One of the first questions nearly every client asks us is, “How much is my case worth?” It’s a fair question—your recovery impacts your future medical care, lost income, and overall stability. But the truth is, no ethical attorney can provide a precise number at the first meeting. Every case is unique, and Chicago’s average personal injury settlement varies dramatically depending on the facts, injuries, and insurance coverage.
At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we evaluate case value through a comprehensive, evidence-based process. While an online personal injury calculator might give a rough estimate, it cannot account for the nuances of Illinois law, comparative negligence, or the human impact of serious injuries. To determine the actual value of your claim, we must investigate every detail—how the accident happened, the severity of your injuries, your long-term prognosis, and how your life has been altered physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you’ve been injured in Illinois, reach out through our online form or call (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain what factors influence compensation, and fight to secure every dollar you deserve.
Personal injury compensation in Illinois is designed to restore you, as closely as possible, to the condition you were in before the accident. This includes both economic damages (the financial losses you can document) and non-economic damages (the human losses—pain, distress, loss of normal life).
Identifying and quantifying these categories accurately requires experience, expert input, and a deep understanding of how insurers and juries evaluate injury claims.
Placing a value on pain, mental anguish, or life disruption requires evidence of daily impact—medical testimony, journals, or videos that illustrate how your injury changed your life. Our attorneys use proven methods, such as the multiplier method or per diem approach, to calculate fair non-economic damages supported by Illinois case law.
Medical bills often form the foundation of your claim. This includes emergency transport, hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions, therapy, and long-term care. We also work with medical experts to estimate future medical costs for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or home modifications if you suffered a catastrophic injury. Illinois law allows you to recover both current and reasonably certain future expenses.
In motor vehicle accidents, property loss usually means your vehicle repair or replacement. We ensure that repair estimates, diminished value, and related out-of-pocket costs are included in your claim. Learn more about Chicago car accident claims and insurance coverage disputes.
We calculate lost income through employer verification, tax records, and economic projections. For serious injuries affecting long-term employment, we consult vocational and financial experts to assess reduced earning capacity or permanent disability under Illinois law. See more about lost wage recovery.
Permanent physical disabilities and disfigurements profoundly affect quality of life. Under Illinois disability law, compensation accounts for career impact, loss of independence, and psychological suffering. For example, disfigurement claims are valued based on the visibility, permanence, and emotional effects of the injury.
Pain and suffering encompass physical discomfort, while emotional distress covers anxiety, PTSD, depression, and fear. These damages are supported by personal narratives, therapy records, and sometimes expert psychiatric testimony. Illinois courts recognize the legitimacy of psychological injury even without physical scars.
Serious injuries affect families, too. Spouses may recover for loss of consortium—the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy resulting from an accident. Illinois law recognizes these derivative claims when supported by evidence of relationship impact and caregiving strain.
Beyond the categories of damages, several factors influence case value in Illinois personal injury claims:
Every detail—from your initial medical visit to your courtroom demeanor—affects perception of value. That’s why working with an experienced attorney from day one ensures your claim is presented clearly, supported by admissible evidence, and strategically negotiated for maximum recovery.
At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we go beyond estimating case value—we build it. Our process includes:
If you want a real, evidence-based evaluation of your claim—not an online guess—contact us at (312) 236-2900 or through our secure online form.
6 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Personal Injury Settlement
Case value depends on the sum of your economic losses (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) plus non-economic losses (pain, suffering, emotional distress). Severity, recovery length, and liability strength all affect valuation.
Online calculators oversimplify complex legal and medical factors. They cannot assess liability disputes, policy limits, or long-term care costs. An attorney evaluation backed by evidence is far more accurate.
Yes. More severe or permanent injuries typically result in higher compensation because of increased medical costs, longer recovery, and greater pain and emotional suffering.
Yes. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages if you are less than 50% responsible. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Most Illinois personal injury settlements are not taxable if they compensate for physical injury. However, punitive damages and interest may be taxable. We review every case for tax implications before settlement.
Simple cases may resolve in 3–6 months, while complex or litigated claims can take a year or more. Insurers often delay to minimize payouts; experienced attorneys can speed up resolution through strategic negotiation and litigation pressure.
Clear liability evidence, consistent medical treatment, strong expert testimony, and trial readiness all increase settlement leverage. Insurance companies pay more when they know your lawyer is fully prepared to win in court.
Delays in medical treatment, inconsistent records, social media activity suggesting recovery, or admitting partial fault can reduce your claim’s value. Avoid these pitfalls by consulting a lawyer early.
Yes. Illinois law allows recovery for emotional distress and mental anguish tied to your physical injuries. Documentation from counselors or physicians strengthens these claims.
Absolutely. The defendant’s policy limits often cap your recovery unless they have personal assets. Skilled attorneys pursue multiple coverage sources—including employers, umbrella policies, or UM/UIM coverage—to maximize recovery.
We put a lot of time and care into building a strong case so we can confidently answer your question, “what is my case worth Illinois?” We know how important it is for you to receive the maximum compensation possible. You have a mountain of medical bills to pay after not receiving your normal pay for a while. We thoroughly investigate each case. We work with you, your medical providers, and experts to gather evidence of all your injuries. We prepare you to document your injuries and talk about them in court or a deposition. Every step we take is to reach a fair settlement or win your court case.
Call the Chicago injury law firm at (312) 236-2900, or use our online form to schedule your free initial consultation. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers are here for you.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
