Settling with the insurance company

If you’ve suffered a brain injury and it was someone else’s responsibility, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. That means either working towards a settlement with the insurance company or fighting for that compensation at trial. While most cases are settled without the need of a court, this is not an indicator that the victims should accept the first offers the insurance company communicates. The liability insurer for the at-fault party may make an initial settlement offer very quickly. 

While receiving advice from an experienced lawyer about your case, you will realize that it is possible to receive compensation for more than just medical expenses and lost wages. You are also entitled to damages for the pain and suffering you experienced because of the injury. 

When to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company

It is important to never accept a settlement offer from an insurance company at least until you are released from medical treatment. The reason is that you cannot predict or know the extent of your injuries until all processes and evaluations are done. On top of that, your doctor may issue a permanent impairment rating after you are done with your treatment, which would dramatically increase the value of your injury claim. 

In the case you sustain minor injuries, you must complete the medical treatment and seek help to understand the value of your damages. When the insurance company makes an offer, ask for a complete breakdown. Then, review each item to determine how much the insurer is offering to pay for your damages and evaluate if the amount is fair. 

The types of damages in a personal injury claim may include, but are not limited to:

• Medical bills
• Nursing services
• Equivalents to lost payments and lost benefits
• Pain and suffering compensation
• Travel expenses to medical and treatment facilities
• Help with household chores
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of future opportunities

Remember: You are not required to accept the first offer from the insurance company. Instead, you can negotiate a higher amount with the help of a lawyer.