What is Your Claim Worth?
Posted on November 21st, 2017 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
If you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit, except to receive a settlement offer at some point. However, the offer you receive might be too low. Before you sign a settlement, be sure it’s what you deserve. Have an experienced personal injury lawyer look over the settlement and determine if it’s fair or not.
Negotiating a Personal Injury Settlement on Your Own
You should never accept a settlement that’s lower than value of your case. The value of your claim will be based on many different factors, such as witness statements, photographs and medical documents. Insurance companies are there to make money and will likely try to pay you as little as possible. Do not feel pressured to accept an insurance company’s first offer. If you believe the settlement isn’t fair, you can articulate your demands to the insurance company. If they still don’t budge, you can pursue legal action.
Attorney Negotiating Your Settlement
While you do not have to hire a personal lawyer to negotiate your settlement, it is in your best interest to do so. A skilled personal injury lawyer has handled similar cases in the past and won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. He or she will negotiate with insurance adjusters to get you the settlement you deserve. If insurance adjusters see that you have a qualified lawyer on your side, they will be less likely to lowball you.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The evidence you have will determine the value of your personal injury case. It’s likely that the insurance company will try to avoid taking the case to court so that there isn’t any bad publicity. They may offer you a higher settlement offer than they made before.
If you can avoid giving into early settlement offers and file a lawsuit with a personal injury lawyer, you are more likely to obtain a settlement you deserve. A reputable personal injury lawyer will work hard to get you a settlement that reflects your injuries.
During your initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer, remember to bring documents that relate to your case, such as medical records, photos of your injuries and witness statements. Your lawyer can use these documents to estimate the value of your case. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by setting up a consultation with one.
Thanks to authors at Injury in Idaho for their insight into Personal Injury Law.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
