After you’ve been hurt in an accident, you want answers. One of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: “How much is my case worth?” That’s when many people turn to online personal injury calculators. These tools promise quick answers based on your medical bills and other expenses. But here’s the truth: relying on these calculators can seriously hurt your personal injury case.
What Are Personal Injury Calculators Supposed to Do?
Online personal injury calculators claim they can estimate the value of your case. You enter some basic information like your medical expenses, lost wages, and maybe a description of your injuries. The calculator runs a formula and spits out a number.
These tools usually rely on something called the “multiplier method.” Here’s how it works: you add up all your medical bills and lost income, then multiply that total by a number between 1.5 and 5. The multiplier is supposed to account for your pain and suffering, with higher numbers used for more serious injuries.
For example, if your medical bills and lost wages total $30,000 and the calculator uses a multiplier of 3, it would estimate your case is worth $90,000.
Sounds simple, right? However, it’s far too simple to be accurate.
Why Don’t These Calculators Work?
Personal injury cases are not one-size-fits-all. Every accident is different. Every injury is different. Every victim’s experience is different. Online calculators can’t possibly account for all the factors that truly determine what your case is worth.
These tools use generic formulas that ignore the specific details of your situation. They don’t consider whether you have scarring or permanent disfigurement. They don’t account for the emotional trauma you’ve suffered or how the injury has changed your daily life. They can’t factor in whether you’ll need future medical treatment or if you’ve lost the ability to enjoy hobbies and activities you once loved.
Calculators also don’t know anything about Wisconsin law or how cases are handled in your local courts. They don’t consider whether the other side will likely fight your claim or whether liability is clear. They can’t evaluate the strength of your evidence or the quality of your medical documentation.
Perhaps most importantly, these calculators don’t account for the skill and experience of your attorney. A talented personal injury lawyer can often secure significantly more compensation than an inexperienced attorney or someone trying to handle their own claim.
How Do Insurance Companies Use These Calculators Against You?
Most people don’t realize that insurance adjusters know about these online calculators, too. In fact, they often use them to their advantage.
When you come to the negotiating table armed with a number from an online calculator, the insurance company knows you don’t have professional legal guidance. They know you’re guessing at your case’s value. This puts them in a stronger position.
Insurance companies also tend to use the lowest possible multipliers when making their own calculations. Even if a calculator suggests your case might be worth a certain amount, the insurer will likely offer far less, claiming your injuries aren’t severe enough to justify a higher multiplier.
What Should You Do Instead?
Instead of relying on an online calculator, speak with an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney. At Warshafsky Law Firm, we’ve spent decades evaluating personal injury cases and fighting for maximum compensation for our clients. We know what cases are truly worth because we’ve won substantial verdicts and settlements throughout our history.
Your injuries are unique, and your suffering is real. As such, you deserve compensation that truly reflects what you’ve been through. Contact Warshafsky Law Firm today for a free consultation, so we can help you understand what your case is really worth.
