Principle Attorney
After an accident in Denver, one of the first questions most people ask is, “How much is my case worth?” It’s an important question: medical bills, time off work, property damage, and emotional strain can quickly add up. You want to make sure you’re not settling for less than what you deserve.
While no two cases are the same, common factors determine potential value. If you’re wondering what your claim might be worth, here’s what to consider.
1. The Extent of Your Injuries
The most critical factor in determining a case’s value is the severity of your injuries. Generally speaking, the more serious or long-lasting your injuries, the more compensation you may be entitled to.
Here’s how injuries impact value:
- Minor injuries (such as sprains or whiplash) may result in compensation for urgent care visits, physical therapy, and short-term lost wages.
- Moderate injuries (like fractures or concussions): May include costs for surgery, extended rehab, and time off work.
- Severe injuries (like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, or amputation) often involve long-term medical care, disability, and loss of earning capacity.
Documentation is key. Emergency room records, MRIs, surgery reports, and ongoing treatment notes help paint a complete picture of what you’ve endured.
2. Medical Bills and Future Care
Any claim for damages will start with your actual medical costs. This includes:
- Emergency transport and hospital care
- Follow-up visits, specialists, and imaging
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- In-home care or medical equipment
If your injuries require ongoing treatment—or if you’re likely to need future surgeries or pain management—your attorney will work with medical experts to project those future costs. That way, you’re not left footing the bill down the road.
3. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injury caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to recover:
- Hourly wages or salary you missed
- Tips, commissions, or bonuses
- Sick leave or vacation time used during recovery
- Missed business opportunities (for self-employed individuals)
In more serious cases, where your injury affects your long-term ability to work, we may also seek compensation for loss of earning capacity. This involves calculating what you could have earned in your lifetime had the accident not occurred.
4. Pain and Suffering
While it’s not as easy to assign a dollar figure to pain, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life, “non-economic damages” are integral to your case value.
Factors that can influence pain and suffering compensation:
- Type and duration of pain
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD, anxiety)
- Loss of mobility or independence
- Sleep issues, depression, or cognitive impairment
- Inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
We often hear from clients who struggle silently with emotional or psychological harm. These effects matter, and we make sure they’re part of the conversation.
5. Fault and Liability
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means your total compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. If you’re more than 50% responsible, you may not be able to recover anything.
This is one reason why insurance companies try to shift blame—to reduce what they owe you. We work hard to investigate the facts, gather evidence, and defend your right to full compensation.
6. Insurance Policy Limits
Even if your damages are high, your recovery may be limited by how much insurance coverage is available. For example, if the at-fault driver only carries the minimum liability policy, your options may be more limited, unless additional coverage (like underinsured motorist protection) applies.
In cases involving commercial vehicles, government entities, or corporate liability, there’s often more insurance available, but also more red tape. That’s why having the right legal team makes a big difference.
Why You Shouldn’t Trust Online Calculators
It’s tempting to punch numbers into an online “settlement calculator,” but these tools don’t account for the unique details of your case. They can’t assess how an insurance adjuster thinks, how your injury affects your daily life, or how a jury might respond.
The best way to understand the value of your case is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who is familiar with how Denver courts and insurers operate.
Let’s Talk About What Your Personal Injury Case May Be Worth
If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, don’t guess what your case is worth—get answers you can trust. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we’ll sit down with you, review your situation, and explore all your options for compensation. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.