After a personal injury accident in Boca Raton, FL, it’s totally understandable if your head is spinning with questions such as: Why me? Or, will life ever feel normal? While some questions might not be so easily answered, the Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg, PLLC is here to make sure your legal questions are taken care of.
One of the most complicated legal questions in a personal injury case is: what is a fair settlement amount?
This is a critical point because a high percentage of accident victims accept unjustly low settlements. Some people do this out of desperation – they just want to stop fighting with the insurance companies or the negligent party’s attorneys. And some people do this because they do not know an unfair settlement when they see one.
At the Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg, we’re here to make sure you get justice in the form of a fair settlement. After all, personal injury accidents can be extremely expensive. Accepting a low settlement could mean financial struggles down the road if you don’t receive adequate compensation. And, as we’ll see in this article, there are many intangible damages that you deserve compensation for.
Below are 6 tips for avoiding an unfair personal injury settlement in Boca Raton:
- Don’t panic! Yes, it’s overwhelming to realize that you have hospital bills and medical expenses and car repair (or replacement) costs adding up. But panicking could cause you to accept a low settlement with the reasoning that “at least it’s something!” You will most likely regret a decision like this because it will leave many of your damages uncovered.
- Don’t accept the first settlement you’re offered. Going along with the first point, insurance companies rely on your desperation to get money in this chaotic time. Insurance companies know that you’re stressed, and they are counting on the fact that you don’t know how much compensation you’re entitled to. They’ll likely offer a convenient “quick and easy” settlement option that will seem like a relief. But remember, you do NOT have to accept the first settlement that comes along. You can fight back. A personal injury attorney can help you fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
- Calculate ALL of both your economic and non-economic damages. Failing to calculate all damages – both economic and non-economic – is quite an easy mistake. And it’s another way that insurance companies get away with paying you less than you need. By discussing your case with an experienced attorney, you can make sure that you don’t miss any of your claimable damages. Many victims don’t dive deep enough into either their economic or non-economic damages when evaluating their claim’s worth. Let’s take a look at some examples of each:
- Economic damages: these are tangible expenses that would come out of your pocket if you didn’t receive compensation. LegalMatch defines economic damages as “actual, measurable losses.” A good way to think about economic damages is that they are damages you will be charged for. Hospital bills, medical treatments, therapy for PTSD and other emotional issues, car repairs and replacements, transportation expenses paid while waiting for your car to be fixed (such as rental cars or Ubers), other damaged property, lost income, lost business opportunities, services that you need to hire because of your injuries (such as housecleaning, childcare, or food delivery), and even parking fees associated with doctor visits can be considered economic damages.
- Non-economic damages: these are harder to calculate, and you’ll need an experienced attorney to argue their full worth. LegalMatch explains that non-economic damages “cannot be calculated by adding up documented bills and receipts.” Examples can include emotional anguish caused by the accident, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of reputation, loss of companionship or sexual relationship, pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment or handicap, disfigurement, and more.
- Consider future damages. When considering what you’re entitled to claim, remember to include future damages such as future lost income, future lost earning capacity, future medical treatments, and more.
- Wait until MMI. Maximum Medical Improvement is the point in your recovery where doctors can confidently evaluate your medical future. At MMI, doctors can tell you what the rest of your recovery journey will require and cost, and what permanent issues you might have. Waiting until MMI gives you a concrete idea of what expenses you can claim.
- Always consult an attorney before accepting a settlement. Avoid making a mistake you’ll regret forever and always get legal advice on when to accept a settlement and what is fair.
When you need to know what your claim is really worth, get legal assistance you can trust! Contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg at (561) 508-8800 or online.
The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg
5255 North Federal Highway, 3rd Floor
Boca Raton, FL 33487
(561) 508-8800