Did You Receive a Personal Injury Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company? Four Big Things to Consider Before Accepting

Hurt in a serious accident in Houston, Sugar Land, or elsewhere in Southeast Texas? Your case may be resolved through a personal injury settlement. It is a good sign if you have already received a settlement offer from the insurance company. However, there are some key things that you need to keep in mind before accepting it. In this article, our Houston personal injury lawyer highlights four big things that you need to consider before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company.

1.    Have You Reached Maximum Medical Improvement?

Maximum medical improvement means that you have reached stability in your recovery. It does not always mean a full recovery unfortunately, but it does mean that significant progress is not expected in the near or intermediate term. You should never accept a settlement until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Why? Settling too early could leave you without the resources to cover ongoing care or unexpected complications. Insurance companies often push quick settlements to minimize costs. Do not settle until you know your current and future medical status. 

2.    Do You Actually Know the Value of Your Damages? 

Too many people settle personal injury cases without actually knowing the value of their claim. It is a big and all-too-common problem. Before you accept any offer, confirm you know the full scope of your damages. Compensation in Texas includes both economic losses (such as medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic harm (such as pain and suffering, and emotional distress). Calculating these damages requires careful documentation and often professional evaluation.

3.    Do You Feel as Though the Offer is Full Compensation?

What do you think of the settlement offer? Do you have any pause? Remember, signing that agreement means that you are closing your personal injury case. You cannot reopen a personal injury settlement unless a very limited exception applies. You should ask yourself whether the insurer’s offer feels fair based on everything you have ever endured. Insurance companies typically start with low offers. They do so in the hopes that you accept quickly (and for less). You deserve full and fair financial compensation.

4.    Have You Consulted With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas? 

Consulting an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer is essential before signing anything. Your attorney will understand the insurance company’s tactics and can negotiate effectively. Insurance companies want to push injured victims to settle their case before they ever speak to a lawyer? Why? The reason is that they know that they can get a lot of people to settle their case for far less than they truly deserve. Our Houston, TX personal injury attorney can help.

Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Houston Personal Injury Attorney

At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Houston personal injury lawyer fights tirelessly for justice. We put victims and families first. If you are involved in personal injury settlement talks, please call us now or contact us online for a free case review. We fight for justice for injured victims throughout all of Southeast Texas, including in Houston, Sugar Land, and Missouri City.