Unless an injury case is entirely straightforward with no complicating factors, it’s advisable to, at least, have a consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney in St. Joseph, MO before accepting payments or a lump-sum settlement. Some cases are easy enough to understand and don’t require legal intervention. For instance, someone who slips on a wet store floor and suffers a broken wrist may not experience any other negative or long-lasting consequences. If the store readily agrees to pay medical bills and lost wages, an attorney probably isn’t necessary. The situation becomes more complicated if the injury is severe enough to prevent the person from doing his or her occupation in the future. Other complicating factors could include the insurer or the store disputing the claim or the insurer offering compensation that seems unreasonably low.
A personal injury attorney in St. Joseph, MO typically offers a free consultation to prospective clients, so there isn’t any risk involved with having a discussion. The lawyer can provide insight into whether the case is proceeding smoothly and as it should or whether the claimant is being stonewalled in some way. Experienced attorneys generally know how much a case is worth and whether the insurer is being unreasonable.
If the individual is uneasy about an insurance company’s offer, consulting a lawyer before accepting the offer is crucial. Once that offer has been officially accepted with a signed contract, there is no turning back. If this person later hears from a reputable source that he or she should have received substantially more, there is no way to acquire additional compensation.
An attorney such as Stephen W. Holaday PC can determine whether an injured person deserves more compensation than has been offered to date. If this lawyer is hired, he begins negotiating with the insurance company. This is likely to begin with a letter demanding a specific amount and supporting that demand with various kinds of documentation. The most fundamental documentation is provided by physicians and other medical practitioners who verify a certain level of ongoing disability, the need for continuing therapy, and the requirement to avoid returning to work for now.
