After an accident, it’s completely normal to wonder what a personal injury case might be worth. Many people search for an “average settlement” to help set expectations.
In reality, personal injury settlements in Idaho vary widely, and there is no single number that applies to every case. The value of a claim depends on specific facts, the extent of injuries, and how liability is determined.
Understanding how settlements are calculated, and why averages can be misleading, can help you better evaluate your own situation.
Why There Is No True “Average” Settlement
Unlike standardized insurance payouts, personal injury settlements are based on individual circumstances. Two cases involving similar accidents can result in very different outcomes depending on factors such as medical treatment, lost income, and long-term effects.
Publicly available settlement data is also limited. Most personal injury claims are resolved through private negotiations, not court verdicts, and settlement amounts are typically confidential. As a result, online figures often lack context and may not reflect Idaho law or real-world results.
Key Factors That Affect Settlement Value
Several factors play a role in determining the value of a personal injury settlement in Idaho.
Severity of Injuries
Cases involving minor injuries that resolve quickly generally settle for less than cases involving permanent injuries, surgery, or long-term disability. Medical documentation is critical in demonstrating both the extent and duration of injuries.
Medical Expenses
Settlement negotiations consider past medical bills as well as anticipated future treatment. This may include emergency care, follow-up visits, physical therapy, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
If an injury causes you to miss work, settlement discussions may include lost wages. In more serious cases, diminished earning capacity may also be considered if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Idaho law allows injured individuals to seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. These damages are more subjective and often depend on the credibility of medical records and testimony.
How Fault Impacts Settlement Amounts in Idaho
Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, an injured person’s compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. If a person is found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, they may be barred from recovering damages altogether.
For example, if a settlement value is $100,000 and the injured person is found 20% at fault, the recoverable amount may be reduced to $80,000. This makes evidence and liability determinations especially important in Idaho cases.
Insurance Policy Limits Matter
Even when damages are significant, settlement amounts are often limited by available insurance coverage. If the at-fault party carries only minimum liability insurance, the amount recoverable may be lower unless additional coverage or assets are available.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also play a role in certain cases, depending on the injured person’s policy.
When Settlements Tend to Increase
Settlement values may be higher when:
- Liability is clear and well-documented.
- Injuries are severe or permanent.
- Medical treatment is consistent and well-supported.
- The case is prepared as if it will go to trial.
Insurance companies tend to take claims more seriously when they know the injured party is represented and prepared to pursue litigation if necessary.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Estimating the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple math formula. Accepting a settlement too early can leave injured individuals responsible for future medical costs that were not fully considered.
An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate the full scope of damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and advise whether a proposed settlement fairly reflects the harm suffered.
How Bendell Law Firm PLLC Can Help
At Bendell Law Firm PLLC, we work with injured clients throughout Idaho to pursue compensation that reflects the true impact of their injuries. We focus on building strong cases supported by evidence, not averages or assumptions.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence and have questions about what your case may be worth, contact Bendell Law Firm PLLC to discuss your options and next steps.