Hurt in an accident in Kansas City? You are far from alone. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) estimates that people make a collective 40 million injury-related emergency room visits each year in the United States. As medical care can be exceedingly expensive, it is imperative that injured victims are able to maximize their compensation. Do you bring a personal injury claim? Receive a settlement offer? Be sure that that offer is in your best interests. Here, our Kansas City personal injury attorney highlights four key questions to ask yourself before taking a settlement.
Do You Know the Total Value of Your Damages?
One essential factor to consider when offered a personal injury settlement is whether you fully understand the total value of your damages. Damages in a personal injury case can be extensive, and not all are immediately apparent. They generally fall into two categories:
- Economic damages; and
- Non-economic damages.
Economic damages are tangible costs—such as vehicle repairs, medical bills, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are intangible losses. Some examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term disability. Make sure you know the value of your case before settling.
Have You Consulted With a Personal Injury Attorney?
Legal expertise is invaluable in personal injury cases. These are complicated legal claims and it is crucial that you have a reliable advocate on your side. By consulting with a top-tier Kansas City personal injury attorney, you can be confident that your case is being handled the right way. An attorney can review your settlement offer and ensure that accepting it is in your best interests. The right Kansas City personal injury lawyer can make all of the difference.
Can You Negotiate for Additional Compensation?
Remember, the initial settlement offer is usually not the final offer. Insurance companies often start with a lower amount, expecting some negotiation. Consider whether there is room to negotiate for a more favorable settlement that accurately reflects the value of your claim. You do not have to accept the first offer that comes your way. Additional financial relief may be available.
Are You Satisfied Resolving Your Case for That Settlement?
Finally, you consider your satisfaction with the proposed settlement. Does it meet your needs? With very limited exceptions, a personal injury settlement is the end of your case. You will likely not be able to obtain further compensation. With this in mind, it is vital that you be sure that you are fully satisfied with the personal injury settlement offer before accepting the deal.
Get Help From a Personal Injury Lawyer in Kansas City
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City personal injury attorney invests the time and resources to help injured victims get justice. If you have any questions about negotiating a personal injury settlement with an insurer, we can help. Give us a call now or contact our law firm online for your free consultation. With an office in Kansas City, we represent injured victims in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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