Valuing a claim is a complex process. Many insurance companies use a software program named Colossus to help them determine the value of your claim. Typically, the value of your claim is the total of your special damages (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.) and your general damages (pain and suffering). There is a loose relationship between your special damages and your general damages, and lawyers and arbitrators often use a rule of thumb that your general damages equal somewhere between two to four times your special damages. However, this is only a rule of thumb. I have represented clients whose general damages were determined to be less than their special damages. This can happen when expensive tests are taken at the hospital without finding significant injury. I have represented other clients whose general damages were more than ten times their special damages. This can happen when the injury is significant and medical treatment can do little to repair the harm. Call Anderson Law today if you have a question about the value of your claim. 

Click here to read more about Colossus.

Categories: Q & A

0 Comments

Leave a Reply