Auto Accident Monetary Damages

What Is My Case Worth?

There are several factors that must be taken into consideration when determining the value of a case. Under Illinois law you can be compensated for loss of income, medical expenses, future medical expenses and what is known as "pain and suffering." The experienced personal injury attorneys at Donald W. Fohrman & Associates, Ltd., know how accurately assess your situation to determine the value of your claim.

Our attorneys will look at the permanency of your injuries. Will you be able to return to gainful employment? Another factor taken into consideration is the effect of the accident on your family. Do your injuries keep you from performing normal daily functions, like bathing or brushing your teeth? Illinois law also provides compensation to families and spouses of a severely injured accident victims.

The experienced attorneys at Donald W. Fohrman & Associates will ensure that you receive maximum amount of compensation allowed under Illinois law.

Below is an explanation of the different types of damages an accident victim may suffer:

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses include any bills incurred as a result of the treatment you received for your injuries. They include emergency room care, follow-up treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy and any other related expenses such as crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, etc. In addition, if your accident results in the loss of your mobility, the insurance company can be responsible for changes to your home to make it handicap accessible.

Future Medical Expenses:

It is not usual that, after being seriously injured in an auto accident, you may require medical treatment at some point in the future such as additional surgeries, physical therapy and medications.

It is important to know what you future medical needs will be prior to accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company. Once your claim is closed, you will have no claim for future compensation.

Wage Loss:

In Illinois the formula for calculating your wage loss seems simple. Days of work you missed is calculated by your rate of pay. However, situations where wages may not be recorded such as a waitress or bartender, things could get complicated. The insurance company will you use your wage record from the past year to establish your earnings if you do get paid in cash.

Wage loss is determined by how much work you missed due to your injury multiplied by your rate of compensation. Generally, you can establish a wage record from past year earnings. Future wage loss is also compensable. Your injuries may not allow you to return to your usual employment so we hire vocational rehabilitation specialists to determine what work you can do with your limitations. If you are unable to return to work, you can be compensated for future lost wages. A vocation rehabilitation specialist is the best person to determine whether you can do any type of work.

Pain and Suffering:

Pain and suffering encompasses pain, or loss of quality of life (such as the inability to participate in activities with your family and friends, inability to engage in hobbies, sports, travel, etc., depression, and damage to relationships with loved ones, including sexual relations) due to a major injury. There is no set figure or formula that defines how much this amount should be.