When you get yourself involved in a workplace accident that was not completely your fault and caused by someone else, you are entitled to receive compensation from that person's insurance company. Employers are required to give you a healthy and safe environment. However, the process of settlement can be a long journey with lots of investigations, negotiations, and follow-ups. One key thing that you always need to remember is that these insurance companies will always want to settle with you by giving as little as possible.
These insurance agencies work as a business firm that is focused on the results. They do not care much about your emotional side. Their objective is to let you say yes or accept the offer with the least settlement as possible while avoiding getting the case to the court. Here are some useful tips to help you ensure that you are getting the best settlement offer so that you can get the compensation for any damages caused that you are rightfully entitled to.
The First Offer
The golden rule here is that you should not accept the first offer the insurance company gives you. Always keep in mind that the settlement is somewhat negotiable. However, just like any other negotiation, the insurance company is not going to give you the highest numbers possible, no matter how they approach you. It is okay to set a number in your head that you are okay with, and do not accept lower than that.
Find a Lawyer
Before accepting any offer, hire an attorney to help you with this. Finding one can help you understand the settlement and how everything works. It is kind of easy for you to find one, especially if you get involved in a workplace injury, as there are a lot of lawyers who are handling such a case. They can also negotiate on your behalf and make suggestions throughout the settlement process. Hiring one also helps you ensure that the employer’s insurance company takes your claim very seriously and will not take advantage of you.
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Provide Documents and Evidence
Settling right away on the first offer might be a bad idea. It is best if you can collect evidence that your attorney can present to the employer’s insurance company to help you get the right compensation based on the facts you have submitted. Remember that when you have a strong case, you might get a high settlement offer. Keep all the records you can get from the hospitals, such as receipts, financial costs, and other evidence that could exhibit a lowered quality of life.
Make Them Justify the Offer
Normally, the insurance company handling your case will low-ball you and not present you with their best offer. As previously mentioned, they aim to close this case by giving you little as possible. If you think that they are offering an unreasonable settlement, you can ask them to explain how they come up with their offer. Once they have started to explain, you can justify the claims and why you deserve more than what they offered.
If you have been into an accident caused by someone else, you deserve fair treatment and compensation from your employer. Do not allow these people to take advantage of you by giving you a low-balled settlement and by accepting their first offer.
