Nobody wants to feel like they’ve been taken advantage of, but oftentimes it’s hard to tell if we’re getting the raw end of the deal until it’s too late. This is especially true in unfamiliar situations, and for most people, a workers’ compensation case is something they’re unfamiliar with. So how can you be sure that you’re not accepting a lowball settlement offer from the insurance company after a work injury? We share five signs of a lowball workers’ compensation settlement offer in today’s blog.
Signs You Should Hold Out For A Better Offer
How can you tell if a settlement offer is fair? For starters, it’s always in your best interest to sync up with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can sort through all the factors and use their expertise in determining what they believe is a fair amount. Even if you work with a lawyer, the insurance company may try to slip a lowball offer past you. Here are five signs that you’re looking at a lowball offer after your work injury.
1. Offered Very Quickly – Insurance companies are notoriously slow, especially when they are paying out a claim. If you receive an offer within days of an injury, it should send up warning signals that something is amiss. We understand that you want quick compensation and to put an end to your case, but don’t just jump at a quick offer, because you could be leaving a lot of money on the table.
2. It’s Incomplete – An insurance company may offer you a “Full and Complete” settlement offer, but that doesn’t mean that the total compensation includes all necessary and relevant factors. If certain damages or expenses aren’t included in the offer, you need to reject it. Your lawyer can ensure everything is included in an initial offer sheet.
3. They Discredit Or Ignore Evidence – The insurance company is going to try to settle the case for the lowest amount possible, and they may do that by ignoring or minimizing the facts of the case. They may try to minimize the doctor’s report or the extent of your injuries so that they can offer a smaller amount. Your award needs to be based on the actual evidence, not the insurance company’s interpretation of the evidence.
4. They Question The Validity Of Your Claim – Some insurance companies may try to get you to accept a lowball offer by implying that it’s tough to verify your injury claims. They may imply or argue that your injuries could have occurred off the clock, and that any case you try to make in court may not hold water. Stick to your story and don’t let them bully you into a lowball offer because “something is better than nothing.” We can help you put together a strong case in the event your case needs to go to trial.
5. They Are Pressuring You – If the insurance company is pressuring you into taking an offer, it’s a sign that they hope to close the case because they know things will get worse for them if you take it to court. If they say that an offer will expire in 48 hours or that the offer is off the table if you hire a lawyer, know that you shouldn’t sign their offer. Take you time and never feel pressured by the other side to sign a deal. Talk everything over with your lawyer first.
If you notice any of these red flags, know that agreeing to a settlement probably isn’t in your best interest. Instead, do right by yourself and your family by connecting with an injury lawyer who will ensure you get everything you deserve. For more information or for help with your workers’ compensation case, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today.
