When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, your claim isn’t just about medical bills. A major component is recovering the income you lost because you couldn’t work. The legal system calls this “lost wages” or “lost earning ca...
Read MoreYou should be very cautious. The first offer is often a low initial figure designed to close your case quickly and cheaply. Once you accept a settlement, you sign away your right to seek any further money, even if hidden injuries surface later. Do not accept any offer until you have reached maximum medical improvement and understand the full extent of your losses, including future medical needs and income impact. It is highly advisable to have a legal professional review any offer before you agree to ensure it fairly covers all your damages.
Your medical records are the official, objective proof of your injuries and the treatment you received. They directly connect the accident to your physical harm, document the severity and progression of your condition, and establish the necessity of all related medical care. Insurance companies and courts rely on these records to verify your claim. Without detailed, consistent medical documentation, it becomes extremely difficult to prove the extent of your damages and recover full compensation.
Settlement agreements often include binding conditions beyond money. Common terms include confidentiality clauses (preventing you from discussing the case), a release of all claims (barring any future action), and possibly a “no-rehire” clause if it’s an employment case. Ensure you understand and can live with all contractual obligations. These terms are permanent and can sometimes be more impactful than the financial amount.
To succeed, you generally must prove four key elements: Duty (the defendant owed you a responsibility), Breach (they failed in that duty through action or inaction), Causation (their breach directly caused your injury), and Damages (you suffered quantifiable losses). Evidence is critical—this includes photos, witness statements, official reports, medical records, and repair invoices. The strength of this evidence directly impacts the likelihood of a successful settlement or court verdict in your favor.
