Summary: Multi-million dollar personal injury cases typically involve severe injuries, significant financial losses, and a defendant with the ability to pay substantial compensation. While every case is unique, certain factors consistently appear in high-value settlements and verdicts.
At Meyerkord, Russell & Hergott, we have been fortunate to secure several multi-million dollar results throughout our firm’s history. From medical malpractice claims to trucking accidents and wrongful death cases, substantial settlements and verdicts can arise in many different types of personal injury claims.
While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, our experience has shown that the highest-value cases often share several common characteristics.
Do Serious Injuries Increase the Value of a Personal Injury Case?
In most cases, the severity of the injury is one of the biggest factors affecting compensation.
Generally speaking, the amount of compensation available in a personal injury case is closely tied to the extent of the injuries. Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment, ongoing care, rehabilitation, and can permanently affect a person’s ability to work and enjoy life.
Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Permanent disabilities
- Wrongful death
The more significant the damages, the greater the potential value of the claim.
Why Does the Defendant’s Ability to Pay Matter?
Even a strong case may be limited by the available sources of compensation.
In order to recover millions of dollars, the negligent party must have the ability to pay a substantial settlement or judgment. This is often possible when there is:
- Significant insurance coverage
- A commercial insurance policy
- Multiple liable parties
- Corporate defendants
- Sufficient personal or business assets
Without adequate insurance or assets, collecting a large award can be difficult regardless of the severity of the injuries. Also, did you know If A Case Goes To Trial, The Defendant’s Liability Insurance Carrier Hasn’t Paid A Dime?
Does the Severity of the Negligence Affect Case Value?
The more egregious the conduct, the greater the potential exposure for the defendant.
While serious injuries and available insurance are often the most important factors, the nature of the defendant’s conduct can also impact case value.
Examples may include:
- Drunk driving
- Repeated safety violations
- Negligent hiring practices
- Intentional misconduct
- Corporate disregard for known dangers
When the evidence shows particularly reckless behavior, defendants and insurance companies often face greater risk at trial, which can increase settlement value.
When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?
You should consider speaking with a personal injury attorney if:
- You suffered a catastrophic or permanent injury
- A loved one died because of someone else’s negligence
- Your medical expenses are substantial
- You are unable to return to work or earn the same income
- Multiple parties may be responsible for the accident
- An insurance company disputes liability or the value of your claim
While no lawyer can accurately determine a case’s value without reviewing the facts, an experienced attorney can help identify potential damages, available insurance coverage, and other factors that may impact compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Severe injuries and wrongful death claims are often associated with higher-value cases.
- Insurance coverage and available assets can significantly impact potential recovery.
- Strong evidence and serious negligence can increase the value of a personal injury claim.
Talk to a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case
At MRH Injury Law, we dig deeper because we care, and we fight harder because it matters.
Our attorneys prepare every case as though it may go to trial, thoroughly investigating the facts, uncovering evidence others may miss, and pursuing the full compensation our clients deserve. If you have questions about a serious injury claim, contact our Kansas City personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.