Whether you engaged in a car or truck crash, tripped and fell over a crack in the sidewalk, or were involved in a work-related accident, if you suffered injuries, you are probably looking to recover compensation for your pain and suffering among other things. One of the most common forms of action victims often take to recover this compensation is filing a personal injury lawsuit. When you file a personal injury lawsuit against another party, you are claiming that the party is responsible for causing your injuries and should be held liable for compensating you for your losses.
After a personal injury lawsuit has been filed and the party you are pursuing is notified they are being sued, they may take one of two approaches:
- Let the case go through the usual court proceedings as they do not agree they were responsible for the accident, or;
- Offer you a settlement.
If the party offers you a settlement, which doesn’t necessarily mean he or she is accepting the blame for causing the incident rather it could be a sign of eagerness on their part to resolve the issue so that the case can be closed, you have a few different options.
- You can accept their settlement offer which will ultimately bring the case to an end and you will no longer be permitted to pursue that party for any additional compensation, or;
- Negotiate with the other party, or the defendant as the court would refer to them, in an effort to get them to increase their amount. Having an IA personal injury lawyer assisting you through this negotiation process is definitely recommended as it will help increase your chances of obtaining the outcome you are seeking.
Here’s an example of what might transpire between two parties when a settlement is offered.
Let’s say you suffered injuries that caused you physical and emotional pain and a significant amount in medical bills. After discussing with an attorney what your damages (i.e. pain and suffering, medical expenses, etc.) are worth, you arrive at an amount you believe to be fair and request that the other party provide you with this. That party might come back and offer you an amount lower than what you requested providing you with their justification for the decrease. Now, if you don’t agree with their reasoning for lowering the amount you initially asked for, you can decline their offer and counter. This is where having an IA personal injury attorney to guide and advise you can really help!
After some back and forth between you and the other party, the two of you are finally able to agree on an amount you both feel comfortable with. After you agree to accept the offer, the case would then close. In the event you and the other party aren’t able to come to an agreement on an amount, then the case would likely go to trial where a judge and/or jury would the make the final ruling. This may or may not result in you receiving the total amount you initially requested be paid.
Contact a personal injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids, IA today if you are seeking compensation for your damages!
If you are looking to file a personal injury lawsuit in an effort to recover compensation for the injuries you suffered in an accident, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. today to speak with a qualified and trusted personal injury attorney. The State of Iowa allows most victims to file suit within two years from the date of their accident so give us a call today so we can begin working on your case [Source: §614.1(2)].
You can reach Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. at:
1921 51st Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 393-1020
Fax: (319) 393-4000
Website: www.eellsandtronvold.com
