[smoak]

Frank,

What are the general circumstances of the cause of your injury? Was this work related? If so, there are two components to your injury claim. A medical claim (for whatever medical expenses you incur now and into the future) and an indemnity claim (for lost wages now and into the future). Typically, workers comp settlements seek to extinguish these benefits in exchange for a lump sum. Those settlements are usually based on an impairment rating from your doctor that is multiplied by a certain number. The medical portion can be left open in the future or paid out too with a lump sum (this is where the negotiation comes in).

If this is a non-work related person injury its a whole different ballgame. Depending on the amount of your past/future medical expenses, the amount of your past/future wage loss and the type of injury/treatment you underwent determines the "vaulue" of your claim. Also, the circumstances of the accident can play a pary (i.e., if your injury is caused by a drunk driver). Your lawyer should explain all of these things when you meet with him/her. Sounds like you had an open reduction and internal fixation of surgical harware in your leg, this is a very serious injury. If you also must be retrained for a new occupation, this also adds to the "value" of the claim. However, without more info I cannot give you any opinions on what you should hope to recover.

Hope this was helpful.