Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Offered Me a Settlement?
Do not accept a settlement from an insurance company without obtaining legal advice. Insurance companies want to settle your claim for as little as possible. That is how they make money.
Once you agree to a settlement, the matter is closed and you cannot receive additional compensation if your injuries were worse than anticipated.
An insurer may even discourage you from hiring an attorney. While the reasons given may vary, including that hiring a lawyer will delay payment, the fact is that insurers know that once an accident victim has legal counsel they will probably have to pay a larger amount.
A Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer at Ellis Injury Law protects your rights and negotiates with the insurance company so that you may receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Our skilled attorneys have recovered more than $350 million for clients in settlements and verdicts.
Not looking out for your interests
Always keep in mind that an insurance company is not looking out for your interests. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payments or deny them entirely.
The initial offer on a claim is almost always a lowball settlement. Insurance adjusters know that many accident victims are unaware of their rights and how the system works. They figure victims filing a claim on their own may accept this lowball offer because they just want to get on with their lives. The adjuster’s goal is always to close a claim quickly for a modest amount.
Unfortunately, many slip and fall victims may not yet know the extent of their injuries. If it turns out that the injury necessitates further medical treatment, the victim is out of luck if they already accepted a settlement. The insurance company has no more responsibility and future medical expenses come out of the victim’s pocket.
Even though an insurance representative may appear friendly and helpful, they will use anything you say against you. An innocuous remark could damage your claim. Do not agree to give a recorded statement to the insurer until you speak with a lawyer. Never post details about your accident on social media. Yes, insurers have employees who scour social media in efforts to discredit a victim’s claims.
Looking out for your interests
An attorney is hired to look out for your interests. Unlike the insurance adjuster, they are motivated to get you the best settlement possible. A lawyer investigates the circumstances of the accident and also reviews how the accident affected you economically. That includes consulting with medical experts who can determine whether you may require additional treatment. It also takes into consideration your occupation, your ability to continue working after the accident, and your earning power. Every situation is unique.
Once you hire an attorney, you do not have to deal with the insurance adjuster on your own. All negotiations proceed through your lawyer.
A slip & fall attorney knows a fair settlement amount for the type of injuries suffered and the prognosis. The attorney will let you know whether any settlement offer is acceptable or too low, based on your individual circumstances. While most claims are settled, if a reasonable settlement amount is not reached, the accident victim may file a personal injury lawsuit.
Slip and fall damages
Slip and fall lawyers can help clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Such compensation may include:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If you had to hire someone to perform the activities you could not do while recuperating, such as a childcare provider, cleaning person, or home attendant, your damages may include reimbursement.
Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, do not accept an insurance company settlement before speaking with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Ellis Injury Law. Just submit our online form or call or text 24/7 to arrange a free consultation.
After our case evaluation, we will explain your options. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.