When you’ve been injured and need to make a claim, working with a dedicated personal injury attorney can be the essential difference in your settlement’s outcome. Based in Middletown, NY, the legal team of MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. have provided honest representation, trusted perspective, and legal expertise throughout the Hudson Valley area for more than 100 years.

Here are three pieces of advice the personal injury attorneys want you to know when trying get the most out of your settlement:

• Assess Your Case: Contemplate the specifics of your case while putting together the settlement claim. Rather than specifying a single amount, identify a financial range of what you feel entitled to. As you discuss the case with the adjuster, this will give you a sense of flexibility should the amount need to be lowered or raised.
• Negotiating Offers: Following the adjuster’s response and their offer, evaluate whether or not it’s too low — and never accept the first offer immediately. An adjuster may present a very low figure near your minimum, but this is often a test of your negotiating abilities. Question their decision and ask for specifics regarding it. If the offer is in your favor, having the previously mentioned flexible range can allow you to negotiate towards your ideal amount by seeming reasonable enough to not demand the maximum.
• Legal Counsel: Depending on your case, it may be right to consult an attorney. If you’re seeking a large amount of compensation for serious damages and injuries, a personal injury attorney will help negotiate with the insurance company to guarantee a fair outcome. If future damages are involved — like lost wages or impending medical treatments — knowledgeable legal counsel will help navigate the nuances of these sorts of claims. In a case where the fault of the involved parties is being contested, an attorney can provide assertive representation.

If you’ve been injured, let the experienced legal team at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. provide you with a personal injury attorney who will negotiate on your behalf. Schedule a consultation by calling (845) 343-3000. To learn more about their legal services, ranging from commercial litigation to elder law, visit them online or on Facebook.