If someone else’s actions hurt you, taking a settlement might seem like the fastest way to get better. However, settlements are final, and the amount you agree to can have a big effect on your ability to afford things in the future. It’s important to think about all the aspects of your case before making a decision. This will help you make a decision that fully covers your injuries and the costs that come with them.
Eagle Pass, Texas, is renowned for its historic charm and lively town. As the area grows, accidents and injury cases happen more often, so it’s important to get help from professionals. Talking to an Eagle Pass personal injury attorney will ensure you consider all the things that are unique to your case.
With that said, here are the factors you need to consider before accepting an injury settlement.
Severity of Your Injuries
One of the main things you should think about is how bad your injuries are and how they will affect you in the long run. If your injuries require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation or leave you permanently disabled, these costs should be covered by your settlement. Before settling, you should wait until you’ve hit maximum medical improvement (MMI). This ensures that you know exactly how much your medical bills will be and how they will affect your quality of life.
Consider the Money You’ve Lost
Your financial losses extend beyond just the hospital bills you have to pay at the moment. Include your lost wages, your ability to earn in the future, and any other costs that are directly related to your injury. Get accurate evidence, such as medical bills, pay stubs, and the cost of fixing any damage to property. Keeping a clear record of these expenses strengthens your claim and helps the judge decide if the settlement amount is enough.
Factor in Non-Economic Damages
It is important to consider things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In personal injury cases, these damages are often very important, especially if the person needs to recover for a long time or is permanently disabled. They are difficult to calculate, but they should be part of your settlement. A lawyer can help you figure out how much these non-economic losses are worth.
Understand Claims Adjusters Tactics
A lot of the time, claims adjusters try to settle cases quickly and for as little money as possible. They may put pressure on you to accept a first offer that isn’t worth as much as your claim is worth. Don’t forget that you don’t have to take this first offer. Take some time to think about the offer, get some help, and, if necessary, negotiate to get a fair settlement.
Final Thoughts
If you handle a settlement by yourself, you might miss out on opportunities to get adequate compensation. Studies have shown that people who have a lawyer usually get bigger payouts than those who don’t. An attorney can look at your case, point out any problems, and advocate for the best result possible. This skilled help can save you from making mistakes that cost a lot of money.