Know what your personal injury claim is worth before you answer

Any situation where someone else's negligence or intentional conduct causes you physical harm. Common categories include car accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall incidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, defective products, and workplace injuries caused by third parties. The specific legal theory varies, but the core principle is the same.

Economic damages — medical bills, lost wages, property damage — are added up from documentation. Non-economic damages are then estimated using a multiplier of 1.5 to 5 times the economic total, depending on injury severity. The final figure also accounts for liability strength and available insurance coverage. Reported outcomes vary widely across case types.

Deadlines are commonly two to three years from the date of injury, but your state's specific statute controls — check immediately. Claims involving government entities often have much shorter notice requirements. Missing the filing deadline bars your case permanently.

For very minor injuries with small medical bills and clear liability, you may be able to handle the claim yourself. But if there is any dispute about fault, if your injuries require more than a single doctor visit, or if the insurer's offer seems low, a consultation with an attorney costs nothing and helps you understand whether representation would improve your outcome.

Most states allow recovery even when you share some blame, reducing your compensation by your percentage of fault. A few states bar recovery entirely if you bear any responsibility. Your state's fault rules determine whether and how much you can recover. An attorney familiar with local law can assess how shared fault affects your case.