When Will My Lawyer Tell Me How Much My Case Is Worth?

Getting injured unexpectedly can quickly turn everyday life into a mess. Medical bills come fast, work takes a hit, and stress piles on. One pressing question we often hear is, “When will my lawyer tell me how much my case is worth?” It’s an important one, and the answer depends on many unique factors. Knowing your case’s value gives you the clarity and direction needed to move forward. At Parnall Law, our injury lawyers are here to help New Mexicans navigate these challenges and understand exactly what impacts the outcome of a personal injury claim.

Factors to Determine How Much a Case Is Worth

Valuing a personal injury case in New Mexico depends on many factors. Since every injury claim involves unique circumstances, the outcome depends on many moving parts. Common elements we consider include:

Severity of Your Injuries

The seriousness of your injury is often one of the biggest factors in determining how much your case is worth. More severe injuries, such as broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries, tend to require longer recovery times and more extensive medical care. These cases usually result in higher compensation because they affect a person’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, or enjoy life as they did before the accident.

Medical Expenses

The total cost of your medical treatment is a foundational part of any personal injury claim. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, follow-up visits, and any ongoing care you may need in the future. Accurate and complete documentation of these expenses helps your lawyer calculate fair compensation for your financial losses.

Lost Wages

If your injury caused you to miss work, or if you’re unable to return to your previous job, that lost income becomes a key part of your case. Compensation can also include future lost earnings if your ability to earn a living has been permanently affected. These losses can add up quickly, and they’re essential to understanding your claim’s true value.

Liability

Determining who was at fault for the accident is central to the outcome of your case. If the other party was clearly responsible, you may be entitled to full compensation. However, if fault is shared, your settlement may be reduced under New Mexico’s comparative negligence rules. Establishing liability often involves reviewing evidence, accident reports, and witness statements.

Insurance Coverage

Even with a strong case, the amount you can recover may be limited by the available insurance coverage. Your attorney will examine what policies are in place, both yours and the at-fault party’s, and determine how much compensation is realistically accessible. In some cases, multiple policies or underinsured motorist coverage may come into play.

Pain and Suffering

Not all losses are financial. Pain and suffering refer to the emotional and physical toll the injury has taken on your life. This might include chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment in day-to-day activities. While harder to measure than bills or paychecks, these impacts are just as real and are considered when calculating your overall compensation.

In personal injury cases, New Mexico follows a comparative negligence rule, which means even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover damages. However, the amount will be reduced according to your share of the fault.

Type of Damages to Pursue

You may be eligible to pursue various forms of damages under New Mexico law, including:

• Economic damages: Tangible costs like medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Non-economic damages: Intangible losses such as emotional trauma, physical pain, or disfigurement.
• Punitive damages: Awarded in rare cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly reckless or malicious.

According to New Mexico Statute Section 41-3-4, compensation may be reduced if the injured person settles with one responsible party before pursuing others. This legal structure makes it essential to carefully evaluate how and when to settle, particularly when multiple parties are involved.

When Will My Lawyer Tell Me How Much My Case Is Worth?

Your lawyer will typically give you an estimated value of your case once they’ve reviewed key details such as your medical reports, accident documentation, and witness statements. This often takes time, especially if you’re still undergoing treatment.

Here’s what we’ll consider before providing a realistic estimate:

• Completion of your medical treatment or reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI)
• The long-term impact your injury has on your life
• Accurate calculation of your financial losses
• Clarity around who’s at fault and how much insurance coverage is available

We want to ensure we’re not shortchanging your claim by rushing the process. Once the crucial pieces of evidence are in place, we can have an honest conversation about the potential value of your case and whether to settle or proceed to litigation.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help With Your Case?

A personal injury lawyer helps you understand your legal rights, navigate the claims process, and determine whether to accept a settlement or go to court. Working with an attorney ensures you don’t overlook critical compensation you may be entitled to and gives you an advocate who can stand up to insurance companies.

According to the American Bar Association, your lawyer will clearly analyze how likely you are to win a lawsuit if your case goes to trial. They will also guide you on whether a settlement offer is fair. While the final decision is always yours, having a knowledgeable advocate helps you make the right choice.

Additional ways an attorney supports your case:

• Gathers and preserves evidence to support your claim
• Coordinates with medical experts for documentation
• Communicates with insurers to protect your interests
• Prepares your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t reached

Ready to Find Out What Your Personal Injury Case May Be Worth?

Still asking, “When will my lawyer tell me how much my case is worth?” At Parnall Law, we’re ready to help you get the answers you need and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call (505) 268-6500 today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case.