When filing a personal injury claim, sometimes you have to take the case to a judge. Sometimes, a case settles out of court instead. When the responsible party in your case contacts you with a settlement agreement, you may wonder if settling is the right choice.
There are a few things to consider before you accept a settlement agreement.
When is settling outside of court the right choice?
It is important to remember that taking your case to court does not guarantee a judge’s ruling in your favor. If there is any question about the strength of your case, settling might give you peace of mind. Not only that, but settling the case sometimes provides you with a faster resolution than waiting for a court date.
What should you include in a settlement amount?
When you receive a settlement offer, you cannot adequately evaluate that offer without considering your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and long-term recovery expenses. Make sure you only settle for enough to cover those costs because you cannot seek more once you accept the settlement offer.
Can you counter a settlement offer?
If you receive a settlement offer from the other party, you do not have to accept or decline the offer. You also have the option to counter the offer with an amount of your choosing. Create a counteroffer with adequate justification for the figure.
Understanding the basics of a settlement can help you decide how to handle your personal injury case. Consider whether you want to settle your case or litigate it in court.