Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury cases do not always go as planned. Sometimes liability is unclear so there is no one to pursue, sometimes there are not serious enough injuries that constitute extensive treatment, and sometimes there may even be no injuries at all. However, there are times where a personal injury case just settles. It is very rarely easy for cases to reach settlements, though, so if they do, it is expected that you are excited. Much like anything else in life, though, these settlements have a process. If you or someone you know would like to pursue a personal injury claim or is currently in the process, this is the stage you want to reach, so it is important to understand how settlements work. 

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

No matter if liability is clear or treatment is lifelong or ongoing, insurance companies can drag out the process of negotiations much longer than anyone cares to. Insurance companies prefer to make money instead of spending it. To avoid allowing funds to be withheld, there are steps that you can take with your attorney to ensure that the funds are released as soon as a check is obtained. The goal is to settle out a case, and try to avoid going to trial. Insurance companies do not like going to trial, as this can determine a number owed to a victim that they couldn’t negotiate. On top of that, a trial makes the process longer than it has to be, so cases usually settle out before trial.

As your case approaches its end, be sure to be as cooperative with your attorney as possible. Once all of the proper paperwork is signed and meets guidelines and deadlines, funds will be dispersed. The way funds are dispersed depends on your contract with your attorney. Personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency fees (a percentage of the settlement), if the case settles. Once that percentage is paid, medical bills are paid, and you receive the difference. For every check that is dispersed, be sure to cross-reference with your attorney so that everyone is getting paid properly and you receive the correct amount. 

While this part of the process is not the most exciting, it is critical. Be sure to work closely with a personal injury attorney, like a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, GA, during your settlement process to ensure everything is handled in a timely and proper manner.

Thanks to the law office of Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into reaching a settlement in a personal injury case.