If you have been injured at work or suffered an accident and sustained injuries that are compromising your quality of life, then you can claim damages. But do you know what your case is really worth? The answer comes down to the damages you sustain and figuring out what those injuries are worth physically, emotionally and mentally. In some cases, you can also claim damages for emotional distress caused by the defendant’s misconduct. The following tips can help you get as much as possible with help from a personal injury attorney:
Have an amount in mind
The first thing you should ask your personal injury attorney to do is to draft a settlement amount letter. Make sure you have a range in mind for the minimum amount you expect especially before speaking to an adjuster. If you already have a bottom line in mind, you will not have to argue as much when the time comes to settle an amount.
A snap decision can make give you an amount that might not be enough for the damages sustained. The adjuster might force you to make a take-it-or-leave-it decision so you will be in a better position to negotiate.
However, this does not mean that you should stick to the figure you get stubbornly. If for instance the adjuster points out a couple of facts that you did not take into consideration, then you should adjust accordingly as well. Your adjuster might start with a low settlement at first but if you have evidence that makes your claim stronger, you may want to revise your own figure.
Do not accept the first offer
Insurance adjusters will always start with the lowest possible figure in an attempt to throw you off and this is standard procedure. They might even try to deny liability completely in order to understand whether you even understand your claim or not or if you are just impatient to get your hands on the money. If the latter is the case, then they know they can present any amount to you and you will snap it up.
That is the worst possible mistake you can make in a personal injury claim. Never accept the first offer made no matter how high or low it is. Even if the offer seems reasonable, you should make a counter offer and if it is a little bit lower than the figure in your letter, then the adjuster might be more willing to accept. That will show them that you are willing to be reasonable if they are and the process will go a lot smoother as well.
Personal Injury Attorney | Attorney Javier Marcos
These negotiations should be settled quickly and as smoothly as possible and you should not have to go over the facts to claim the damages you deserve. Strong points should be emphasized like by saying that the insurer is the one at fault. Personal injury attorney Javier Marcos can help you present a claim that can give you the best claim possible and as much money as needed. Call 24 hours 713.999.4444 for a free consultation. No payment unless we win, we go to you and receive medical attention. Do not let time pass.