How Personal Injury Lawyers in Minnesota Determine the Value of Your Case

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Minnesota, one of your first steps toward recovery might be hiring a Minnesota personal injury attorney. But before you even consider settlement offers or lawsuits, it’s crucial to understand how personal injury lawyers determine the value of your case. The value is based on several key factors, from medical expenses to the impact on your daily life. In this post, we’ll break down the main aspects personal injury lawyers in Minnesota consider when evaluating the worth of your case.

1. Medical Expenses and Future Costs

One of the most important factors in determining the value of your case is the total cost of your medical treatment. This includes emergency room visits, follow-up doctor appointments, surgeries, and physical therapy. A Minnesota Personal Injury Attorney will gather all your medical bills and factor these into the value of your case.

Beyond the current medical expenses, your lawyer will also consider future medical costs. If your injury requires ongoing treatment or therapy, these future costs will be projected and included in the settlement demand. For example, if you are facing lifelong physical therapy for a spinal injury, the cost of these sessions will be considered.

2. Lost Wages and Earning Potential

Injuries can disrupt your ability to work, and a significant part of your case value will come from lost wages. Your Minnesota personal injury attorney will look at how much income you’ve lost since the accident and any future loss of earnings you might incur. If your injury affects your ability to perform your job or forces you to take a lower-paying position, that will also impact the overall value of your case.

If you were temporarily or permanently disabled by the injury, your attorney will assess how the injury impacts your future earning potential. In some cases, this can significantly raise the value of a personal injury case.

3. Pain and Suffering

In addition to financial losses, personal injury cases also account for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. This includes the physical pain caused by the injury, as well as the emotional and psychological distress it may have caused. A Minnesota personal injury attorney will consider how the injury has affected your overall quality of life, your mental health, and your ability to engage in daily activities.

Attorneys typically use a multiplier method to calculate pain and suffering. This involves multiplying your actual damages (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.) by a factor that represents the severity of your injuries. The more severe the injury and its impact on your life, the higher the multiplier, and, consequently, the higher the pain and suffering compensation.

4. Comparative Fault in Minnesota

Minnesota follows a comparative fault rule when it comes to personal injury cases. This means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, the value of your case may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you were 20% at fault in a car accident, the damages awarded could be reduced by 20%.

A skilled Minnesota personal injury attorney will carefully examine the circumstances of the accident to determine whether any shared fault may impact your compensation. Understanding how comparative fault applies to your situation will help your attorney develop a strategy to maximize your potential compensation.

5. Severity and Long-Term Impact of the Injury

The severity of your injury plays a crucial role in determining case value. Some injuries are temporary, while others may cause permanent disability or long-term health complications. For instance, if you suffer from a traumatic brain injury or a severe spinal injury, the long-term consequences may involve lifelong care or permanent disability, which can drastically increase the value of your case.

In addition, if your injury causes significant emotional distress or interferes with your relationships, these factors may be considered as part of the total value of your case.

6. The Role of Insurance Companies and Settlements

Insurance companies often play a significant role in personal injury cases. They will assess the case to determine a fair settlement amount, but their interests typically focus on minimizing the amount paid out. A Minnesota personal injury attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

Attorneys have experience dealing with insurance companies and know how to navigate these negotiations. They’ll also advise you when it’s better to go to trial versus accepting a settlement offer, based on their assessment of the case’s value and the likelihood of a favorable verdict.

7. Expert Testimonies and Evidence

To strengthen your case, personal injury attorneys often enlist experts to provide testimony or evidence regarding the severity of your injuries and their long-term effects. Medical experts, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists can all be called upon to support your claims. For example, medical professionals may testify about the future medical needs associated with your injury, while economists can estimate the lost wages you’ll experience as a result of the accident.

Expert testimony adds credibility and helps personal injury lawyers in Minnesota justify their claims to the court or insurance adjusters.

8. Impact on Your Family

In cases of wrongful death, Minneapolis Wrongful Death Lawyers will consider the emotional and financial impacts of the loss on the surviving family members. The value of the case will reflect not only the deceased person’s medical expenses and lost income but also the grief and suffering experienced by their loved ones. Family members may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, emotional distress, and the financial impact of the death on the household.

Minneapolis wrongful death lawyers often work with grief counselors or financial experts to ensure that all aspects of the family’s loss are considered in the case’s value.

9. Previous Precedents and Case History

Finally, personal injury lawyers will look at previous cases that are similar to yours to assess how much they settled for or what kind of verdict was reached. While no two cases are identical, past case law and settlements can provide insight into what you might expect. Your lawyer will use this information to estimate a fair value for your case, considering how courts and insurers have handled similar injuries and claims in the past.

10. Legal Fees and Expenses

Although not directly tied to the value of your case, your Minnesota personal injury attorney’s fees are an important consideration when deciding whether to pursue a lawsuit or settle. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. The fee typically ranges between 33% to 40% of the settlement amount. However, some cases also require additional costs, such as court fees or the cost of hiring experts, which can be deducted from your award.

Conclusion

The value of a personal injury case in Minnesota depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, the economic losses, the emotional impact, and the strength of the evidence. If you’ve suffered an injury, it’s important to work with a skilled Minnesota personal injury attorney who can evaluate all aspects of your case and advocate for fair compensation.

At Sieben Edmunds Miller, we have years of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases in Minnesota. Our team is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a consultation and find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.