You’ve probably heard stories about huge jury awards or seen headlines about million-dollar verdicts. However, most personal injury cases are settled before it’s up to a judge or jury to decide. You may not even have to involve the court.
Below are some reasons that escalate personal injury claims into courtroom battles.
The insurance company won’t offer what’s fair
Insurance companies may deny your claim or offer far less than what you deserve, which could leave you dealing with the aftermath without the much-needed financial support. This is more likely when the injuries sustained are serious or when the insurer believes they can push you into settling quickly and cheaply.
Don’t agree to a settlement just because you’re uncertain of the situation. Your claim could be worth much more than you think.
Disputes about who’s at fault
Fault matters in Ohio personal injury claims. If you’re found to be more than 50% to blame, you won’t recover anything. Your percentage of fault will also reduce your potential settlement. Disputes arise when the insurance company unfairly assigns blame or there are disagreements about each party’s level of fault. A trial may become necessary to set the record straight in such instances.
Sometimes, it’s more than the money. Lawsuits offer victims or loved ones a way to seek accountability, justice and a sense of closure. This may happen when the other party’s conduct is particularly reckless, careless or completely unapologetic.
Get informed guidance
Not every personal injury case needs to go to court, but when it does, you should be ready. Having qualified guidance can tell you where you stand, how to push back against unfair settlements and maximize your chances of securing the settlement you’re entitled to.
