If you have filed a lawsuit due to an accident or injury related to the actions or negligence of another party, you will likely have an insurance adjuster contacting you about your case. In the vast majority of situations, this adjuster will make you a settlement offer to try to close your case out as quickly as possible. When handled properly, a settlement can be beneficial to both you and the insurance company. You will get a guaranteed payout without having to go to court, and the insurance company removes the risk of the courts forcing them to pay out more in damages. If an insurance adjuster has made you a settlement offer, make sure you consider these things before you decide to accept it.
Current and Future Medical Costs
The insurance company should be covering all of your medical expenses associated with the injury if their client was at fault. When looking at their settlement offer, see if it is enough to cover all of your past medical expenses, current expenses, and any future costs as well. This is especially important if you are likely to need ongoing physical therapy, in-home nursing care, or other continuous expenses.
Past, Present, and Future Pain and Suffering
The settlement should include an amount to help compensate you for the pain and suffering that was caused by the injury. Even if you have mostly recovered from the incident, it is important to factor in all of the pain and suffering that you already experienced, are currently experiencing, and may experience in the future. This doesn’t just mean the most serious examples of it, but also discomfort that may never go away. For example, if the injury has made it so your back gets painful after walking for a while, you won’t be able to enjoy hiking or other activities the same way ever again. You deserve to be compensated for the years of discomfort you will likely endure.
Compensation for Disfigurement
If your injury has left you disfigured in any way, the settlement offer should include a reasonable compensation for this. Disfigurement can include anything from minor scarring to a loss of a limb or serious burns. If the total amount of the offer does not cover the physical and emotional challenges associated with your disfigurement, you should likely not accept it.
Always Consult with an Attorney
These are three major areas that the courts will consider when deciding what damages you are entitled to. If the insurance adjuster is not factoring them in appropriately, it is a mistake to accept their offer. The best way to make sure you get a fair settlement offer is to have an attorney representing your interests. This will show the insurance company that you will not be low-balled and will ensure you are prepared to go to court if the adjuster will not be reasonable. Contact The Bagneris Firm to consult with a personal injury attorney with over 20 years of experience with these cases. We will be happy to review any offer from your insurance adjuster and help you decide how to best move forward.
Bagneris Law Firm
Latest posts by Bagneris Law Firm (see all)
- Traits to Look for in Personal Injury Lawyers - December 21, 2022