What to Consider Before Accepting a Settlement Offer

There are many things to consider before you sign any offer after an injury accident. It is important that you fully understand what you are agreeing to.

It is recommended that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney first.

Do not feel pressure to sign any paperwork or make any verbal agreements after an accident.

The other person and their insurance company’s best interests are often not yours.

Once a deal is signed, it will be difficult if not impossible to file a claim for more money later.

Insurance companies understand this.

They will often try and make a low-ball offer to settle the case before an attorney gets involved.

Richard Harris has been serving clients in Nevada for decades. We know how to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.

This will give you your best chance at receiving the maximum compensation.

The legal system can be complicated.

We will help guide you through the process.

Keeping you informed every step of the way of your best options in moving forward.

Our clients have received $Billions in settlements. Let us take a look at your case.

If your injury was due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to receive compensation.

Call us today. The first consultation is always free.

Richard Harris Knows How to Negotiate

Insurance companies will try to get you to settle on their first offer. Having an experienced attorney that knows how to negotiate will be valuable.

We will protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly.

We will fight to get you the just compensation that you deserve.

Here are some ways we can help.

Knowledge and Experience: Having a deep understanding of the law is important during negotiations. An attorney can bring clarity and help in the understanding of what the enforceable agreement is.

Representation: It is beneficial to have an attorney present in negotiations and in court. This is valuable in communications back and forth with the other party. An attorney can represent your interests.

Preparation: Reviewing and preparing the legal documents will need the help of an experienced lawyer. While preparing the case, it will be important to understand the best options.

Communication: An attorney will understand the legal terminology. Understanding when to ask questions and when to listen. Communication skills can play a major role in the outcome of a case.

Advantageous: It is an advantage to have an attorney represent you. They have experience in negotiation tactics and strategies. This will give you your best chance at receiving the maximum compensation.

Mediation: If there is a conflict between parties, an attorney can find common ground. An attorney can negotiate the settlement, which will avoid further litigation,

Having a lawyer who is an expert negotiator will give you the best chance at receiving a favorable outcome.

Organizing your documentation and understanding the value of your claim is vital. There are many strategies that our legal team can incorporate that can make your negotiating position stronger.

Insurance companies will often make a counteroffer to your demands. It is important to be prepared to negotiate.

This will take evidence that can support your demands. If we need further investigating on the case, we will.

Once we accept your case, we will see it through to the end.

Fighting for you every step of the way. Call the Law Offices of Richard Harris immediately after an injury and before signing a settlement offer.

Evaluate Your Losses Before Accepting a Settlement

An attorney can help in the evaluation of the damages from an injury.

Understanding what all the losses are is the first step in determining the amount of compensation to ask for.

Medical Bills: Keep all receipts of medical expenses. This means bills, invoices, statements, and other items related to the injury. Some of the most common expenses will include doctor visits, medication, and hospitalization. Some injuries may need surgery and rehabilitation. If medical treatment is needed in the future and ongoing, this will be calculated in the claim.
Lost Earnings: Injuries can cause a person to miss work. The lost wages from this can be asked for in the claim. If injuries are serious or permanent, future income will be affected. Lost wages in the future will be evaluated in the lawsuit.
Pain and Suffering: Calculating the pain and emotional suffering from an injury can be difficult. An experienced attorney will be able to put a number on these damages. Mental anguish can be devastating and should be considered.
Property Damage: Repairs and replacement of property can be added to your losses.

These are just some of the common damages that will be evaluated after an injury accident. Having a personal injury lawyer will make this process much clearer.

A careful review of the case will make sure that you receive a fair and just financial recovery.

This will give you your best chance at receiving the maximum compensation for the losses.

What Happens If a Settlement Offer Is Accepted?

The document will have all the terms that are agreed on by both parties. It will be accepted and signed by both parties.

The compensation amount will be in the settlement agreement. Once this is signed, both parties are agreeing on the terms; it is a legally binding document.

This is why it is so important to make sure of what you are agreeing to. You will no longer be able to pursue further compensation later, once the signing takes place.

The defendant or the insurance company will then issue payment to the plaintiff. This will be within the agreed time period to do so.

This time frame will vary from case to case. An attorney will be able to help make sure that a settlement is in your best interests.

What If a Settlement Offer Is Not Accepted?

In a settlement agreement, the plaintiff will have a certain amount of time to accept or decline the terms. Both parties can agree to continue with negotiations.

Both parties will be seeking acceptable terms that they can agree on. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, several things can happen.

The case can proceed to trial. A judge or jury will be presented the case and decide the outcome. The party rejecting the offer can make a counteroffer.

Trying to find a way to settle the case with a different proposal.

If the judge determines that the settlement amount is reasonable and the plaintiff rejects the offer, the case can be dismissed.

Limiting the amount of what the plaintiff can recover. Trials can be costly. It is in the best interests of both parties to agree on a settlement before going to trial in most cases.

Richard Harris not only has top-rated negotiators at the law firm but excellent trial attorneys as well.

Statute of Limitations in Nevada

Nevada has a two-year time period from when the injury accident occurred to file a lawsuit.

If a plaintiff waits after this time limit, they may lose the right to sue and seek compensation.

This is why it’s very important to contact Richard Harris Law Firm today.

Benefits of Negotiating a Personal Injury Case

Time and Money: If a case is unable to be settled, it can go to court. This can be an expensive and time-consuming process. It may not be worth it in the end to go down this road. Negotiating and reaching a settlement can often save both parties time and money.
Certainty of Outcome: Court can be unpredictable. Even if you think you have an open and shut case. There are many factors that are in the control of others. A judge and jury may see things another way. When negotiating a settlement, you know what the agreement is and how much you will receive.
Stress Levels: The unpredictability and complexities of the legal system can be stressful. This is even more so in court. A trial can be emotionally and physically draining. It will often take a lot of preparation, which can be nerve-racking. Reaching an agreement before the case goes to trial will be a big stress relief.
Privacy: Taking a case to court will be a public record. Sensitive information may come up in the public forum. This could be information that you may not want out there. Negotiating a settlement will be a much more private setting. This is something to be aware of if you plan on taking your case to court.
Compensation Guaranteed: If you agree on a settlement, you will receive compensation. If the case goes to court, there is always the possibility that an unfavorable verdict could result in no compensation being awarded to the plaintiff.

Richard Harris is your best bet in Las Vegas.

If you or a loved one was injured and received a settlement offer, let us review it with you.

We are available 24/7. Let us get started on your case.