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How Much Is My Claim Worth?
Not sure what your injury claim is worth? McCoy & McCoy helps CT accident victims understand their damages and get every dollar they deserve.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
September 27, 2022
By McCoy & McCoy
How Much is My Connecticut Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Editors Note: This article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in 2026 to reflect current Connecticut personal injury laws, settlement considerations, and the factors that may affect the value of an injury claim. We’ve expanded this guide to answer the questions we hear most often from accident victims and to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information available.
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, one of the first questions on your mind is probably, “How much is my claim worth?”
While it’s a natural question, there isn’t a simple formula or online calculator that can accurately determine the value of a personal injury claim. Every accident is different, and every person’s injuries, recovery, and financial losses are unique.
At McCoy & McCoy, our personal injury attorneys have represented injured Connecticut residents since 1960. Our attorneys carefully evaluate every case to pursue compensation that reflects the full impact an injury has had on a client’s life—not just today’s medical bills, but future expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
What Determines the Value of a Personal Injury Claim?
Several factors influence the value of a Connecticut personal injury claim. Some of the most important include:
The Severity of Your Injuries: Generally, more serious injuries result in higher settlement values because they often require more extensive treatment and have a greater impact on daily life.
Examples include:
Broken bones
Herniated discs
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Severe burns
Permanent scarring
Injuries requiring surgery
The more significant the injury and the longer the recovery, the greater the potential damages may be.
Medical Expenses: Medical costs are one of the largest components of many personal injury claims.
These may include:
Emergency room treatment
Ambulance transportation
Hospital stays
Surgery
Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Diagnostic imaging
Prescription medications
Follow-up appointments
Future medical treatment
Your claim should account for both past and anticipated future medical expenses when supported by your healthcare providers.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: Many accident victims are unable to return to work immediately.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
Missed paychecks
Lost overtime
Missed bonuses
Vacation or sick time used during recovery
Reduced future earning ability if your injuries permanently affect your career
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, your claim may include compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Not every loss can be measured by receipts or pay stubs.
Connecticut law also allows injured victims to seek compensation for non-economic damages, including:
Physical pain
Emotional distress
Anxiety
Depression
PTSD
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent physical limitations
Loss of ability to participate in hobbies and activities
These damages recognize how an injury affects your overall quality of life—not just your finances.
Permanent Disabilities: Permanent injuries often result in higher claim values because their effects can last a lifetime.
Examples include:
Paralysis
Amputation
Permanent nerve damage
Chronic pain
Permanent mobility limitations
Traumatic brain injuries
Loss of vision or hearing
When an injury permanently changes someone’s ability to work, care for their family, or enjoy everyday activities, those long-term consequences should be considered during settlement negotiations.
Who Was at Fault?
Liability plays a major role in determining the value of your case. Strong evidence may include:
Police reports
Witness statements
Photos and videos
Surveillance footage
Medical records
Cell phone records
Accident reconstruction experts
The stronger the evidence showing another party caused the accident, the stronger your claim may be.
Available Insurance Coverage: Many people are surprised to learn that insurance coverage can significantly impact a case.
Even when injuries are severe, recovery may be limited by:
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits
Commercial insurance coverage
Umbrella insurance policies
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
An experienced attorney will identify every available source of compensation.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes. Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
If you are 50% or less responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example:If your case is worth $100,000, but you’re found 20% responsible, you could recover $80,000.
If you’re found 51% or more responsible, you generally cannot recover damages.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured victims, which is one reason it’s important to speak with an attorney before accepting fault or a settlement offer.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:
Economic Damages
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Property damage
Rehabilitation costs
Prescription medications
Home modifications
Transportation expenses related to treatment
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Mental anguish
Permanent disability
Physical impairment
Loss of enjoyment of life
Scarring and disfigurement
Every case is unique, and the damages available depend on the specific facts surrounding your accident.
How McCoy & McCoy Evaluates Your Claim
When evaluating a case, our attorneys consider every aspect of your losses, including:
Medical records
Future treatment recommendations
Lost income
Insurance policies
Liability evidence
Expert opinions
Permanent disabilities
Pain and suffering
Our goal is to pursue compensation that reflects the full impact the accident has had on your life—not just your immediate expenses.
Contact a Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to estimate your claim’s value on your own.
The experienced Connecticut personal injury attorneys at McCoy & McCoy have helped injured Connecticut residents for decades. We can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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