Average Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury

Friday, September 1, 2023

Average Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

A traumatic brain injury can have devastating effects. Tasks that were once simple may become challenging, and in severe cases, a person may be left in a vegetative state.

One in every 60 people is living with a disability related to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This means that one in every 60 people may depend on others and will likely require some assistance.

The brain injury attorneys at Malman Law know that a TBI can cause long-term disabilities. To give you a better idea of what a fair settlement may be in your situation, below we discuss the factors that should be considered in a brain injury case.

Insurance Settlement Factors

Most people who file a TBI claim will settle out of court. When negotiating with an insurance company, there will likely be a lot of back-and-forth before both parties reach a settlement agreement.

It is almost impossible to come up with an “average” settlement amount since each brain injury case differs. Insurance companies look at certain factors before calculating a settlement offer, and these can vary widely based on the circumstances of your injury. The settlement factors considered are:

Fault and insurance coverage

If there is a question of who was at fault, then the insurance company may be unwilling to pay out as much as you deserve or anything whatsoever.

For example, if you were in a car accident caused by another driver, the other driver’s insurance would be responsible for paying for your vehicle damage and other accident-related expenses, like your medical bills.

If there was a dispute on who caused the accident, then the other driver’s insurance may be unwilling to pay out the full amount on your claim. In Illinois, if you are found partly liable for an accident, then your claim will be reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you are found 20% liable for the accident, but you submitted a personal injury claim for $100,000, insurance will only compensate you for $80,000.

In another scenario, while the other driver may be found entirely at fault for the accident, your injuries may exceed policy limits. According to Illinois law, drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $20,000 for injury to or destruction of another person’s property.

In this case, the insurance company may be unwilling to settle your claim over the limit amount, even if your claim is reasonable. If you believe the insurer is acting in good faith, you may need your attorney to send a policy limit demand letter requesting a settlement demand. You may need to take your case to court if that doesn’t work.

The severity of your injuries

An insurance company will look at what extent your injuries keep you from performing daily tasks and returning to your normal life.

Two people who suffer from a mild concussion may have completely different outcomes. While one person may only experience temporary effects, another may suffer from concentration and memory problems that last for weeks or months, in what is known as post-concussion syndrome.

Long-term care and medical needs

The insurance company should take into consideration any physical, behavioral, or cognitive impairments, and if a physician believes that these impairments may be permanent. This will likely result in a higher settlement offer.

If your TBI causes a permanent disability, there is a significant chance that you will need long-term care. Depending on your condition, you may need outpatient rehabilitation for a period of time after your initial hospital stay. For patients who require care for an extended period, you may be admitted to a skilled nursing facility (SNF).

No matter your needs, the cost of long-term care is expensive. An experienced Chicago brain injury lawyer will be familiar with the costs of different care options and will work with you to determine a fair settlement amount.

Ability to work

A brain injury can keep you from work for an extensive period. If your injury happened while on the job, you should file a workers’ compensation claim.

No matter how your TBI occurred, you will likely be missing time from work, resulting in lost wages. While lost wages are straightforward, if your brain injury requires you to take a lower-paying job, the insurance company will compute your diminished earning capacity.

If someone suffers a severe brain injury, he or she may be unable to work at all. In this case, the insurer will calculate the person’s lost earning capacity. An attorney knows how to make these calculations and will not allow the insurance company to cheat you financially.

Your mental and emotional health

Besides your direct economic losses, a settlement should compensate you for how the brain injury has affected your life. These are known as noneconomic losses and will include how the injury has impacted your mental and emotional health, your relationships with your family and friends, and your general outlook on life.

Compensatory Damages

A TBI survivor will suffer economic and noneconomic losses, known as compensatory damages.

Economic damages reflect the financial losses that a person has endured. Each economic damage is intended to cover the dollar amount of that particular loss.

Examples of economic damages:

• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity/diminished earning capacity
• Rehabilitative therapy
• Long-term care
• Hospital stays and ambulatory services

In contrast, noneconomic damages are losses that do not have a financial component. Noneconomic damages are intangible losses that affect a person’s ability to live a quality life. These may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED)
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of society

Noneconomic damages often stem from economic losses. If a person is not working, the individual may feel less valued and become depressed. This loss of self can impact the individual’s emotional and mental well-being, making it difficult to maintain healthy relationships.

Thankfully, Illinois does not have a limit on either economic or noneconomic damages that a person can receive in a personal injury case.

Contact a Chicago Brain Injury Lawyer Today

There is no way to calculate an “average” settlement for a traumatic brain injury. At Malman Law, we will take all measures to win you the settlement that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.