Should I Accept The Insurance Settlement?
The time after a serious accident can be very stressful. After an injury, you may be faced with a wide range of physical, emotional and financial challenges that you have never had to deal with in the past. During this difficult time, you may be approached by an insurance company offering a monetary settlement as compensation for your injuries.
There are a number of important factors that you must take into account when considering a settlement offer. The extent of your injuries, the cost of past and future medical care, disability or disfigurement you have suffered and emotional distress can all play a role in calculating fair compensation. At the Law Offices of James L. O'Rourke, our personal injury attorneys will help you understand what your case is worth, and help you push for the maximum possible settlement. Call 800-658-1245 to schedule a free consultation.
Should I Take The Settlement?
If you have been offered a settlement by an insurance company, you should not accept immediately. Remember that insurance companies are dedicated to saving money on all claims. They do this by offering the smallest settlements possible — usually far less than the claim is truly worth. Before you accept a settlement, you should understand what types of damages you are entitled to and how much you should expect to receive.
Many personal injury law firms, including ours, offer free initial consultations with attorneys. When you schedule a consultation with the Law Offices of James L. O'Rourke, one of our lawyers will work with you one-on-one to help you develop a basic idea of your case’s value. We will also help you understand what types of compensation you are entitled to. This information is invaluable for anyone entering into negotiations with an insurance company.
Be Prepared To Negotiate
Insurance companies expect to negotiate after they have made their first offer. If you choose to negotiate with them, make sure you do it with a specific settlement amount in mind. If offered an unreasonably low settlement, request that the adjuster justify the amount with specific reasons.
Ultimately, however, you may find that your negotiating position is somewhat limited if you are attempting to go it alone. Insurers offer settlements as a way to avoid a costly and risky trial. They know that individuals without legal representation are unlikely to file a lawsuit.
That is why an attorney’s assistance is so valuable during the negotiating process. When you negotiate a settlement with an attorney from the Law Offices of James L. O'Rourke, the insurance company knows that you are serious about pursuing your claim. The company knows that if it does not offer a fair settlement, we will take it to court to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. This fact, combined with our deep understanding of injuries and settlements in Connecticut, helps us to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you have been offered a settlement by an insurance company, our personal injury lawyers can help decide what to do next. We provide the personal legal support you are looking for to complete the negotiations with confidence.
To schedule a free consultation at one of our three office locations, contact us online or call 800-658-1245. We offer home and hospital visits upon request. Our offices serve clients in Bridgeport, Stratford, Shelton, and the surrounding areas.