A physical injury can have a very real impact on your ability to work, move around without pain, and maintain your normal quality of life. A settlement helps ensure you receive the compensation necessary to facilitate healing and focus on your health. While settlements are often negotiated by personal injury attorneys, you can be a valuable part of the process and see that your goals are met. Below are a few tips for negotiating an injury settlement.

How to Negotiate a Personal Injury Settlement

1. Have a Target Dollar Amount in Mind

Work with your personal injury attorney to determine an appropriate dollar amount for the costs associated with your condition. A variety of factors can influence the total you seek, such as the costs of medical bills and ongoing care, the value of lost wages, and your injury’s impact on your family life and leisure activities. During negotiations, do not reveal your ideal number to the insurance adjuster right away; keep it in mind as something to work toward throughout the negotiations.

2. Focus on Emotions

As you negotiate, focus on providing evidence of your injury that will appeal to the emotions of the other party, and to a civil jury if the process goes that far. This is by no means an underhanded tactic; traumatic injuries are emotional experiences, and victims will often face some degree of stress, emotional trauma, or anxiety. Put this into perspective for the other party by appealing to their own emotions. Show them photos of the accident scene, injuries you sustained, and vehicle damage.

3. Don't Take the First Offer

One of the fundamental rules of successful negotiating is to never accept the first offer unless it is an offer for the full limits of the applicable insurance policy. Insurers and the person who caused your injury  will almost always extend a low dollar amount as their initial settlement offer. This is a test, of sorts. They are trying to gauge where your ideal dollar amount stands and how savvy you are at negotiating. So, with a first offer, respond with a higher number to get the ball rolling. If you are ever in doubt of whether an offer is acceptable, consult a personal injury attorney.

The personal injury attorneys at Burglin & Doxey, PC are professional negotiators who will guide you through the claims process and work to get you the highest settlement possible. For over 30 years, they have been providing the Fairbanks, AK, area with legal support in personal injury cases. Call (907) 456-4020 or visit their website to learn more about their services.

Please note that the information in this article is for general informational purposes only. You should contact Burglin & Doxey, PC directly for legal advice.