The fundamental purpose of monetary compensation is to reinstate you back to the financial position you were in before the accident.
Nevertheless, there are various factors that influence the amount you receive in compensation for your personal injuries.
In most cases, the settlement amount is usually reduced from the initial amount demanded in the claim to a lower amount. However, you can argue and increase your chances of receiving a substantial compensatory amount of money.
Essentially, your personal injury lawyer will quote and defend the amount of money you deserve, depending on the nature and extent of your injuries.
This article will help you understand different strategies you can employ to maximize your compensatory amount in a personal injury lawsuit.
Get a Comprehensive Medical Assessment
A comprehensive medical assessment is beneficial for your physical health and your case. First, seeking medical attention helps assess your health status and treat your injuries.
Second, by seeking medical attention, you are fulfilling your legal obligation of mitigating damages (preventing further health deterioration).
Finally, a comprehensive medical report is a crucial source of evidence that your personal injury attorney uses to prove the nature and extent of your personal injuries.
Medical bills and payment receipts play a vital role in determining the value of your damages and the amount of money you will receive as a compensatory settlement.
Decline the Initial Settlement Offer
The initial settlement offer gives you significant leverage against the defendant (the defendant has admitted fault to an extent).
Your personal injury attorney can use the initial offer to ‘twist the defendant’s hand’ for more settlement money.
Insurance companies are always looking for ways to mitigate their expenses. As such, the initial offer is usually less than the amount to which you are rightfully entitled.
Your personal injury lawyer will help you evaluate the fairness of the initial offer. Heading to trial is always a better option than accepting a low settlement offer; you can argue your case in court and get more money up to a few times more than the initial settlement offers.
Document Every Detail Concerning the Accident
Most people sustain personal injuries from accidents. As such, you need to document as much information related to the accident as possible.
Documenting the incidents leading to your personal injuries helps create concrete evidence that will help you build a strong case. You can record statements with your phone (especially if the party at fault is admitting fault) and take photos of the scene.
Additionally, you can take the names of present eyewitnesses and get a copy of the police report. Proper documentation gives your personal injury attorney in Michigan leverage against the defendant; your lawyer will use the documented evidence to demand a sizeable amount of money during the trial.
Understand the Extent and Nature of Your Claim
Personal injuries can cause several damages for which you can file individual claims. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney will help you understand how you can use the extent of your injuries to demand more money.
Your settlement can significantly increase if your lawyer is able to prove that your personal injuries caused significant emotional and physical pain. Emotional damages are hard to quantify, but they help add to the medical expenses and lost wages for which you are claiming.
Observe Proper Conduct Throughout the Case
Your behavior and activities directly influence the outcome of your case. It is very important to avoid erratic behaviors that may contribute to more injuries.
Additionally, be wary of things you post on social media; posting vital case details on social media jeopardize your chances of getting any compensation if the court doesn’t dismiss your case.
Account for Future Damages
Usually, most people are inclined to make compensation demands based on the immediate effects of their personal injuries. Nevertheless, your personal injuries may cause further mental and physical effects in the future.
Some injuries have recurring expenses, such as therapy costs, which you need to account for when quoting your compensation amount.
Consult a medical professional and get a well-documented report showing the number of therapy and rehabilitation sessions you require before you can fully recover.
Getting a full estimation of the medical expenses you are going to incur in the future will help increase the amount of settlement money you will receive.
Conclusion
Maximizing your settlement amount in a personal injury claim requires proper coordination between your personal injury attorney and yourself. Observing the strategies discussed above will help you maximize your settlement significantly.
