No one wants to wait and wait…and wait for their personal injury claim to get settled. Unfortunately, many things can delay a settlement, even when you think that you have a solid case. A Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer can help you build a stronger case and will do their best to help you address anything that’s causing a delay. We want to help you get the compensation that you deserve, and we want to help you get it as soon as possible.
Can Medical Treatment Delay the Settlement of My Claim?
One of the most common reasons for a delay is medical treatment. It can be tough to figure out what kind of compensation offer would be fair if the plaintiff has not recovered yet. Usually, the negotiations must wait until “maximum medical improvement” is made. This means that you may still have lingering injuries and issues, but your condition is stable and you are as healthy as you are going to get for now.
Once you have received treatment, it’s easier to point at medical records and bills to show your expenses. We could also discuss future treatment needs, like if you’ll need rehabilitation or psychological help. Once we have all of this information, it’s easier to reach a settlement.
What Else Can Delay the Settlement of My Claim?
Medical treatment is not the only possible reason for delay. You also have to worry about:
- Crowded court dockets
- Trouble serving a defendant
- The amount of evidence you have
- How many parties are involved in the case
- Whether the insurance company will negotiate in good faith
- Debates over fault
- Disputes over the amount of damages
Any issues like these can delay your case and make negotiations a bit more complicated.
Should I Take the First Settlement Offer?
Some people learn about how a case can get delayed and just do not want to deal with all of the hassle. Can’t we just take the first settlement offer and be done?
We do not recommend that. This first offer is the insurer’s attempt to get out of this for as little money as possible. It may not adequately cover your expenses, and you cannot go back and ask for more compensation after settling.
How Can My Lawyer Help?
Your lawyer can help you address potential causes for delay and help you build a stronger case. They can:
- Ensure paperwork is filled out correctly
- Help you gather evidence
- Connect you with expert witnesses
- Prepare you for testimony
- Calculate fair compensation
- Help you gather important paperwork, like medical records
- Handle all communications on your behalf
The stronger your case, the easier it can be to negotiate a fair settlement in a timely manner. An attorney from our firm can make a big difference here.
Schedule Your Case Consultation
If you were hurt in a car crash, a slip and fall, or in any other kind of incident, we want to help. Contact the Mathis Law Firm and ask about our free case consultations. Take the time to meet with our team and learn more about your legal options.
