# How much is my injury claim worth? Canonical: https://californiapersonalinjurylaws.com/guides/case-value/ Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin; publisher reported approval on 2026-11-04. Original review date was not supplied. ## Short answer There is no set price for an injury. The facts about fault, care, lost pay, and lasting harm all matter. The funds or insurance that can pay also matter. ## Hypothetical example Two people break an arm. One heals fast. The other needs more care and cannot return to work. ## How the rule works Value depends on what can be proved and what can be paid. A review should look at fault, the full harm, and possible payment sources. No single factor gives a reliable price. ## Build the estimate from facts A useful review separates fault, harm, proof, and payment sources. Two people with the same injury name can have different care needs, work losses, and lasting effects. Records matter more than a label. A policy limit is not a promise that the insurer will pay it. A large bill is not by itself proof of recoverable damages. The case law explains why the kind of record and the legal measure of loss matter. Start with the proof for [medical costs](https://californiapersonalinjurylaws.com/guides/medical-costs/). Keep separate records for [lost earnings](https://californiapersonalinjurylaws.com/guides/missed-work/). Sources: [Civil Code § 3333 — Compensation for harm](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=3333.); [California Department of Insurance — Automobile insurance guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/auto101.cfm); [Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541](https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/2011/s179115/); [Licudine v. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (2016) 3 Cal.App.5th 881](https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2016/b268130.html) ## Why a simple multiplier can mislead A formula based only on bills cannot capture disputed fault, future needs, policy terms, or the proof of harm. Use a range only with its assumptions explained. No guide or calculator can promise an offer. Compare the total deal with the amount left after valid deductions. An offer can look different once fees, case costs, and repayment issues are known. Before comparing offers, understand [the amount left after deductions](https://californiapersonalinjurylaws.com/guides/settlement-take-home/). For an optional starting tool, read the assumptions on [GJEL’s settlement calculator and its limits](https://www.gjel.com/personal-injury-settlement-calculator). Sources: [Civil Code § 3333 — Compensation for harm](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=3333.); [Business and Professions Code § 6147 — Contingency fee agreements](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=6147.); [Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541](https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/2011/s179115/) ## What can change the answer Online averages leave out key facts. A strong claim may still face limits on how much can be paid. A pain score alone cannot tell you the value. ## A useful next step Gather care records, proof of lost pay, and policy details. Ask for a review based on your own facts. ## Can someone promise a minimum and maximum settlement? A sound estimate needs facts about fault, harm, proof, and available payment. A quick call or online average cannot establish a guaranteed range. ## Court decisions behind this answer ### Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541, slip op., pp. 1–2. For the insured care at issue, a bill’s unpaid negotiated writeoff was not a loss the patient could recover. Limit: This does not decide every bill or lien. Future care and other kinds of loss need separate proof. Source: https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/2011/s179115/ ### Licudine v. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (2016) 3 Cal.App.5th 881, slip op., pp. 1–2. Lost future earnings need proof of what the person likely could have earned. A hoped-for job is not enough by itself. Limit: The amount cannot rest on a guess. The likely work and pay need a sound basis in the proof. Source: https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2016/b268130.html ## Sources - [Civil Code § 3333 — Compensation for harm](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=3333.) - [CACI No. 3900 — Tort damages (2026 edition)](https://courts.ca.gov/system/files/file/judicial_council_of_california_civil_jury_instructions_2026.pdf) - [California Department of Insurance — Automobile insurance guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/auto101.cfm) - [Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541](https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/2011/s179115/) - [Licudine v. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (2016) 3 Cal.App.5th 881](https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2016/b268130.html) - [Business and Professions Code § 6147 — Contingency fee agreements](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=6147.) General information, not legal advice.