According to figures from the National Safety Council (NSC), 55.4 million people were injured in the U.S. in 2020. Such injuries can occur in a number of ways with some of the most common being:
- Auto accident injuries
- Trips, slips and falls
- Medical errors
- Workplace injuries
- Dog bites
A personal injury can have long-term effects on a person’s life, making it difficult for them to continue work and in some cases, leave them permanently disabled. If you have been affected in this way, an experienced personal injury law firm such as Grillo Law can advise you of your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve. In this article, we will outline some steps to take to ensure you receive a fair and full personal injury settlement.
Have a Figure in Mind
When negotiating your settlement you will need to determine the approximate value of your claim. This will help you determine the amount that you are asking for as well as the minimum you will accept. It becomes easier to do this with an experienced personal injury lawyer; visit this website to know more. Factors such as lost wages, medical expenses and property damage can be used to put together an estimate, which will substantiate your claim. With personal injury negotiations, offers and counter-offers are commonplace so it is useful to have a bottom line figure in mind below which you will not go.
Do Not Take the First Offer
It is common practice in personal injury claims for insurance companies to begin negotiations with a very low offer. This is another reason to have a bottom-line figure in mind. This opening tactic is often used to gauge whether the claimant is aware of the true value of their claim and to avoid spending more money than necessary.
When you receive an offer, measure it against your estimate of the claim to see whether it is reasonable or not. Depending on the amount offered you may need to make a counter-offer with a higher sum while reinforcing the strengths of your case against the other party.
Make the Other Party Justify Their Offer
In cases where the initial offer made to you is unreasonably low, do not respond with an immediate counteroffer. Instead, ask the other party to provide you with the reasons why their offer is so low. Depending on the reasons, this will reveal whether it was simply a tactic to avoid paying more or not. By countering the points made, Dedicated Personal Injury Law Firm in Decatur can help you respond with a higher demand based on your valuation of the claim. If negotiations continue, the other party has been alerted to the fact that they need to be fair and reasonable in their offer and to be able to support it.
Mention Emotional Aspects
Along with evidence of your physical injuries, it is important to also mention the emotional impact this has had on you or your family members. In some cases this can be measured in more quantifiable ways. Perhaps you started taking anti-anxiety medication following your accident, or are being treated for PTSD. Make sure to mention any treatment or therapy you are having for issues of an emotional nature to support a higher settlement.
By following the guidance in this article you can maximize your chances of being fairly compensated for your injuries.
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