Question
How Much Should My Injury Be Worth?
1 Month ago today I was eating at a national fast food chain and when I went to sit down at the table my middle finger got caught between the seat of the chair and the frame of the chair resulting in the end of my finger being cut-off. Lucky for me there was a emergency center only 1 block away and they re-attached it. It went thru my nail and broke the end of the bone in my finger. The insurance company called me today saying they would have a offer to settle with me by the end of the week. I have no idea what this injury should be worth. My nail will grow back in 3-6 months but my finger from the last knuckle to the tip will never have any feeling in it again. It feels alot like your leg does when it is asleep. The fast food place has taken full responsibility for the accident due to the fact the seat was not bolted to the chair and they knew it and had planned on fixing it later that day. I have called and spoke to a few attorneys and they tell me just wait and see what the offer is and if I don't feel that it is right at that point hire a attorney. What do you think I should get from the insurance company?? Thanks
5 months ago - 3 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
don't believe the 3 time rule. in minor injuries could be few hundred dollars and in serious injuries could be 10 times. each injury is evaluated separately. you are lucky that the lawyers you called did not instantly take your case so they could collect 1/3 of your settlement. you state that your fingernail will grow back w/in 3 to 6 months? will it be the same or different? my husbands thumbs will not grow completely, and will only grow about 1/2, leaving the rest exposed. this was not caused by an injury, but he was born that way.if you are a female and this happens, would make your injury worth more, since we all like to paint our nails, and you would not be able to if it does not grow back or looks defective. the main consideration is the feelings/numbness in your finger. what kind of work do you do? do you need to use your fingers either to lift, type etc. is this numbness permanent? or is it temporary. this is a serious injury you sustained and like most of us when we read that the end of your finger was cut off, went ugg; i almost lost the tip of my middle finger when i was a teen and i remember the pain it was when they stuck the needle in to numb and reattach, if not for my mother holding my arm down, i would have jumped off the table. my finger is fine today. my suggestion. when they call back, tell them you want to hold off to see if your nail grows back and if you retain full function in your finger. find out from the doctors if the numbness is permanent or temporary. most likely the adjuster will know if it is permanent or temporary. i would also wait to see if indeed your nail does come back. if you find out that the lost of your finger sensation is permanent and it could impact your current or future work, that would make the value of your claim a lot more. but say it is only temporary, then they will value less. there is no need to settle now. you need to know how much time you have to settle. in most states it is 2 years. i would suggest doing google search on permanent disability and temporary disability; PPD disability and TPD disability. i did so and you will get a lot of law firms discussing this, but you want to find out what the value of your finger is. like i said, wait to see your final outcome. when you settle, you are done and cannot come back later asking for more. good luck
by lucy
5 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
Medical Costs plus $45,000 Do you know the total medical expenses? Settlements are sometimes a standard formula such as 3 times the medical. This can differ by state. Do a search on personal injury awards & the state name where the injury ocurred. If you do not find credible resources, then you can go to the state legal library and ask for assistance researching recent settlements.
by Twitter Bird- 5 months ago
You NEED a Legal Opinion! Don't expect to get an Honest Estimate from an Insurance Company... Call around at Different Legal Services- & find out what You can about Injury Compensation... -And Good luck!
by Joseph the Second- 5 months ago