You should not settle your personal injury claim out of convenience or desperation. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a difficult spot, yet you cannot reopen the claim and claim additional compensation. Here is what you need to know after getting an early offer to settle.
It could be medical malpractice, a car crash or a slip-and-fall accident that leaves you with some injuries. In most cases, insurance adjusters will likely reach out with an initial offer to settle your claim and close it.
Many people accept such deals because they assume it is what they deserve in compensation and that it will save them time from negotiations with the insurer. It is not always the case.
Consider these factors before accepting a settlement offer
Before agreeing to settle, assess all the harm or loss suffered and weigh them against the insurer’s offer. Some pertinent questions to ask yourself include:
- Have you reached maximum medical improvement for your injuries?
- Do your injuries have any expected or potential future effects or complications?
- Will you miss work as you recover or continue doing your job after recovery?
- Has your quality of life diminished?
- How much pain and suffering did you endure?
Every case is different, and the damages vary. Once you ascertain the damages you suffered, it will help you estimate the value of your claim. You can then choose to accept or reject the offer to settle.
Get help with your personal injury claim
Identifying damages is a crucial aspect of any personal injury claim. However, not everyone understands the damages they can claim for their injuries. Many end up settling for less.
It is in your best interests to seek the appropriate guidance if you have suffered injuries from another party’s negligence and ensure you get what you deserve.