One of the most common questions our experienced personal injury attorneys are asked is, “What is the average personal injury settlement for Houston, TX?” Unfortunately, the answer is not simple.
About 95% of personal injury cases are settled before a trial. Even if a lawsuit is filed, the parties often settle in pre-trial negotiations or mediation. The exact amount depends on the factors of the case. One study found the median personal injury settlement was $31,000.
The truth is settlements in personal injury cases can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. Our law firm has recovered sizeable settlements for our clients, including multi-million dollar awards.
It is unwise to base what your case could be worth on the “average” settlement for a personal injury case. Instead, the best way to know the value of your case is to discuss the factors with an experienced injury lawyer in Texas.
Factors That Impact Your Personal Injury Settlement in Houston, TX
Each personal injury case is unique. The circumstances and factors of your case determine how much your case is worth. Some factors may increase the value of your damages, while other factors could decrease how much you receive.
Many factors could impact your settlement. However, five common factors are:
Your Injuries and Medical Treatment
Every accident has the potential to cause injuries. The level of injuries depends on the type of accident and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Generally, the more severe the injury, the higher the cost of medical care and other damages.
For example, the cost to treat a traumatic brain injury that requires brain surgery is likely to incur significantly higher medical bills than treating a fractured foot. The duration of your treatment and recovery is likely to be much longer for traumatic injuries.
The Value of Your Economic Damages
Medical bills are only one type of economic damage. Other financial losses caused by accidents and personal injuries include:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Personal care and household services
- In-home nursing care
- Physical therapy and other rehabilitative services
Your injuries directly impact the monetary losses you experience after an injury. Severe injuries may take longer to heal, so you could be out of work for months. Likewise, you may be unable to care for your home and family. If so, you may require assistance with household chores and child care.
Economic damages usually increase when the severity of an injury increases. Keep careful records of all expenses and costs to maximize the value of these damages for a personal injury settlement.
Your Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages represent the non-monetary harm caused by an injury or accident. These damages fall under the category of non-economic damages and include:
- Physical discomfort
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
Many factors determine how much non-economic damages cost. A general rule of thumb for valuing pain and suffering is multiplying your economic damages by a number between 1.5 and five. Five represents severe pain and suffering, usually involving a permanent impairment or disability.
Long-Term Impairments and Disabilities
Injuries may result in permanent impairments or disabilities. You may also sustain scarring and disfigurement. If so, you are entitled to compensation. Life-altering conditions often result in:
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Long-term nursing and/or personal care
- Reduced earning capacity and future lost wages
- Diminished quality of life
Experienced personal injury lawyers work with the best excerpt witnesses in their fields to assist in valuing these types of damages. Your attorney may retain medical specialists, financial professionals, life-planning professionals, vocational experts, and other experts to assist with your case.
Fault and Strength of Evidence
Texas is an at-fault state, which means you must prove the other party caused your injuries by a preponderance of the evidence. The strength of your evidence can impact your settlement value. Insurance companies are more likely to agree to a fair settlement when you have strong evidence proving your case. A weaker case could make obtaining the desired settlement more challenging.
Fault could be another significant factor. Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence standard. Instead of barring all damages for contributory fault, a victim can be partially to blame and receive some money for their claim.
Under Texas law, you cannot receive damages if you are over 50% responsible for causing your injuries. If you are less than 50% responsible, your damages are reduced by the percentage of your fault. Beware! Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce the value of damages.
For a legal consultation call (713) 500-5000
Learn More About Personal Injury Settlements During a Free Consultation
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you deserve fair compensation for all damages. Call Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our Houston personal injury lawyers. Our legal team pursues all parties who could be liable for your claim and all sources of compensation to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway
11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515
Houston, TX 77079
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Burnet
205 S Pierce St.
Burnet, TX 78611
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Clear Lake
1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268
Houston, TX 77058
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – The Woodlands
1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203,
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Call or Text (713) 500-5000 or Complete a Case Evaluation Form
