Many people choose to handle their personal injury claims on their own. They do so not because they have any particular expertise but because they think that by retaining an attorney they will end up with a lot less money than if they handled the claim themselves.
Studies show that represented persons recover over three times as much as unrepresented persons. That means, even after a one-third contingency fee is deducted, that represented persons recover over twice as much as unrepresented persons.
By choosing to handle your own personal injury claim, you are unfortunately making the decision to receive approximately half as much money as you otherwise would if you retain counsel.
These are of course averages and certain particular cases may deviate from the rule. For instance, if you have no medical bills and very minor personal injuries it may be difficult for an attorney to recover three times as much as you were offered if you handle your own claim. On the other hand if you have significant injuries it may be relatively easy for an attorney to recover many times – more than just three times – the amount you could expect if you handled the claim on your own.
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