GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
What is my Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Frank Penney • December 11, 2024
Figuring out the potential value of a personal injury case can feel overwhelming. It all comes down to the type and severity of the injuries, along with the financial and emotional toll they’ve taken. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand how settlements or verdicts might be estimated under California law. Keep in mind that these figures are general ranges and can vary widely based on the details of each case.
Types of Injuries and Typical Settlement Ranges
Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Sprains, Strains)
Range: $5,000 to $25,000+
Details: Settlements for minor injuries with limited medical costs may be on the lower end, while cases requiring extensive therapy could increase the payout.
Broken Bones or Fractures
Range: $15,000 to $75,000+
Details: Fractures that need surgery or have long-term effects, such as limiting your ability to work, often lead to higher settlements.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Mild TBI (e.g., concussions): $50,000 to $150,000+
Severe TBI: $500,000 to $2,000,000+
Details: If the injury results in permanent cognitive impairment, loss of motor skills, or a need for ongoing care, settlements can increase dramatically. Tools like "Day in the Life" videos are often used to show the daily struggles of victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Herniated or Bulging Discs (non-surgical): $50,000 to $100,000+
Severe Spine Injuries (surgical or paralysis): $500,000 to $2,000,000+
Details: Surgical costs (ranging from $50,000 to $150,000) and the need for long-term care are significant factors that can drive up settlement amounts.
Shoulder Injuries (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tears)
Non-Surgical Cases: $25,000 to $75,000+
Cases Requiring Surgery: $150,000 to $400,000+
Details: Severe mobility loss or inability to work adds value to these cases.
Knee Injuries (e.g., ACL, Meniscus Tears)
Non-Surgical Cases: $15,000 to $50,000+
Cases Requiring Surgery: $100,000 to $300,000+
Details: Long-term complications like arthritis or reduced mobility can significantly raise settlements.
Permanent Disfigurement or Scarring
Range: $50,000 to $1,000,000+
Details: Factors include the scar’s location and visibility, emotional distress, and reconstructive surgery costs.
Wrongful Death
Range: $500,000 to $3,000,000+
Details: Settlements take into account the deceased’s age, earning potential, and the emotional and financial impact on surviving family members.
How Medical Bills Impact Case Value
Medical bills often act as a baseline for calculating damages. Lawyers and insurers sometimes use a "multiplier method" to estimate the total settlement amount based on medical expenses.
Examples:
- $5,000 in Medical Bills: $10,000 to $25,000 settlement (2x–5x multiplier, depending on pain and suffering).
- $50,000 in Medical Bills: $75,000 to $100,000+ settlement.
- $200,000+ in Medical Bills: $300,000 to $500,000+, especially for severe injuries requiring long-term care.
Non-Economic Damages Can Boost Value
In California, damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress can significantly increase the value of a case. These are often higher for severe injuries or wrongful death cases.
Example:
A spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis might include over $1,000,000 in non-economic damages alone.
Example:
A wrongful death case involving the loss of a spouse could result in millions for loss of companionship and emotional support.
The Role of Insurance Policy Limits
The at-fault party’s insurance often determines the maximum recoverable amount, but there are ways to seek additional compensation:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Your own policy might cover gaps if the other driver’s insurance is insufficient.
- Multiple Defendants: If more than one party is at fault, your total recovery could increase.
Let Frank Penney Injury Law Help You
Understanding the value of your case requires a deep knowledge of California law, medical costs, and insurance tactics. At Frank Penney Injury Law, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for justice and have recovered nearly $500 million for our clients.
If you’ve been injured, let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today or visit www.penneylaw.com. Remember, "You Can Bank on Frank!"
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content presented is not tailored to any specific case or set of facts and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel. Every personal injury case is unique and requires an individualized assessment by a qualified attorney. We strongly encourage you to consult with a competent attorney to address your specific legal needs and circumstances. This blog makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or relevance of the information provided, and we disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content herein.
No Fee Guarantee!
Our legal team understands that life can be very stressful after an accident of any type. The financial costs of your accident can add to that stress. When you are asking for help, this should make your life easier – not more difficult. That is why you do not have to worry about any upfront legal fees and expenses when you hire Frank Penney Injury Lawyers to handle your California personal injury case.
