If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the process and your rights is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve. At Joel E. Brown, P.C., we are committed to helping Illinois accident victims navigate personal injury claims. One of the most common questions we address concerns the average amount that personal injury cases settle for.
The average settlement for a personal injury case in Illinois can vary greatly. Each case is unique, so settlement amounts depend largely on the specifics of each case.
What Factors Affect the Value of My Personal Injury Settlement?
Several key factors can influence the value of a personal injury settlement in Illinois. These factors are used by both the insurance company and the courts to determine the total amount of compensation you can receive.
Here are the primary factors that can impact the settlement amount of your personal injury case:
- Severity of Injuries. The extent and seriousness of your injuries are often the most significant factor in determining the value of your case. Severe injuries typically lead to higher settlements due to the long-term or permanent consequences they impose. Life-changing injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries can require ongoing medical treatment and costly rehabilitation.
- Medical Costs. The amount of medical expenses you incur as a result of the accident will directly affect the value of your settlement. This can include your current medical bills, estimated future medical costs, and your out-of-pocket expenses for transportation or medical supplies.
- Pain and Suffering. Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries. Unlike medical costs or lost wages, pain and suffering are non-economic damages. This means they don’t have a direct monetary value. However, these damages are a significant part of any personal injury claim.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity. If your injuries prevent you from working or impact your ability to earn in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduction in your earning capacity.
- Degree of Fault. In Illinois, the comparative negligence rules apply. This means that if you were partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 25% at fault for an accident, and your damages are $100,000, your total damages would be reduced to $75,000.
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that your damages are properly evaluated. Your lawyer will pursue appropriate compensation for your injuries, while defending you from unfair blame for your accident.
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
The key elements of a valid claim include:
- The at-fault party. Someone else must be responsible for the accident.
- Injuries sustained. You must have sustained physical or emotional injuries.
- Causation. Your injuries must be directly linked to the other party’s negligence.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate the details of your case. Your lawyer can help you understand if pursuing a claim is in your best interest.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. An Illinois personal injury attorney can help you with the claims process to secure the compensation you truly deserve. You don’t need to face recovering from your accident alone.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers At Joel E. Brown, P.C. in Peoria, IL for Assistance Today
To learn more, contact our skilled personal injury attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main Street Suite 1300, Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7