4 Tips for Handling a Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlement Offer
Workers Comp Lawyer
When you are injured due to the negligence of another, you may be offered a settlement by an individual’s or business’ insurance company. Accepting these settlements can be tempting, especially when your medical bills start to pile up after the accident. However, you may settle for much less than what your claim is worth if you accept an offer too quickly, and there are a few tips you can keep in mind once you have an offer on the table.
- Consult a Lawyer
Because every personal injury case is different and the worth varies, speaking to an attorney about your case can help you understand your case’s value and whether the insurance company’s offer is a fair one. A lawyer can calculate the worth of your case based on your injuries, the cost of medical bills and future treatment, if necessary, and gauge whether going to court is the better option. Retaining a lawyer can also give you peace of mind that you do not have to endure this process alone.
- Avoid Unsolicited Advice
When friends and family know you are involved in a personal injury case, they may try to offer you well-meaning advice based on their own experiences. This can lead to confusion about the actual value of your case and how to proceed. As such, it may be a good idea to limit details about the settlement with your loved ones until it is resolved and let them know your attorney has advised you to do so.
- Agree to Arbitration
Your personal injury case may not need to go to trial if you can settle in arbitration. During this process, you meet with insurance company representatives and an arbitrator, who is an objective third party present to listen to both sides of the dispute. It is wise to have your attorney present at this so he or she can represent your best interests.
- Know Your Rights
Some insurance company representatives are skilled in negotiation and may press you to accept an offer before you are ready. However, it is not required that you accept any offer and retain the right to pursue a court case if you and your attorney believe the insurance company’s offers are unfair. If you do not feel comfortable with an offer, consult your attorney before you move forward.
Knowing whether to accept a personal injury settlement offer can be puzzling, but there is help available. Speak to a lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer from Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLC, today for further information and assistance.
