How Much Is Your Case Worth?
If you're
like most people, one of the first things you want to know is how much
your case is worth.
We certainly understand. Unfortunately, at this stage, no one can realistically
predict the value of your case. Before a fair value can be placed on
your case, many facts need to be known. These include how your accident
happened, the extent of your injuries and the kind of recovery expected.
Other important facts which may only be evident later, for example, which
insurance companies are involved, what policies the defendant has in effect,
key witnesses, exact events leading up to the accident, etc. Beware of
anyone who puts a value on your case without knowing all of the facts.
Patience
counts
No reputable attorney can value an injury case until the extent
of your physical and mental recovery from your injuries is known. There
is nothing worse than accepting a settlement only to find that your injuries
have gotten worse. Then it's too late to do anything. Settlements are
final, so patience is absolutely essential.
You may face a difficult time immediately after your accident. You have
bills to pay, you may not be working, and, sometimes, there seems to be
nothing to do. Your case may appear to be going at a snail's pace and
you don't understand why.
The reason is simple. The insurance companies are usually in no hurry
to settle. They earn interest on any settlement money until the time
it's actually paid out. They know from experience that many injured people
are not going to wait to get the best possible settlement. The slowness
of the system often works to their advantage.
It's up to you to decide if you can wait. Waiting is usually the best
policy. But your financial situation or other circumstances may make
it impossible. If you can't wait, you should tell us about any needs that
will require us to attempt a faster-and possibly less valuable-settlemen
Don't
compare apples to oranges
You'll
probably be tempted to compare your case to others you may have read about
in the newspapers or heard about from friends and neighbors. But it's not
a good idea. The value of any particular case is related to so many specific
factors that cases simply cannot be compared.
People with less serious injuries sometimes get more than people with worse
injuries. People who have suffered terrible injuries don't always win large
sums. Look at 20 people with the same type of accident and you will be astonished
at the differences in the amounts they receive. We will be happy to explain
what factors are important in determining the value of your case.
Be aware that the value of your case can change as the legal process unfolds.
If there is a significant change in your injury or if a key piece of evidence
changes, the value of your case may also change dramatically.
That's why it's extremely important that you keep in touch with us as
your case progresses and that we discuss any factors likely to change
the value of your case.
The
system is slow, but it works
The
bad news is that our legal system is slow. The good news is that it gives
you important rights. Remember, you never have to take what any insurance
company thinks you should get. You have the right to a full and fair trial
to determine the amount you should get. You always have the right to say
"no" to any offer and to keep going. It's your case and your future.
At Michael R. Panter & Associates, we will clearly outline the choices
available and then let you make the decision.
Michael R. Panter & Associates
30 N. LaSalle Street
Suite 1524
Chicago, IL 60602
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