Determining how much a personal injury claim is worth can be complicated.  However, our attorneys concentrate in these types of cases and are exceptionally skilled at properly evaluating cases.  After assessing liability, this is the next and most important step in building a case for you.  

Each case is different, but generally categories of recovery can be summarized as follows:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of a normal life or particular life experiences (such as missed events like a vacation or special occasions or the inability to live normally)
• Permanent or temporary disfigurement
• Emotional damages and continuing stress or psychological distress
• And others

When we work with you to determine the extent and value of your damages we will also help you decide whether we should push for a valuable settlement or force the other party to trial to pay you what you deserve.  You can rely on the fact that our attorneys are experienced litigators who know their way around a courtroom.  This experience and reputation many times will encourage an out of court settlement.  However, in the cases where that is not possible or preferable, your attorney will do what is best for you.

Insurance companies assign adjusters or hire attorneys to represent their own interests.  Their job is to pay you as little as possible.  It is extremely important to have an attorney from Harter & Schottland on your side who knows how to deal with these people and knows how to get you the compensation you deserve. 

Insurance companies have experienced advocates on their behalf trying not to pay you what you are entitled to.  You should have someone in your corner who knows their tactics and the true value of your case.  Determining how much your case is worth depends on many factors and is important to identify early in the case.  Doing so may enable us to recover what you deserve early in the case so your case doesn't languish for months or years. 

We will consider the types of damages explained above, as well as the extent of your damages.  For example, the following factors will lead to a higher recovery:

• Injuries that affect multiple aspects of your life (such as work and home life)
• The more pain the injury has caused and whether it continues to cause pain
• Your medical history
• The more significant your treatment
• The longer your recovery requires
• Any visible scars or visible effects of the injury (such as limping or using a cane or walker)

No matter what your injury or what the basis of recovery is, the important first step is to meet with your attorney at Harter & Schottland.