If you suffered severe injuries due to a vehicle accident, medical negligence, or a defective product, you’re legally entitled to fair compensation. The importance of carefully choosing a skilled Kent injury attorney can’t be overstated. Indeed, the competence of your attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Here are other effective tips to ensure that you get a fair claim settlement offer.
- Have a carefully-calculated settlement amount
When you were putting together a convincing claim settlement demand letter, you must have figured out an estimate of the amount of money you thought your personal injury claim is worth. Before you participate in the settlement negotiations, speak to your lawyer, doctor, and other relevant professionals to establish the minimum settlement amount you can accept.
The insurance adjuster might choose to make a counteroffer and that means you expect your offer and the adjuster’s counteroffer to go back and forth until both sides can agree on something. Remember, you don’t have to cling on your original figure as the adjuster might point out some facts that you may not have considered. Sometimes, you might want to revise your original figure upwards or downwards, but it helps to have your desired minimum amount in mind before you participate in the settlement negotiations.
- Analyze the adjuster’s offer before you accept it
It’s a common practice among insurers to start negotiations by first making a low offer amount. If this happens, just know that the insurance adjuster is attempting to find out whether or not you know what your claim is worth and if you’re ready to fight for it.
Your response to this offer will depend on whether it is reasonable or extremely low. In case the offer is reasonable but lower than the amount you had demanded, consider making a counteroffer that’s slightly lower than your original amount. This will clearly show that you’re being reasonable and ready to compromise something small to get the claim settlement.
More bargaining could get you a fair settlement offer. Remember, this isn’t the time to start going over the details of the events again. Emphasize on your strongest point that favors your case. Having an experienced and skilled attorney on your side is non-debatable.
- Engage an experienced lawyer
Generally, personal injury claim settlements are tough battles and it’s best to have an experienced lawyer fight for your rights. If your claim is worth just a few thousands of dollars, there is a good chance you will be ignored – your claim may be viewed as insignificant. However, your attorney can proceed with the claim until you get compensated fairly.
Remember, everything should be documented. Your compensation demand, the insurance adjuster’s offer, and all other relevant details. If you choose to accept an offer, confirm the agreement with an insurance adjuster via a written document to the adjuster. Sure, legal and finance jargon is hard to comprehend, but your lawyer can help.
