How Long Will It Take to Get Paid After a Personal Injury Case?
Suffering a personal injury in an accident can leave a person struggling to pay for medical bills and other expenses. The financial strain can put pressure on you to get compensation as quickly as possible. However, there is no easy way to predict when you might recover damages from a person who caused your injuries. Your Nashville personal injury attorney can help you by working tirelessly to get you the settlement funds as quickly as possible.
The personal injury settlement payment process
Personal injury claims may end in a settlement or verdict that allows you to recover financial compensation for your injuries.
Insurance companies may stall
States have insurance laws that govern the rights of those who are owed payouts from insurers. Insurance companies operate on a for-profit basis. They generate income from selling policies, and their earnings decrease if they have to make many large payouts. Sometimes, adjusters drag their feet when it comes to approving a settlement or even responding to messages related to a claim they might be obligated to pay out.
When the claims process becomes complicated and frustrating, having a Nashville personal injury lawyer can help. Your attorney can put pressure on the company to engage in settlement talks and move the process along.
What personal injury claims cover
A successful personal injury settlement should account for all of your injury-related harms and losses, including:
- Medical expenses: Your injuries may require extensive treatment (e.g., surgeries, medications, and other forms of healthcare). Your personal injury settlement should account for the costs of your medical care, including expenses you will likely need to pay in the future.
- Lost income and lower earning capacity: Serious injuries can prevent you from performing your job – sometimes, you will not be able to return to work in the same position you previously held. A fair personal injury settlement should include compensation for your lost income and reduced future earnings.
- Non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering): Your non-economic damages account for losses and injuries that are impossible to quantify – such as your pain and suffering. While it might be impossible to attach a dollar amount to your pain, the law does allow you to recover for these damages.
Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company
Negotiating with an insurance claims adjuster can be intimidating and stressful. It is common to get lowball offers from insurers who are trying to minimize their losses. Remember that you do not have to accept the company’s initial offer. In fact, you owe it to yourself to negotiate fiercely for a personal injury settlement that fully accounts for your losses.
Calculate your damages before accepting a settlement offer
You may have a general idea of what your losses are worth. However, if you have not yet reached maximum medical improvement (which could take months or even years), there will always be some level of guesswork when it comes to assessing even your medical costs. You also might not know how much compensation could be available for your pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. You should speak to an attorney to learn more about what you might be able to recover in a personal injury claim and to come up with a number that you think is reasonable.
A Nashville personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Nashville can make the personal injury settlement process much less stressful while also boosting your chances of securing a sizable settlement. A skilled accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. They can also help by reviewing your medical records and invoices, along with analyzing your W-2s and other financial statements, to calculate your harms and losses.
You cannot request additional funds once you sign a waiver of liability
When you reach a settlement agreement in any personal injury claim, you will need to sign a waiver of liability. This waiver states that your compensation is in exchange for waiving future liability and legal action against the defendant. Essentially, you get just one opportunity to settle your claim or take it to court. Make sure the final decision fully compensates you for your injuries.
The clock is ticking: Do not wait to file
The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in the State of Tennessee is just one year from the date of the accident. If you do not file within that time period, you will likely be prevented from pursuing your claim – no matter how strong your case may be.
Have additional questions about personal injury settlements? Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Nashville
If you were seriously harmed in an accident that occurred in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, then now is the time to contact the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm. We are comprised of experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys. By focusing exclusively on helping the injured, our team of respected Nashville personal injury lawyers has been able to build a reputation for fierce advocacy and extensive knowledge of the laws. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.
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