Numbers Don't Lie- Or Do They

There are a number of lawyers who can tout some amazing numbers.  $10,000,000, $50,000,000, $100,000,000 and much more.  Those numbers look amazing and they are.  These rerepresent extremely catastrophic cases.  Amputations.  Traumatic life changing brain injuries that require life long care. Quadriplegia.  And, a lot of time they represent a perfect storm.  Amazing plaintiff, wholly unsympathetic defendant, catastrophic injury.  This isn't to say the lawyers didn't do a great job.  They did.  Fantastic jobs.  Most cases do not have that type of value. 

 

Even "smaller" numbers such as $250,000, $500,000, or even $1,000,000 can sound impressive. These numbers also look great on a web page. But it might be worth it to ask a few questions:

 

- How much did you initiall demand?  If someone settled a case for $500,000 but the initial demand was for $10,000,000, is a $500,000 settlement impressive?

- How much did you ask the jury for at trial?  If the ask was $5,000,000 and the jury award was $250,000, is that a win?

- What were the facts of the $2,000,000 settlement.  If the medical bills were $1,000,000 and future care was $500,000 is $2,000,000 really a great settlement?

- What if my case isn't worth $1,000,000?  Are you going to still handle it?  Is an associate?  Are you going to farm it out to another firm?

- Did you collect all of that money?  If not why not?

-What was the defenses last offer before trial?  If the last offer was $900,000 and they got $1,000,000 was that really worth the extra time, stress, and cost?  Or what if the jury awarded $750,000. An impressive number in a vacuum, but not when compated to the $900,000 offer.

 

Again, a lot of lawyers have achieved amazing results- results any lawyer would love to have. But, before you sign up with any firm maybe ask them about their big numbers.  There is a saying in the practice of law- the easiest way to settle a $1,000,000 case is to settle it for $100,000.