Recovering from unanticipated injuries is costly, even if you have adequate health insurance and plenty of accrued sick time. Because the damages can add up fast, many accident victims are inclined to hold out for a sizable settlement during the claims process. If the opposing party does not offer one, they take the case to trial. Since there is no set standard for calculating a fair amount of compensation, though, it can be hard to tell when it is wise to settle and when it is worth pursuing litigation. Here, the personal injury team at LaRowe Gerlach Taggart LLP shares a few scenarios in which claimants should consider accepting the proposed settlement. 

When the Total Compensation Is Reasonable 

The term “settle” might imply that you are not getting what you deserve, but a skilled negotiator will help secure a fair amount. A personal injury attorney will use evidence of both liability and damages to convince the opposing party that if the case were to end up in court, it would not be resolved in their favor. As long as the proof is legitimate, the defendant should be inclined to propose a reasonable settlement. 

When the Damages Are Relatively Minor 

Going to trial can be expensive. If you only incurred a few thousand dollars in damages, it is probably not worth taking the case to court. Depending on the complexity of the situation and how long it might take to resolve, it may not even be worth filing a formal suit over tens of thousands of dollars. If you incurred $20,000 in damages, for example, but your attorney estimates that going to court could cost upwards of $30,000, settling is undoubtedly the best option. 

If you want to file a personal injury claim against a reckless or negligent party, turn to LaRowe Gerlach Taggart LLP in Reedsburg, WI. An attorney on their team will help you build a strong claim and then negotiate for the largest settlement possible. Their lawyers are proud to represent accident victims who have been wronged, and they have over 175 years of combined experience doing so. Visit the website to explore all their areas of expertise, including estate planning, bankruptcy, criminal defense, and family law, or call (608) 524-8231 to schedule an initial consultation today.