How Much Is a Personal Injury Case Really Worth in Illinois?

 Posted on October 02, 2025 in Personal Injury

It would be wrong for any attorney to tell someone how much their personal injury case is worth before knowing all the facts. Every case is different, and settlements can vary drastically. The value depends on many factors related to what you lost and how badly you were injured. In Illinois, courts and insurance companies look at many details before deciding what fair compensation should be. Speaking with an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL personal injury lawyer is the first step in ensuring you value your claim accurately.

Factors That Impact the Value of a Personal Injury Settlement

Several main factors help determine how much a personal injury case may be worth in Illinois:

• Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgery, prescriptions, and future care needs.

• Lost income: If you cannot work because of your injury, both past and future lost wages may be counted.

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, stress, and the loss of enjoyment of life can add to the value of a case.

• Severity of the injury: Serious or permanent injuries often lead to higher settlements because of the need for ongoing treatment.

• Insurance coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits can affect what you can recover.

Illinois’s modified comparative negligence law can also impact certain cases. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, being over 50 percent liable for your injuries means you cannot receive compensation. If you are less than 50 percent at fault, the court reduces the available damages by a percentage equal to your share of fault. For example, if you are injured in a car accident and your losses are valued at $100,000 but you are found 40 percent at fault, you would receive $60,000.

Do All Personal Injury Cases Include Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are somewhat rare. These damages are designed to punish a person or company for reckless or intentional behavior. They only apply when the conduct was especially harmful. For example, if you were hit by someone who was driving at excessive speeds while under the influence of alcohol, punitive damages could be appropriate. However, note that under 735 ILCS 5/2-1115, punitive damages are not allowed in medical malpractice cases.

What You Can Do To Protect Your Personal Injury Claim?

What you do after an accident can strongly affect your case. Getting medical care right away is the first step. It is best for your health and provides a record of your injuries for the case. Following your doctor’s instructions is also important, since gaps in treatment can weaken your claim.

Keeping good records will also help. Save your bills, receipts, and work documents that show the financial impact of your injury. You can even keep a journal of how your injury affects your daily life.

You should also be careful when speaking with insurance companies. Avoid giving statements before you have legal advice. Be cautious on social media as well, since posts and photos can be used against you. Most importantly, talk to an attorney immediately for guidance throughout the process.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With an Arlington Heights, IL Personal Injury Attorney

No lawyer can promise you an exact amount for a personal injury claim, but our experienced Rolling Meadows, IL personal injury lawyers will fight for what you deserve. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we take pride in being local attorneys who care deeply about the communities and clients we serve. Our team brings many decades of combined experience to every case, and we have secured millions of dollars in successful verdicts for injured people across Illinois. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, call 847-797-8000 today to schedule your free consultation.