5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Accepting an Offer
Many injury victims receive a settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurer sooner than expected. While it may be tempting to accept the first offer and move on, doing so without careful consideration can leave you with less compensation than you deserve. Before agreeing to a settlement, take the time to ask yourself these key questions and connect with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
#1 Does This Offer Cover All of My Medical Expenses?
One of the most important factors in an injury claim is ensuring that all medical costs, past, present, and future, are covered. If you have ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or future surgeries, the settlement should account for those expenses. For this reason, you need to be sure you have completed all necessary medical treatment and any future care needs are addressed.
#2 Have Lost Wages and Future Income Loss Been Considered?
If your injury caused you to miss work, you could be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If so, you need to know exactly how much work you already missed and if your injury will impact your ability to earn an income in the future. Additionally, a full and fair settlement will cover lost bonuses, commissions, or career advancement opportunities, if applicable.
#3 Is Pain and Suffering Included in the Offer?
Insurance companies often focus only on economic damages and may leave out compensation for pain and suffering. Yet, the psychological pain and emotional distress caused by an injury are just as real as physical injuries. It’s important to take note if you have suffered emotional distress or PTSD due to the accident or if you are experiencing ongoing pain that affects my daily life. Then, with the appropriate documentation, recovery for pain and suffering could be in reach.
# 4 Have I Reviewed My Legal Options?
The business of insurance trains adjusters to settle claims for as little as possible. In many cases the goal of insurance teams is to close the case quickly, not necessarily to ensure you receive fair compensation. Because of this, speaking with an attorney to have your claim evaluated could assist you in understanding if the offer presented aligns with settlements for similar cases.
#5 How Long Do I Have to Decide?
You do not have to accept or reject an offer immediately. Florida law allows victims time to consider their options before making a decision. In most cases, settlement offers remain open for a few weeks to several months, but once accepted, you cannot renegotiate. So don’t rush to settle. Instead, consult with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer before signing any agreement to ensure the offer is fair and comprehensive.
Are you mulling over a settlement offer? Accepting a settlement is a major decision that should not be rushed. Before agreeing to any offer, look into whether it truly meets your needs following a Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach accident injury. The attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez can review your case and negotiate for the compensation you deserve. Call 561-660-9421 today.
