How to use this guide
Use the section links to find the records, deadlines, and questions most relevant to your situation.
Topic
"How Much Is My Case Worth?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with
Not a Simple Calculator
Use the section links to find the information most relevant to your situation.
Individual questions
Case-specific review
An attorney can address how the facts, evidence, deadlines, and governing law apply to a particular matter.
01
Not a Simple Calculator
Online settlement calculators cannot account for the evidence and legal issues in a specific matter. Evaluation may depend on responsibility, medical evidence, work loss, insurance coverage, venue, and other case-specific factors.
02
Why an Exact Early Estimate Is Not Reliable
An exact value generally cannot be determined before the relevant facts, medical outlook, damages, insurance, and legal issues are reviewed. Any early estimate should identify its assumptions and remaining uncertainty.
03
1. Economic Damages (The Math)
Economic damages may include measurable financial losses supported by records and, when needed, appropriate professional opinions.
- Past Medical Bills: The actual cost of ER visits, surgeries, and therapy.
- Future Medical Costs: The projected cost of future surgeries or replacement prosthetics (Life Care Plan).
- Lost Wages: Money you lost while off work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: A supported reduction in the ability to earn income in the future.
04
2. Non-Economic Damages (The Human Cost)
This is "Pain and Suffering," but it's more than that. It includes:
- Physical Pain: The nature, duration, and functional effect of pain supported by the record.
- Mental Anguish: PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Loss of Consortium: The impact on your relationship with your spouse.
- Permanent Disfigurement: Scars or amputation.
05
3. Responsibility, Coverage, and Collectability
A serious injury claim should be evaluated against available insurance, potentially responsible parties, comparative fault, and collectability.
- Insurance: Applicable primary, excess, umbrella, commercial, or uninsured-motorist coverage can vary by policy and facts.
- Comparative Fault: Oklahoma comparative-fault rules may reduce or bar recovery depending on the allocation of responsibility. Current law and the evidence should be reviewed for the specific matter.
06
The "Multiplier" Myth
You may have heard that case value is based on a simple multiplier. That shortcut is unreliable. Real valuation depends on injury severity, permanency, treatment, work restrictions, comparative fault, venue, coverage, and the proof available to present those losses.
Review the Record Early
Evidence can change quickly. Attorney review can help identify records, deadlines, and preservation issues.