Why Do I Need An Attorney? Case Value.

Over the years I’ve had many prospective clients seek my advice about case value. Typically they come to me 12-18 months after an car crash or other type of injury when they’re trying to settle with the the defendant’s insurance company or even their own car insurance company.

In most of those cases, the insurance company is offering them their out-of-pocket expenses and some nominal amount for pain and suffering.

So what are you entitled to if you’ve been injured and someone else is at fault? It’s generally the same in all the states we practice in — DC, Maryland, and Virginia

• The full cost of your medical bills — not just what you paid out of pocket or what your health insurance company paid — the full amount of the bill.

• The full cost of future medical treatment.

• All wage loss associated with your injury and supported by a medical provider. This is true even if you used sick leave, vacation leave, paid time off, or you employer paid you anyway. This amount does not get adjuster for taxes

• Past and future physical pain and suffering

• Past and future mental anguish and emotional distress

• Inconvenience

• Disfigurement and embarrassment associated with scarring or other injuries

• Cost of transportation in connection with injuries and medical treatment

The insurance companies know that you don’t know the value of your own case. They also know that you are probably willing to accept something that seems “fair.” So they will tell you they will reimburse your actual out-of-pocket costs and any wage loss you actually missed out on. They will also under value your pain and suffering.

When an attorney is involved, the insurance companies know from the start that they are dealing with someone who knows what you are entitled to by law. Having an attorney involved will help you maximize your compensation for your injury.