It depends. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most personal injury cases in North Dakota settle somewhere between a few thousand dollars and several hundred thousand, sometimes more if the injuries are severe or life-changing.
The value of your case comes down to a few key things: how badly you were hurt, how the injury happened, and how it’s affected your daily life, your work, and your future. Two people can walk away from the same accident with very different outcomes—and very different case values.
If you’ve been injured and you’re wondering what your claim might be worth, a North Dakota personal injury attorney at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. can help you look at the whole picture.
What Affects the Value of a Personal Injury Case in North Dakota?
You may be tired of hearing this answer, but in reality, every case is different. The value of a personal injury claim usually comes down to a handful of key factors, though.
Here’s what typically shapes the amount of money you might see in a personal injury award:
- The seriousness of your injuries. The more severe the injury, the higher the potential compensation. A case involving a sprained wrist won’t be valued the same as one involving a traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Serious injuries often mean more pain, more medical treatment, and a bigger impact on your life.
- Your medical bills. The at-fault party may be responsible for all reasonable and necessary treatment costs. That includes emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical needs. Keeping detailed records is crucial.
- Time away from work. If your injury caused you to miss work, or will affect your ability to earn a living in the future, those lost wages are part of your claim. That includes missed paychecks now and any future earning potential you’ve lost because of the injury.
- Pain and suffering. There’s no legal formula for this, but there are a couple of methods typically relied upon to estimate the value of pain and suffering–the multiplier method—which multiplies your medical expenses by a number based on injury severity—or the per diem method, which assigns a daily dollar amount for each day of recovery.
- Who was at fault. North Dakota uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you were more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can’t recover anything. If you were 50% or less at fault, your compensation gets reduced by your share of the blame.
- Insurance coverage. The amount available to recover may depend on the other party’s insurance limits. If they’re underinsured, your own coverage, like underinsured motorist (UIM) protection, might come into play.
- The strength of your evidence. Clear documentation and consistent medical treatment puts you in a much stronger position, whether negotiating with an insurer or going to court.
While some people believe that the attorney has all the power in maximizing a settlement or judgment, you also play a big role by ensuring you follow your doctor’s orders, obtain the best possible images and witness statements, and keeping detailed records of how the accident affected your life.
How Injury Severity Affects Settlement Amounts in North Dakota
While every case is different, injury severity plays a major role in determining compensation. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Minor injuries – Soft tissue sprains, bruises, whiplash
Typical range: $5,000–$30,000 - Moderate injuries – Fractures, herniated discs, injuries requiring physical therapy or short-term surgery
Typical range: $30,000–$100,000 - Severe injuries – Permanent disability, traumatic brain injury, paralysis, amputations
Typical range: $100,000–$1,000,000+
These figures reflect past case outcomes but are not guarantees. Actual value depends on your specific injury, recovery, and how your life has been affected.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Injury Case Value Today
One accident can change the course of your entire life. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we’ve helped people facing everything from frustrating insurance delays to life-altering injuries, and we know how to build a case that reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through.
If you’re wondering what your claim might be worth, we’re here to talk it through. Schedule your free consultation today—we’ll help you understand your options and what comes next.