How much more is your injury claim worth?

Claimants routinely hire us after an adverse party’s insurer offers a tiny settlement. Many claimants have no idea how much their claim is worth. In fact, almost always after claimants get us involved the settlement offer increases exponentially.

We have some thoughts about why claim adjusters offer unreasonably low settlements to unrepresented claimants. Truth is, the claim adjuster is often aware the claim is worth much more. But the claimant does not, in many cases.

Imagine if you maximized on your claim instead of accepting the adjuster’s tiny offer. We handled death claims in which the first offer was $5,000 but the policy limits were $1.5 million. The offer increased exponentially after the claimant hired us.

Consider what the adjuster is thinking by offering you a tiny settlement up front:

1. You do not understand your claim.

It can be the product of something that you said. Or it is the product of some action that you did or did not take. It is potentially the adjuster’s assumption about you. Regardless, the claim adjuster picked it up. And now the adjuster is advantaging him or herself against your claim armed with information you provided (or not).

You provided the information or neglected to when you introduced yourself to the adjuster. Or it maybe it occurred when you gave a statement to the adjuster. Nevertheless, it happened, and the stage is set. You experience an adjuster now refusing to budge from a low offer.

If you do not understand your claim, it is best to acknowledge this and do so promptly. If you lack the time to conduct the research necessary to understand your claim admit this as well. Many attorneys refuse to get involved after a claimant grows frustrated after spending a long time attempting to resolve their own claim.

Maximizing the value of your claim requires several skill sets. That same conclusion applies to attorneys. Our results and reviews establish that we have the experience, knowledge and skills to achieve outstanding results. We thoroughly investigate each claim to realize its full value. If you get a low settlement offer for your injury claim, get us involved. Make the decision early to hire competent counsel for your injury claim.

2. The adjuster believes you will miss a deadline or make some other fatal mistake waiting for a better offer.

Perhaps there is some assumption that you do not know how much more your claim is worth. The adjuster, potentially appreciating the value of your claim, may decide to wait you out. They are waiting for you to make some fatal mistake. By example, a fatal mistake is presented if you fail to promptly secure medical treatment. Or they may believe you will blow the statute of limitations.

Some adjusters incorporate the practice into their work of waiting out claimants. Be aware of this tendency.

3. The adjuster believes you are not a good negotiator

Your claim may be worth more but the adjuster may conclude that your negotiation skills are poor. The conclusion may be the product of something that you said or did while communicating with the adjuster.

4. A few other reasons why your claim may be worth more but the adjuster simply will not budge

• They hope you are desperate to settle for pennies
• They believe you don’t know how much is available
• You made a mistake in your statement
• The adjuster is new and has something to prove
• The adjuster may be seasoned

Contact us about your claim. Gives us a call or send a note. Consultations are free. And there is no obligation unless we win for you.