No. A lawyer cannot tell you what your case is worth, especially at an initial meeting.
A lawyer will be able to say whether or not you have a good case. But as far as putting a monetary value on your claim, there are too many variables, too many unknowns for a lawyer to come up with a number early in the process.
One of the biggest determining factors on what a case is worth is the amount of insurance coverage available to you. This applies both to the negligent party’s coverage and also your own.
If the at fault party’s coverage is low, a lawyer will look into any other assets the defendant might have. Unfortunately, a person will low insurance limits usually does not have great personal assets, in effect, making him judgment proof.
If a lawyer gives you a specific figure as to what your case is worth at your initial meeting or telephone conversation, he either doesn’t know what he’s doing or is just trying to impress you in order to get your case.
The truth, in many instances, is your case is worth whatever you are able collect.
