Maximizing Compensation: Strategies for Personal Injury Victims

Suffering an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence is bad enough.

It’s when you try to claim the compensation you deserve that the real fun begins. Injury victims leave thousands of dollars on the table year after year, and it’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they don’t know the right way to go about the claims process.

But let me save you some time…

There’s no magical formula to achieving a successful personal injury claim.

It’s all strategy. Insurance companies aren’t known for giving up their money easily. Add in the fact you’ve got injuries to recover from, a hospital bill to worry about, and the associated legal issues to navigate – and a plan of action is critical to increase your payout.

Thankfully, experienced Louisiana Injury Attorneys have been helping injury victims fight for just compensation for years. These professionals walk clients through every step of the claims process and employ strategies that work to maximize their settlements.

And guess what?

You can learn how to do the same.

Here’s what you can expect:

• How important documentation is to your claim
• 3 easy steps that will raise the value of your payout
• The truth about accepting the first settlement offer
• 3 surefire strategies to drastically increase your compensation

Let’s begin.

Why Do Injury Victims Receive Such Low Settlements?

Here’s a bit of info that will blow your mind:

When it comes to payouts, people who have personal injury lawyers receive settlements nearly triple that of those without a lawyer. That’s not an insignificant amount – that’s actual income we’re talking about here.

But here’s the issue:

Insurance companies fully expect you to not know this. They’re betting you’ll accept their first offer because you want cash now.

And there lies the importance of having a sound strategy.

Document EVERYTHING (yes, EVERYTHING)

Here’s some advice you’re going to hear more than once and for a reason…

Document anything and everything that involves your injury and your care starting on day 1.

Meaning?

• Photograph the accident scene right after it happens
• Take pictures of your injuries as they develop
• Keep every medical bill and receipt
• Save every medication prescription
• Document lost wages because you couldn’t work
• Write down how your injury impacts your day-to-day

Think of it this way. Documentation is the bricks and mortar that build a fortress around your claim. The more evidence you can bring to the table, the harder it is for an insurance company to dismiss or downplay the extent of your injuries.

Not rocket science, right?

Visit A Doctor Immediately (Even If You Feel Fine)

Here’s something else I should’ve mentioned in the last section…

Delaying medical attention is one of the fastest ways to make a victim’s claim worthless. Insurance adjusters will argue that your injuries aren’t severe enough if you go days or weeks before seeing a medical professional.

You must get to the hospital or a doctor immediately. Even if you feel fine.

Why? Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal damage, and traumatic brain injuries, can take hours or even days to show symptoms. If you don’t have the initial medical visit on record, the insurance company will eat you for lunch.

And here’s the thing – follow up with every doctor’s appointment your physician prescribes. Insurance companies will try to use missed visits as evidence that you weren’t really hurt.

Never Accept The First Settlement Offer

Bluntly put…

The first offer is almost always a lowball.

Insurance companies are hoping you’ll take the money right away and go away. In fact, recent statistics show 70% of individuals who rejected initial settlement offers received payouts that were $30,700 higher than those who accepted the first offer.

$30,700.

That’s how much you’ll lose out on by not being patient.

Know How Much Your Claim Is Truly Worth

The vast majority of injury victims only consider their immediate medical bills when negotiating a payout. But your claim is worth much more than that.

Compensation can include:

• All medical expenses to date
• Future medical costs (operations, therapy, medication, etc.)
• Wages lost from time off work
• Future lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

It’s right about here that legal help from an experienced personal injury attorney comes in clutch. Calculating the real value of your injury claim is something most people aren’t equipped to do on their own.

Keep Quiet (Especially On Social Media)

Something else that ruins more claims than most people realize…

Social media posts.

Insurance companies are lurking in your social media accounts. Did you post a picture from a holiday with friends? Guess what they’ll say to try to deny your claim? That you’re really not injured.

The best approach? Stay off social media entirely until your claim is settled. And don’t even think about discussing your case with anyone except your attorney.

Insurance adjusters will also attempt to get you to give a recorded statement. Don’t do it without a lawyer present. These people are trained in how to ask you questions that lead you to answer in ways that minimize your claim’s value.

The Huge Advantage Of Legal Representation

Listen, about 95% of personal injury cases never go to trial.

But that doesn’t mean you should be doing it on your own.

Having the right personal injury attorney in your corner changes everything. Here’s how:

• They understand the real value of your claim. Insurance companies can’t lowball them because they’ve seen hundreds of cases just like yours.
• They take care of all communication. Say goodbye to stressful phone calls with insurance adjusters trying to trick you.
• They work on contingency. Most personal injury attorneys don’t get paid unless you win, meaning you don’t need to shell out money upfront.
• And most importantly – they have the resources and experience to take your case all the way to trial. Insurance companies know this, and they make better settlement offers knowing there’s someone out there ready to fight them on your behalf.

Don’t Rush To Settle

I know – you need money now.

Medical bills aren’t cheap. You’re not working. The pressure is real.

But jumping into a settlement is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. You only get one shot at this. Once you sign the dotted line on a settlement agreement, you can’t go back and ask for more money down the road.

Take the time to:

• Get all medical treatment
• Understand the extent of your injuries
• Know all future costs you can
• Allow your attorney time to build the strongest case possible.

Patience is key. Literally.

Keep Perfect Records of ALL Expenses

Did you know that every single expense related to your injury needs to be tracked?

Medical bills are the obvious ones, but don’t forget to track the following:

• Travel costs to get to medical appointments
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment (crutches, braces, etc.)
• Home modifications due to your disability
• Household services you had to hire

These “little” costs add up quickly and deserve to be part of your compensation. But if you can’t document them, then they don’t count.

Wrapping Things Up

Making the most of your personal injury compensation isn’t rocket science – but it does take a strategy and a little discipline.

The injury victims who walk away with the highest settlements are the ones who:

• Document everything, and I mean everything
• Receive immediate medical care and follow through with treatment
• Reject the first settlement offer
• Understand the full value of their claim
• Stay off social media
• Have experienced legal representation
• Remain patient

Without the right plan in place, you’re leaving money on the table. Insurance companies are counting on it.

But with the help of these strategies and a good legal team by your side, you can even the playing field and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.