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8 Factors Affecting the Value of Your Personal Injury Settlement
Check out the 8 key factors that affect how much compensation you may receive in a personal injury case. Contact our Personal Injury Attorney today for more details.
PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM NEW MEXICO
8 Things That Could Make or Break Your Personal Injury Settlement
When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, the physical pain is just the beginning. The aftermath often involves mounting medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and uncertainty about your future. As a Top-Rated Personal Injury Law Firm in New Mexico, Raymon Law Group frequently receives one pressing question from clients: “How much is my personal injury case worth?”
While no two Personal Injury Cases are exactly alike, there are common factors that influence the value of a settlement. Understanding these elements can help you to get your claim with confidence and ensure that you’re treated fairly by insurance companies.
1. Severity of Your Injuries
The more serious and long-lasting your injury, the more valuable your case becomes. For example, a broken arm may settle for far less than a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage. Severe injuries often require extensive treatment, ongoing therapy, and lifestyle changes — all of which increase your claim’s value.
A knowledgeable PI attorney will gather medical evidence, consult with specialists, and clearly demonstrate the impact your injury has on your daily life and future wellbeing.
2. Medical Expenses (Past and Future)
Your medical bills are a core component of your settlement. This includes:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy
- Future treatments and rehab
Future medical care is often overlooked by insurance companies. However, a skilled Personal Injury Lawyer will project long-term medical needs and demand proper compensation — especially if your injuries require continued treatment or specialist care.
3. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Have you missed work due to your injury?
Are you unable to return to your previous job or any job at all?
You’re entitled to be compensated for not only current lost wages but also for future lost earning capacity.
An experienced Accident Attorney will work with vocational and financial experts to calculate the financial impact of your injury. This ensures your settlement reflects how the accident has truly affected your career and income potential.
4. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the non-economic damages you experience after an accident. These include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These damages are harder to quantify but just as important. An empathetic and aggressive PI law firm will ensure your emotional and psychological trauma is fully acknowledged and included in your compensation package.
5. Liability and Comparative Fault
Who was at fault — and how much of it was your fault? In New Mexico, Personal Injury Cases follow a comparative negligence rule. This means if you are partially responsible for the accident, your settlement may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if your case is worth $100,000 but you’re found to be 20% at fault, you may only receive $80,000. That’s why it’s critical to work with a Personal Injury Law firm that can thoroughly investigate the facts, challenge inaccurate fault claims, and protect your financial interests.
6. Insurance Coverage Limits
Even if your damages are extensive, your compensation may be limited by the insurance policy limits of the at-fault party. If the liable party only carries the minimum required auto insurance in New Mexico, there may be a cap on how much you can recover — regardless of your actual losses.
- A Skilled PI Attorney will identify all possible sources of compensation, including:
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UIM/UM)
- Employer liability (in commercial vehicle cases)
- Third-party claims (e.g., defective parts or road conditions)
Uncovering these additional sources can significantly increase the value of your final settlement.
7. Permanency or Disability
When an accident results in a permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement, the case value rises dramatically. These lasting consequences impact not just your health, but your identity, relationships, and future lifestyle.
As a seasoned personal injury lawyer, Raymon Law Group understands how to value permanent injuries accurately and present compelling arguments for long-term compensation — whether for ongoing care, home modifications, or assistive devices.
8. Quality of Legal Representation
This may be the most underrated but powerful factor of all.
Hiring the right PI law firm can greatly affect the outcome of your case. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to settle and which ones are prepared to take a case to trial. A committed, experienced accident attorney can:
- Negotiate aggressively on your behalf
- Build strong medical and legal evidence
- Guide you through legal procedures
- Keep your case moving efficiently
- Take your case to court if needed
At Raymon Law Group, our reputation for securing full-value settlements — and taking on tough cases — means insurance companies take your case seriously from day one.
New Mexico Personal Injury lawyer
Why Choose Raymon Law Group?
We’re not just another Personal Injury Law firm. We’re a team of legal professionals driven by results and rooted in compassion. Our clients aren’t case numbers — they’re real people with real stories, and we’re proud to help them get justice.
✔️ Free, no-obligation consultations
✔️ No fees unless we win your case
✔️ Extensive trial and negotiation experience
✔️ Local knowledge of New Mexico courts and insurance systems
✔️ 5-star service from start to finish
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