How do lawyers negotiate accident settlements in Village Saint George?
Village Saint George, LA – Most injury cases are filed because the victim needs compensation for all of their losses caused by an accident. However, it has become much more common for these kinds of issues to be resolved through insurance claims and settlement negotiations than a trial in court. This has caused accident lawyers to become skilled in discussing the amount of compensation their clients need and advocating for their interests when looking for a settlement. There are several important steps that must be completed for an optimal settlement to become available, as the attorney should be aware of all of their client’s losses and financial needs.
The summary of damages
Knowing the value of the plaintiff’s losses and damages is an important starting point. This is because the attorney must be able to provide evidence of the potential compensation for the victim if the case went to trial. This amount can be calculated through the sum of things like property damage and costs of car repairs, medical treatment, hospital bills, long term medical care, lost income and wages, and future earning prospects.
Evidence to prove damages
Things like accident reports, medical documents, pictures, videos, and information about possible testimony should all be used to negotiate. This gives the plaintiff leverage to show that enough information would be introduced at trial to get a favorable result. Attorneys who defend insurance companies know that it is much more difficult to win a case where the plaintiff has ample evidence of their client’s negligence.
Timing issues
The client and their lawyer will need to have a fair amount of patience during this process. This is because insurance companies and defendants will sometimes try to use delay as a negotiating tactic. If a case has been ongoing for several months or years, the client is more likely to accept an offer to receive some kind of compensation and end the process. However, these early offers are usually much lower than what a patient client can expect to receive.
Verification and consent from the client
At the end of this process, the attorney needs to make sure that their client actually wants the settlement that was presented. It is ultimately their choice whether to accept the offer or refuse, although the injury lawyer can suggest whether the settlement is a good deal based on all of the information available.
Assistance from a licensed attorney in Louisiana
There are attorneys who help people after their accidents in Village Saint George and other parts of Louisiana. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is a firm that focuses their efforts on all aspects of personal injury law cases.
Firm contact info:
Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf
3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205
www.mlhlaw.com
