Life

If your injury significantly affects your ability to work, care for yourself, or enjoy life, your case is worth more. A hand injury to a pianist is more valuable than the same injury to someone who works at a desk.

5. Insurance Coverage

Unfortunately, you can't get blood from a stone. If the at-fault party has minimal insurance and no assets, your recovery is limited—even if your injuries are severe.

Types of coverage that matter:

• Liability coverage (the other driver's policy)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (your own policy)
• Umbrella policies
• Commercial insurance (if a company is liable)

Factors That Decrease Case Value

1. Pre-Existing Conditions

If you had a back problem before the accident, the insurance company will argue your current pain is from the old injury, not the new accident.

But here's the good news: Under Texas law, defendants take plaintiffs "as they find them." If you had a vulnerable back and the accident made it worse, you can still recover for the aggravation.

2. Gaps in Treatment

If you don't see a doctor for weeks after the accident, or skip appointments during recovery, insurance companies will argue you must not be that hurt.

Tip: Follow all medical advice. Go to every appointment. Don't give insurers ammunition.

3. Inconsistent Statements

If you told the police one thing and your doctor another, the insurance company will use those inconsistencies against you. Always be honest and consistent.

4. Social Media Posts

That photo of you smiling at your kid's birthday party? The insurance company will use it to argue you're not really in pain. Be extremely careful about what you post online.

5. Your Own Fault

Texas follows "modified comparative fault." If you're partly at fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're more than 50% at fault, you get nothing.

Settlement Ranges (Rough Estimates)

Every case is unique, but here are rough ranges based on injury severity:

Minor injuries (soft tissue, no surgery):

$5,000 - $25,000

Moderate injuries (broken bones, minor surgery):

$25,000 - $100,000

Serious injuries (major surgery, long recovery):

$100,000 - $500,000

Severe injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputation):

$500,000 - $5,000,000+

Wrongful death:

$500,000 - $10,000,000+

Remember: These are rough estimates. Your case could be worth more or less depending on the specific facts.

How Insurance Companies Calculate Offers

Insurance adjusters use various methods to calculate settlement offers:

The Multiplier Method

Some adjusters multiply your medical expenses by a number (usually 1.5 to 5) based on injury severity, then add lost wages.

Example: $20,000 in medical bills × 3 = $60,000 + $10,000 lost wages = $70,000 offer

Computer Programs

Many insurers use software like Colossus to generate settlement values based on injury codes and other factors. These programs often undervalue claims.

Just Lowballing

Let's be honest: Insurance companies often just offer whatever they think you'll accept. They know unrepresented plaintiffs often take the first offer—even if it's far below fair value.

Why You Need a Lawyer to Maximize Value

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, investigators, and lawyers whose job is to minimize what they pay you. You need someone on your side who:

• Knows what your case is really worth
• Can document and prove your damages
• Understands how to negotiate effectively
• Is willing to go to trial if necessary

Studies consistently show that plaintiffs with attorneys receive significantly higher settlements than those without—even after attorney fees.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation

Stop wondering what your case is worth. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We'll review your situation, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment of your claim's value.