Win Before You Walk In: Part 4

In this episode, Andrew J. Smiley, Esq. explains how to build a strong damages case before mediation or trial. Learn how to turn pain-and-suffering arguments into documented numbers that can strengthen settlement negotiations and demonstrate the true value of an injury claim.

• Building the Damages Case: Understanding the difference between “soft” damages, such as pain and suffering, and “hard” numbers, including medical bills, future care, lost income, and liens.
• The Right Experts: How doctors, life care planners, vocational experts, and economists can help document the full impact and cost of an injury.
• Planning for Future Losses: Using life care plans and economic projections to account for future treatment, lost earnings, and long-term needs.
• Strengthening the Story: When photos, day-in-the-life videos, and surgical animations can help communicate the human impact of an injury.
• Practical Settlement Strategy: Considering liens, expert costs, and case expenses when building a damages package and evaluating settlement options.

Andrew also shares case examples and discusses expert costs, liens, ERISA issues, and practical considerations for building a damages strategy before mediation or trial.

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Contact Andrew Smiley at [email protected]