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What the research shows—and why legal representation often results in higher settlements.  Did you know that hiring a personal injury lawyer, such as Lowe Dreesen Miller, almost always results in more compensation for your injury, better medical care, and less expense for you? Insurance companies and their adjusters strive to give compensation and care that best serve their bottom line. Legal experts like ours at Lowe Dreesen Miller put you and justice first. Personal injury attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurance companies, negotiating claims, understanding case valuations, and navigating the court system. We also have relationships with top hospitals and doctors who can provide accurate and sometimes otherwise unaffordable medical evaluations, such as advanced MRIs. All of this typically results in better healthcare, better and larger settlements, and justice served for our clients. Consider these findings from national studies and research. The Effect of Legal Counsel: Study Results Research from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) The Insurance Research Council (IRC) studied whether individuals involved in a personal injury case received higher compensation when they hired a personal injury law firm like Lowe Dreesen Miller in Waynesville, MO. The IRC found that those who secured legal assistance were compensated nearly 3.5 times higher than those who settled directly with an insurance company. That could mean the difference between receiving $10,000 or $35,000, or $25,000 versus over $87,000! The study by the IRC revealed that individuals who had legal representation secured 85% of all insurance payouts for bodily injury claims. This suggests that those without an attorney may face significant challenges in obtaining fair compensation—or may not receive a settlement at all. In contrast, only 15% of insurance payouts were awarded to claimants who navigated the process without the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. Additional Research Supporting Higher Settlements Extensive research proves that legal representation leads to significantly better financial outcomes for plaintiffs:
While case outcomes can vary and no results are guaranteed, a study by Lawyers.com revealed that 91% of individuals who hired an attorney received compensation, compared to just 51% of those who handled their cases alone. Even after factoring in contingency fees, claimants with legal representation secured nearly three times more compensation than those without legal counsel. Furthermore, the 2023 update of the report found that most personal injury settlements ranged between $3,000 and $75,000, with an average payout of $52,900. Lawyers.com Research of Federal Court Data on Compensation with Legal Representation Although the specifics of each case determine compensation in personal injury lawsuits, the federal court data examined in this article from Lawyers.com shows that median awards and settlements differ significantly depending on the kind of claim made. The following information was taken from federal court documents between 2002 and 2022 on compensatory damages awarded following trials and settlements:
While hiring an attorney significantly increases the likelihood of a larger settlement, several other factors can affect the final payout: 1. Severity of Injuries and Damages More severe injuries often lead to larger compensation, as medical expenses and long-term care costs are higher. The highest settlements typically come from cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other life-altering conditions. 2. Comparative Negligence In some states, compensation is lowered proportionately if the victim bears some of the blame for the accident due to comparative negligence laws. A victim's compensation will be lowered by 25%, for instance, if they are determined to be 25% at fault. In Missouri, we follow a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be shared among multiple parties. The percentage of fault assigned affects how damages are distributed. Several factors are considered when assigning fault, such as:
3. Negotiation Strategies Insurance companies often start with low settlement offers to minimize payouts. Individuals without legal experience may accept these offers without realizing they could negotiate for a higher amount. A skilled personal injury lawyer can challenge these tactics to secure better compensation. Lowe Dreesen Miller strongly recommends that anyone involved in a personal injury case consult us before agreeing to any settlement. You can politely inform insurance adjusters that you want to consult with an attorney before making any decisions. Lowe Dreesen Miller Only Charges a Fee If You Win At Lowe Dreesen Miller, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is deducted from your compensation. We are happy to discuss this arrangement further in a free consultation. You should never hesitate to contact us in a personal injury case—there is no charge for a consultation and no fee unless you win compensation. You can also watch our video: “Can I Afford a Lawyer?” Conclusion Studies consistently show that hiring a personal injury attorney increases your chances of receiving a larger settlement compared to handling a claim alone. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a court case, legal counsel can significantly impact the outcome. Hiring a qualified lawyer is often the best decision for accident victims to ensure fair compensation. References Cited with Links in the Article:
 Quick Read Questions and Answers from this Article Could engaging a personal injury lawyer potentially enhance the amount of your settlement? Yes—significantly. A study from the Insurance Research Council found that individuals who hired a personal injury attorney received settlements that were nearly 3.5 times higher than those who handled the case independently. That’s not just a small bump—that’s the difference between $10,000 and $35,000. In fact, 85% of all insurance payouts for bodily injury go to those who have legal representation. Why do people with attorneys get better settlements? Because a good personal injury lawyer isn’t just about filing paperwork. At firms like Lowe Dreesen Miller, you’re working with professionals who understand how the system really works. They have been taking care of clients for over 30 years and understand the system. They understand how to deal with insurance companies and don't mind being aggressive on your behalf if they feel you're not getting justice for your injury. At Lowe Dreesen Miller, based on experience, we know what your case is worth and what your compensation should look like. We will push back on lowball offers. We also ensure you will get the best in medical evaluation along the way. In the end, that often means better care and a bigger settlement. It’s not just legal representation—it’s strategic advocacy with real impact on your health and your future. Is it worth hiring a lawyer even if you have to pay a fee? Absolutely. Most personal injury attorneys, including Lowe Dreesen Miller, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only have to pay if we win for you. Research from Lawyers.com found that even after legal fees, represented clients still received nearly 3x more compensation than those who didn’t have an attorney. Our policy is, "No win, no fee." What types of injury cases tend to have the largest payouts with legal help? Of course, injury severity matters. The biggest settlements typically come from cases involving spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or serious medical malpractice. These are horrific, life-changing injuries and deserve to be compensated justly and in representation of the major life impact they create. For example, in federal court data reviewed by Lawyers.com:
How does Missouri’s comparative fault law affect personal injury compensation? Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence system. That means if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover damages—but they’ll be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 25% responsible for an accident, you’d still receive 75% of the settlement. This makes hiring a lawyer even more important—so your case is presented accurately and fairly. When should someone contact a personal injury lawyer after an accident? As soon as possible--before speaking to insurance adjusters. Insurance companies often make quick offers hoping you'll settle for less than your case is worth. At Lowe Dreesen Miller, consultations are free, and there's no fee unless you win. You’re not just hiring legal help—you’re hiring a team committed to fighting for justice and securing the best outcome possible.  
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Lowe Dreesen Miller LLC
117 North Benton Street Waynesville, Missouri 65583 Telephone: (573) 774-3122 Facsimile: (573) 774-6164 |
Lowe Dreesen Miller LLC
120 S. Jefferson Ave, Suite 111 St. James, MO 65559 Telephone: (573) 774-3122 Facsimile: (573) 774-6164 |
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