If you win your personal injury case, you (as the plaintiff) will receive damages from either the defendant or their insurance company. Damages are won in one of two ways: 1) negotiated settlement (most common) or 2) courtroom trial with a judge and maybe a jury.
How much your case is worth depends on the type of damages and their extent. Damages in car accidents, medical malpractice cases, even workers’ compensation cases can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, among other compensatory damages. In extreme cases of negligence, a defendant may also pay punitive damages. Your choice of attorney also plays a role in how much your case is worth, as their skills and experience play a role in the success of the verdict.