The Value of a Personal Injury Claim in Arizona
Mark Breyer
June 06, 2009
The settlements and verdicts of Phoenix wrongful death and personal injury cases that are reported in the media do not always accurately depict the fair value of most claims. This is because the media focuses on the jury verdicts that are outlandish; far beyond what most people would ever receive or in some cases, even ask for. There is little focus paid to all the jury verdicts where the jury gives nothing to the injured person. A story where a Plaintiff who was injured received nothing would not be a sensational story.
A study by the Department of Justice has found that over 60% of jury verdicts result in awarding the plaintiff $50,000 or less. This figure would probably surprise many people since the prevailing opinion is that all jury verdicts are excessive. Although the public hears from the media about the rare "runaway juries" and people hitting the "legal lottery," in reality, juries are very conservative in the amount of money that they award to Plaintiffs. Many juries find for the Defendant in spite of evidence supporting the plaintiff.
The study mentioned above focuses on personal injury cases as a whole, not one specific Plaintiff´s case. Each Plaintiff´s case must be looked at individually to know the value of the claim. It is important for people to understand that juries do not always appreciate the effect an injury has on the life of an injured person. Many times people fail to recognize that an experienced personal injury lawyer can take additional steps to increase the chances of justice for the injured victim. A lawyer who has been the experience and resources to accurately tell the victim´s story will ensure that all areas of wrongful death and personal injury law are represented where necessary. There is an expression known to many lawyers that states, "A man who represents himself has a fool for a client." Of course, not all cases involving personal injuries even need an attorney, but how do you know if your specific case qualifies or not? Some cases are minor injuries and some cases are serious injuries. For those who have been seriously injured in an Arizona automobile accident, trucking accident, or any type of accident by the negligence of another individual, in almost every serious injury case, the victim would be better off talking to an attorney who can discuss the likelihood of prevailing before a jury or what the chances are of getting a fair settlement.
It is important to remember that the widely held belief that juries are just giving away money to individuals who are not hurt is refuted by many studies on the subject. This nationwide study has also proven false the belief that juries are giving away "lottery tickets" to all injured victims. It is our hope that, with our clients, we find justice from every jury or that we at least reach a fair settlement for them. Even our own experience can help explain this inaccurate view of runaway juries. People who haven´t experienced serious accidents themselves are quick to judge someone else going through probably one of the most difficult times in his or her life. Some of our victories may appear like a "runaway jury verdict" to someone who has not heard the evidence, seen the tragedy experienced by our client, or understood how much it will take for our client to return to something resembling the life they enjoyed before the reckless acts of another changed their world forever.
If you have suffered personal injury due to another person´s negligent actions and want to know if you have a case, the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Breyer Law Offices are here to answer your questions. Call us today at 623-930-8064 for a case evaluation.
A study by the Department of Justice has found that over 60% of jury verdicts result in awarding the plaintiff $50,000 or less. This figure would probably surprise many people since the prevailing opinion is that all jury verdicts are excessive. Although the public hears from the media about the rare "runaway juries" and people hitting the "legal lottery," in reality, juries are very conservative in the amount of money that they award to Plaintiffs. Many juries find for the Defendant in spite of evidence supporting the plaintiff.
The study mentioned above focuses on personal injury cases as a whole, not one specific Plaintiff´s case. Each Plaintiff´s case must be looked at individually to know the value of the claim. It is important for people to understand that juries do not always appreciate the effect an injury has on the life of an injured person. Many times people fail to recognize that an experienced personal injury lawyer can take additional steps to increase the chances of justice for the injured victim. A lawyer who has been the experience and resources to accurately tell the victim´s story will ensure that all areas of wrongful death and personal injury law are represented where necessary. There is an expression known to many lawyers that states, "A man who represents himself has a fool for a client." Of course, not all cases involving personal injuries even need an attorney, but how do you know if your specific case qualifies or not? Some cases are minor injuries and some cases are serious injuries. For those who have been seriously injured in an Arizona automobile accident, trucking accident, or any type of accident by the negligence of another individual, in almost every serious injury case, the victim would be better off talking to an attorney who can discuss the likelihood of prevailing before a jury or what the chances are of getting a fair settlement.
It is important to remember that the widely held belief that juries are just giving away money to individuals who are not hurt is refuted by many studies on the subject. This nationwide study has also proven false the belief that juries are giving away "lottery tickets" to all injured victims. It is our hope that, with our clients, we find justice from every jury or that we at least reach a fair settlement for them. Even our own experience can help explain this inaccurate view of runaway juries. People who haven´t experienced serious accidents themselves are quick to judge someone else going through probably one of the most difficult times in his or her life. Some of our victories may appear like a "runaway jury verdict" to someone who has not heard the evidence, seen the tragedy experienced by our client, or understood how much it will take for our client to return to something resembling the life they enjoyed before the reckless acts of another changed their world forever.
If you have suffered personal injury due to another person´s negligent actions and want to know if you have a case, the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Breyer Law Offices are here to answer your questions. Call us today at 623-930-8064 for a case evaluation.
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