You’ve gone through the whole stressful ordeal of a personal injury case. You’ve waited weeks, maybe months, and then the settlement offer comes in.
It’s disappointing, to say the least. You can say it’s like opening a gift, expecting something spectacular, but finding a pair of socks instead.
The median personal injury settlement amount in the US is $31,000 for all types of cases. However, at times, it’s a lot lower than this amount. At times, even if it’s more than this, it’s not sufficient to cover the expenses the injury might have caused you.
Now, if the settlement offer isn’t what you hoped for, don’t panic. You’re not stuck with it, and there are steps you can take to potentially improve the situation.
Review the Offer First
First things first: review the offer with a calm mind. Sometimes, that initial feeling of disappointment is more about what you imagined you’d get rather than what’s fair or reasonable.
Sit down with your lawyer, and don’t be afraid to ask all the questions. Understand the reasoning behind the amount offered. Is there something you’re missing? Maybe certain factors, like medical costs or long-term impact, were considered more heavily than others. Perhaps they overlooked something that matters deeply to your case.
Either way, having an honest discussion about how the amount was calculated can help you see where you stand.
Let Your Lawyer with the Situation
If you’ve thoroughly reviewed the offer and it still feels like an insult, it’s time to call in the cavalry: your personal injury attorney.
Your lawyer is your best ally in this situation, and they know how to navigate the tricky waters of settlement negotiations. A skilled personal injury lawyer has seen it all: the lowball offers, the stubborn insurance companies, and the back-and-forth bargaining.
Let your personal injury attorney take the reins. Accident lawyers know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize settlement amounts. They’re familiar with the games that get played in personal injury cases, so having them in your corner can be a game-changer.
The lawyer will review your medical records, analyze accident reports, and dig into any lost wages to paint a picture that demands fair compensation.
Last year, Alexis Joyner sued an Atlanta airport after contending that she was injured when she slipped on liquid on the airport floor. She definitely sought help from an injury attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. Now, if she is not happy with the settlement offer, she can throw in the same lawyer or a new one at the defendant.
According to Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, at times, you should not accept the first settlement offer sent to you. This, of course, depends on the settlement amount and conditions, something you must have your lawyer vet.
Don’t feel like you’re being greedy or difficult by pushing for more. Accident lawyers deal with this kind of thing all the time, and it’s part of their job to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Consider Negotiating a Better Settlement
What do you do when you don’t like the settlement you’re being offered? Walk away? You could, but will it solve your problems or pay your medical bills? Don’t think so. In such circumstances, you must put your anger and maybe even your ego aside and realize something. Settlement offers aren’t set in stone.
You’re offered a sum of money and you think it barely scratches the surface of what you’re owed. Don’t worry; negotiation is on the table. This is where things can get a little more interesting concerning the settlement amount.
Instead of tossing the settlement offer into the trash, counter it. Give the other party a proposal that reflects the true cost of your injuries and other forms of suffering.
Of course, you must, at whatever cost possible, ensure that your counteroffer is backed by strong evidence. Documentation of medical bills, evidence of lost income, medical reports, financial reports, and whatever else you can get your hands on. All these reports and documents will reflect the need for a better settlement.
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
You get a lowball settlement offer thrown at you and you feel lost. We understand. After all, such low settlement offers can feel like a punch to the gut after everything you’ve been through.
Thankfully, you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve, especially when the law is involved and we’re talking about a settlement.
Review the settlement offer carefully and get your personal injury lawyer to do the same. Then, pull up your sleeves and get ready to negotiate or take legal action if necessary.
At the end of the day, a settlement is not just about getting some money that you can spend to buy a new house. It’s about your recovery, your future, and making sure you’re not left short-changed after a life-changing injury or event.
