A personal injury settlement can cover lifelong medical care and provide financial security when you are injured due to someone else’s carelessness. Our clients often ask us how to increase settlement values. To achieve this, you will need evidence to prove the accident was someone else’s fault, as well as medical records that connect your injuries to the accident and prove their severity.
Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement
When pursuing a personal injury settlement, you must normally face an insurance company determined to pay as little as possible. Insurers employ lawyers and adjusters who specialize in minimizing your damages as much as possible.
That is why having an attorney who knows how to increase personal injury settlements is crucial. When you work with our legal team, that’s exactly what you get. Here’s what you can do to help:
1. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Delaying medical attention can raise doubts about the severity of your injuries. The insurance company may argue that the delay proves your injuries were not serious or that medical treatment was unnecessary.
Medical records are also important evidence of treatment costs and the extent of any disabilities preventing you from working and carrying on with life as usual. These records will also substantiate your other economic damages, such as lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
2. Gather Detailed Evidence
The insurance company will gather evidence to use against you, so you need strong evidence in your favor. Solid evidence gives you leverage in settlement negotiations and can increase your settlement. Essential evidence may include:
- Forensic reports
- Expert witness testimony
- Eyewitness testimony
- Video surveillance footage
- Photographs of the scene
- Medical records
3. Keep Records of Your Injuries, Pain, and Suffering
Many people wonder how to increase their pain and suffering settlement value. One of the best ways is by taking pictures of your injuries and keeping a daily journal describing their impact on your life. Include daily accounts of:
- Physical pain
- Challenges and limitations
- Emotional impacts like depression, frustration, anger, or hopelessness
- Activities you miss out on, such as dinner with friends and playing with grandchildren
4. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Our knowledgeable Minnesota personal injury lawyers can level the playing field with the defendant’s insurance company. At Sieben Polk, we understand the legal terrain of the Upper Midwest, including its laws, insurers, and healthcare providers. We will gather all available evidence and provide high-quality legal representation to maximize your settlement while you focus on recovering.
5. Don't Settle Too Quickly or Accept a Lowball Offer
Insurance companies often make premature settlement offers, which are almost always too low. You should not accept any offer until you know the long-term effects and costs of your injuries. If you accept the insurance company’s offer, you will not be able to pursue additional damages later. Consult our experienced attorneys before accepting any settlement offer.
6. Be Prepared to File a Lawsuit
Insurance companies are in business to make money, and their goal is always to reduce or eliminate your payout. Many will only pay if you force their hand.
Showing that you could defeat them in court increases the likelihood of them making a fair settlement offer to avoid the risk of a higher verdict at trial. Most cases never go to trial, but being prepared for one anyway is a highly effective way to maximize your settlement.
7.Refrain From Using Social Media
Avoid discussing your accident or injuries on social media. If you feel the need to reassure friends and family that you are okay, do so privately. Insurance companies scour social media accounts looking for posts that seem inconsistent with your statements about the seriousness of your injuries. Even a picture of yourself enjoying a good day can be used against you.
8.File Your Claim Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
The Minnesota personal injury statute of limitations normally gives you six years to file your lawsuit. Insurance companies know this and often use stall tactics to try to run the clock. If you file your lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires, your claim will be dismissed, and the insurance company will have no motive to compensate you.
The statute of limitations also has a number of exceptions, meaning your deadline may be shorter. Contact our award-winning Minnesota injury lawyers to make sure you file before the correct deadline.
Injured? We Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our nationally recognized Minnesota personal injury lawyers tailor our legal services to your unique needs and know how to increase settlement values. We provide the best features of a large law firm while maintaining a local firm environment, ensuring you get maximized results and personalized attention.
Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we secure compensation through your claim. Call (651) 437-3148 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
