It is estimated that 95% (19 out of 20) of personal injury cases end with a pre-trial settlement.
While this may make you automatically think your case will settle before it goes to trial (which is a possibility), it is still important to consider the decision carefully.
At Levine Law, our experienced Denver injury attorneys understand that many victims are eager to settle in order to receive compensation to cover some of their accident-related expenses. However, not all settlement offers account for all the damages and costs the incident created.
We can help accident victims fully evaluate settlement offers to determine whether they should accept them or if it makes more sense to proceed to trial.
Here, you can learn about some indications about when you should accept a settlement offer or if you should consider taking your claim to trial.
Understanding Your Case
When you’re facing a personal injury, it’s necessary to have a clear picture of what comes next every step of the way. At Levine Law in Denver, we can guide you through the basics of personal injury claims and with our experience, we can help you understand the process step by step.
The Basics of Personal Injury Claims
At its core, a personal injury claim is about seeking compensation for harm you’ve suffered due to someone else’s actions or negligence. These claims can cover many situations, but they all share a common goal: to make things right for you.
Types of Damages
In a personal injury case, damages means the losses you’ve experienced. Three main types stand out:
- Medical Expenses: These cover immediate treatment and long-term care expenses.
- Lost Wages: If your injury keeps you from working, you may be entitled to recover your lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional stress caused by the injury.
Liability and Negligence
Understanding who is at fault—known as liability—is central to any personal injury claim. If someone else’s carelessness (negligence) led to your injury, they might be liable and owe you compensation for some, or all, of the damages caused by their negligence. Determining liability and negligence is not always straightforward. Let our Denver accident attorneys help you navigate the details.
Settlement Decisions
Settling a case means accepting an offer made by the insurance carrier without having to go through the process of filing a claim in court and potentially going to trial. Deciding whether to settle or go to court is a big decision, but you’re not in it alone. We guide our clients, considering all factors to pursue the best path forward. Whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, we work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Consulting with Legal Counsel
Seeking advice from our attorneys at Levine Law in Denver is a smart move when dealing with personal injury claims. We’re here to provide you with the support and guidance you need and consulting with us early can make a huge difference in what you can recover for your case.
Importance of Seeking Legal Advice
Talking to a Denver injury attorney helps you understand your rights and the potential value of your case. We listen to your story, evaluate what happened, and give you clear, straightforward advice on your next steps based on our vast experience in dealing with insurance companies and the courts. It’s about ensuring you have all the necessary information to move forward.
How Attorneys Evaluate Your Case
Our team examines the details of your incident to assess the strength of your claim. We consider evidence, witness statements, medical records, and any other factors that could influence the outcome. We can build a strong case on your behalf by having good communication with you and thoroughly evaluating all related information.
Role of Legal Professionals in Settlement Discussions
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer in Denver by your side is invaluable, especially during settlement discussions. We know the law, the current trends, and work tirelessly to negotiate a fair agreement that accurately reflects the damages you’ve endured. Our only goal is to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your losses and suffering.
Assessing Damages and Costs
Understanding the full extent of your damages is crucial when navigating a personal injury claim. At Levine Law in Denver, we help you assess the current and future impacts of your injury
Detailed Breakdown of Damages Incurred
We start with a detailed analysis of the damages you’ve faced. This isn’t just about your immediate medical bills; it also covers:
- Any longer-term care you might need
- The income you’ve lost
- The emotional toll the incident has taken on you and your loved ones
Our personal injury lawyers in Denver will find and add all related costs to ensure a fair settlement offer.
Ongoing Medical Treatments and Future Expenses
Injuries often require more than just initial treatment. That’s why we examine the potential for ongoing medical care and the associated costs. Future expenses, such as rehabilitation, specialist consultations, and any necessary adjustments to your home or lifestyle, are all considered.
Calculating Potential Settlement Amounts
Calculating a potential settlement involves considering various factors, including the severity of your injury, its impact on your ability to earn in the future, and the emotional distress you’ve experienced. We use our knowledge and experience to estimate a figure that truly reflects the full extent of your losses. Typically, this is not the same number the insurance company initially wants to offer.
It is important to remember that the goal is to ensure you are fully compensated for what you’ve been through. At Levine Law, our personal injury lawyers are committed to helping you get the financial support you need to recover and rebuild.
Understanding Settlement Offers
When you receive a settlement offer, understanding each component and how it aligns with your damages, and future needs, is essential. At Levine Law, our Denver injury attorneys take the time to break down the offer for you, explaining the terms in a way you can understand. This includes detailing the amounts allocated for medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating an Offer
Not all settlement offers are created equal. We guide you through evaluating the offer against your current and future needs. This includes consideration of liability, the extent of your damages, and the potential long-term implications of your injury.
Negotiation Strategies to Maximize Settlement Amount
Leveraging our skills and know-how, we employ negotiation strategies to maximize your settlement amount. Our goal is to ensure that the settlement reflects your claim’s true value and covers your immediate and future needs.
Fair settlement offers are critical to your personal injury claim, and understanding them is essential. At Levine Law, we are dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your settlement. Our team is ready to negotiate on your behalf, aiming for the best possible outcome in your case.
Legal Timelines and Deadlines
Navigating the legal system requires an awareness of timelines and deadlines, which play a critical role in the success of a personal injury claim.
Importance of Being Aware of Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the law that sets a finite period during which you can initiate legal proceedings. In personal injury cases in Colorado, this period is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions can extend or shorten this timeframe depending on specific circumstances, such as the involvement of a government entity or the timing of the discovery of an injury.
Understanding the Impact of Delays on Your Case
Delaying the initiation of your claim can have several detrimental effects. Not only do you risk surpassing the statute of limitations, but delays may also weaken the evidence available to support your case. Prompt action ensures that documentation is preserved and witness testimony is more reliable assuring a stronger case for your claim.
How Legal Procedures Can Affect the Timing of Settlement Negotiations
Every case must follow certain legal procedures and abide by the deadlines set forth in the law. Especially vital are the legal procedures and timelines leading up to settlement negotiations. Strategic filing and procedural actions can influence the opposing party’s readiness to settle and may result in a more timely and more beneficial settlement.
At Levine Law, we skillfully manage these timelines, leveraging every stage of the process to strengthen your position and facilitate a timely and fair settlement.
Understanding Your Right to Settle Your Personal Injury Claim
At Levine Law, we understand the stressors and confusion around filing a personal injury claim. We also understand the complexities of navigating a personal injury claim, from evaluating settlement offers to adhering to legal deadlines. Our approach ensures that every aspect of your case is carefully considered, providing you with the knowledge and support necessary to make informed decisions.
We are dedicated to helping you secure the maximum compensation possible so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life with confidence. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Denver today to schedule a risk-free consultation.
