It is the first question almost every injured person asks: what is my case actually worth? There is no calculator that produces an honest answer, because Illinois personal injury claims are valued on the specific facts of your injury, your recovery, and the evidence available to prove both.
The damages Illinois law allows you to recover
Illinois permits injured people to recover both economic damages, which have a dollar figure attached, and non-economic damages, which compensate for the human cost of an injury.
- Past and future medical treatment, surgery, therapy, and medication
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, disability, and disfigurement
- Emotional distress and loss of a normal life
- Property damage, such as your vehicle after a collision
What actually moves the number up or down
Two people can suffer the same diagnosis and receive very different settlements. The difference usually comes down to documentation, liability, and insurance coverage.
Clear fault, consistent medical treatment, credible testimony about how the injury changed your daily life, and adequate insurance limits all push value upward. Gaps in treatment, pre-existing conditions that are not properly explained, recorded statements given to an adjuster, and shared fault push value down.
Illinois comparative fault matters
Illinois follows modified comparative negligence. If you are found partially responsible, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are more than 50 percent at fault you recover nothing. Insurance companies know this and often work hard to assign blame to the injured person early.
Be careful with the first offer
Early offers usually arrive before anyone knows whether you will need additional treatment or surgery. Once you sign a release, the claim is closed permanently, even if your condition worsens. A case should generally not be valued until your medical picture is clear.
Talk With a Kankakee Personal Injury Attorney — Free
Have questions about what is my case worth? Every case is different, and general information is no substitute for advice about your own situation. Call us or send a short message and we'll review your case at no cost and with no obligation.
This article is general information about Illinois law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.