A catastrophic injury can change everything. You face severe physical limitations, emotional turmoil and the immense cost of lifelong medical care.
Your first step to getting compensation is filing a claim against the negligent party’s insurance company. However, you may likely receive a settlement offer that feels far too low. Understanding why this occurs is key to fighting for fair recovery.
The reason insurance companies offer less
While insurance companies provide monetary benefits to customers, their priority is protecting their profits. They can leverage your vulnerable position and offer a lowball offer. As you face the mounting medical bills and lost income, choosing to accept the initial settlement may seem like a lifeline.
Unfortunately, the first offer does not account for critical needs, such as a life care plan, future lost earning capacity and non-economic losses recoverable under Pennsylvania law.
The common tactics to lower compensation
When facing insurance companies, being aware of their strategies can help you spot whether their offer is significantly low. Common tactics include:
- Asking you to sign a release form to give up future claims against the negligent party
- Blaming your current injury on a pre-existing condition
- Using the state’s modified comparative negligence rule to claim you are partially at fault for the accident
- Arguing that your injury does not meet the state’s standard for a serious impairment of bodily function
You have the right to challenge their initial offer, especially if you think not all relevant factors are taken into account.
Shifting the power back to you
Instead of letting a lowball offer define your future, choose to fight for a settlement amount that fairly compensates your damages. Protecting your long-term financial security can be a complex process that requires a legal strategy. With the right help, it is possible to negotiate offers with confidence.
