5 Signs Your Personal Injury Claim May be Undervalued
When filing a personal injury claim, timing and careful handling make all the difference. You’ve already suffered enough. Don’t let a careless insurer or corporation rush you into a low settlement.
By recognizing the signs of an undervalued claim, you can protect your rights and recover fair compensation.
1. Your Insurance Company is Rushing You
After an accident, insurance companies often move quickly. They want to protect their bottom line. You may accept the first settlement offer you receive. Yet, this could be the biggest mistake you make while filing a personal injury claim.
How It Contributes to an Undervalued Claim
Insurance companies are smart. They will lowball initial offers, because they expect you to be under extreme financial pressure. These quick settlements are intended to save themselves money and get you off their desk.
A personal injury lawyer could help you assess the true value of your claim. They’ll consider medical bills, property damage, and even lost wages. A personal injury attorney also negotiates for you, so you focus on healing.
2. You Did Not Consider Future Medical Expenses
It’s easy to focus on immediate medical bills after an accident. But serious injuries often require long-term care, rehabilitation, or future surgeries. If those costs aren’t included in your settlement, you’ll pay for them later.
How It Contributes to an Undervalued Claim
At Trident Law HQ, many of our claimants only consider their current medical bills. Overlooking potential ongoing care creates an undervalued claim… Which leads to paying out-of-pocket later.
One of our experienced personal injury attorneys could evaluate your medical prognosis, and calculate a fair compensation amount.
3. You Didn’t Consider Lost Wages
An injury does more than accrue medical bills. It also impacts your ability to work. If you’ve missed work, or an injury limited your earning potential, you should always factor lost wages into your claim.
How It Contributes to an Undervalued Claim
It’s too easy to focus only on your short-term wage loss. You may not consider the long-term financial consequences of your injury. But if your injury affects your ability to work in the future, then your claim settlement should reflect that loss.
Your income is one of the most overlooked parts of a personal injury claim. An attorney could calculate both short-term and long-term losses to ensure your settlement reflects fair compensation.
4. You Didn’t Think of All Possible Damages
Yes, when calculating a personal injury claim, many survivors prioritize economic damages, like medical bills. But did you know that you could receive compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured? These non-economic damages are just as important.
How It Contributes to an Undervalued Claim
Non-economic damages, like a decreased quality of life, are hard to quantify. But not impossible. As a result, many claimants are unaware that they’re entitled to compensation for these less tangible losses.
Personal injury attorneys are able to calculate non-economic damages based on your specific situation. For example, they could use precedents to ensure you’re compensated fairly.
5. You Didn’t Seek Legal Assistance
Unfortunately, many people undervalue their claims because they struggle to complete the process on their own.
How It Contributes to an Undervalued Claim
Insurance companies are experts at negotiating claims, especially when lowballing you. Without a lawyer to advocate for you and your rights, you may accept a settlement that doesn’t cover all damages.
One of our personal injury attorneys could navigate the legal complexities while fighting for the compensation you deserve. They’d negotiate, file paperwork, and prepare for any necessary court proceedings. In the meantime, you could focus on recovery and healing.
If This Situation Sounds Familiar…
You don’t have to settle for less. If you suspect your claim was undervalued or mishandled, our personal injury lawyers can help. Contact Trident Law HQ today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the full compensation you deserve.