Should You Accept a Personal Injury Settlement?
It is common for personal injury cases to end with a settlement, often before the dispute is in court. The settlement offer comes typically comes from the insurance company of the liable party or, in some instances, from the liable party themselves.
It can be tempting to accept a settlement. After all, it can be a fast way to resolution. That said, the compensation offered could be less than the compensation you would receive as a result of a successful court case. A Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help you to understand when a settlement is the best idea and when it is in your best interest to head to court.
How Much Is the Settlement?
To determine if a settlement is fair compensation, an attorney can walk you through exactly what the liable party is offering. You have to keep in mind that the insurers have their company’s best interests in mind. Because of this, the insurance company will likely attempt to save money by disputing the extent of your injuries or offering an amount that is not enough to completely cover the expenses you need to pay.
If a lawyer sees a settlement offer as being too low, they will likely recommend moving forward with a lawsuit. This could be true if pain and suffering is included in your compensation. This amount can be subjective. With a lawsuit, the court can decide what is appropriate. The determination is out of the insurance adjusters hands.
To prove your case, you will need to collect and organize the following:
- Hospital and medical bills.
- Repair estimates for damaged property.
- Testimony from healthcare professionals about future care needs.
- Expert testimony about any pain, suffering, or future issues incurred.
- Employer documentation of lost wages.
How Strong Is Your Case?
When a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer goes over your case with you, they can help you to determine the strength of your case. Because, when you go to court, it is also possible the court will determine you were at fault in part, which can decrease the amount of compensation.
In situations where there is doubt over who was at fault, going to court can be problematic. In those instances a settlement may be the best choice because by going to court you could end up receiving a smaller settlement, if the court were to not rule in your favor.
In order to win a Pennsylvania personal injury case, liability and negligence needs to be proven. Losses also need to be demonstrated through the discovery process. Having an attorney by your side makes this process easier.
Contact to an Experienced Bucks County Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have filed a personal injury claim and are wondering if a settlement offered is the best choice, you need to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer. The Bucks County personal injury attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. will work with you for the best possible outcome, whether that is negotiating a better settlement offer with an insurance company or taking the lawsuit to court. Schedule your consultation today, call 215-968-6602.