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, Frank Penney and his staff work on a contingency basis. This means you only have to pay a fee if you win your case. We will never charge a fee unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf. No win. No fee. Case closed.
This means there is no risk in asking Frank Penney Injury Lawyers for help. You get to benefit from Frank Penney’s years of experience, knowledge, and success without needing to stress about the cost. Call today to set up a free initial case assessment or to learn more.
When I first contacted the Law Offices of Frank D. Penney after my accident, I was frustrated with car insurance companies, and medical insurance companies; after all, I was in pain. He and his staff put me at ease instantly! It was such a relief to have someone working on MY BEHALF! They were able to settle my case for more than I initially thought it was worth. THANKS AGAIN!!!
- KRISTA H.
Read more
client testimonials.
Why Choose Us?
- If You Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay
- Free Case Evaluations
- Over 25 Years of Experience
- Compassionate and Caring
- Highly Rated Reviews
- Proven Track Record
- 24/7 Availability
- Quick Response Time
- And More
Our Recent Blog Posts
A devastating crash on the 15 Freeway in Temecula late Saturday night left four people dead and two others injured after a BMW M4, allegedly driven recklessly, lost control and caused a head-on collision. The California Highway Patrol reported the crash around 9:33 p.m. when the BMW, traveling north of Winchester Road, swerved left, struck a concrete median, and flew into the southbound lanes. The car veered into the far-right lane and collided head-on with a white Nissan Sentra. The BMW burst into flames moments after impact. Good Samaritans were able to pull the BMW’s driver, a 25-year-old man from Moreno Valley, from the burning vehicle. He suffered major injuries and was rushed to a hospital. Tragically, his passengers did not survive. A 23-year-old woman in the front seat and two Moreno Valley teenagers, a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl in the back, were pronounced dead at the scene. The Nissan’s driver, a 35-year-old man from Wildomar, was taken to a hospital but did not survive the trip. His passenger, a 22-year-old man, remains in critical condition. Authorities said that alcohol does not appear to have been a factor, but charges against the BMW driver are pending as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding what they describe as reckless driving. As of Sunday afternoon, none of the victims had been publicly identified. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.
A tragic crash on Interstate 80 in Davis claimed the life of 42-year-old Christopher Barr of Dixon early Tuesday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened just before 4:45 a.m. in a construction zone on the eastbound side of the freeway, just west of Mace Boulevard. CHP reported that a Volvo tractor with trailers was traveling in the middle lane when, for reasons still unknown, Barr’s Harley Davidson motorcycle failed to slow down and struck the back of the truck. The impact threw him from the motorcycle, and he was fatally struck by another vehicle that has not yet been identified. Authorities have said that alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash. The collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol as they work to determine what led to the fatal chain of events. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.
A tragic accident in Elk Grove early Friday morning claimed the life of a 21-year-old motorcyclist. According to the Elk Grove Police Department, the crash occurred around 6:15 a.m. on Elk Grove Florin Road just north of Campbell Road. Investigators reported that the driver of a pickup truck towing a trailer was attempting a U-turn into the southbound lane when the motorcycle collided with the truck’s side. The impact threw the rider from the motorcycle, and despite the quick response of medical personnel, the young motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the rider’s name, awaiting notification of next of kin by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office. The roadway remained closed throughout the morning as police investigated the crash, reopening to traffic around noon. The Elk Grove Police Department continues to look into the circumstances surrounding the collision and is asking anyone with information to contact their traffic bureau at 916-478-8143. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.
24/7 Availability – Reach Us by Phone, Email, Chat and More!
If you are involved in any type of personal injury due to the fault of someone else, our experienced team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA can help. We are available to anyone in Northern California 24/7! Give us a call today to learn more at 888-888-0566. We will fight for your rights!
Contact Our Team Today
Frank Penney Injury Lawyers can be reached at the following locations:
No matter where you are in Northern California, or how you reach us, we will be there for you 24/7!
You Can Bank on Frank!
