Archive: February 10, 2016

Getting The Most Out of A Personal Injury Settlement

If, in some way, you were injured—be it from a car accident, slip and fall, or falling debris at the workplace—through the negligence of another, you have an opportunity for monetary compensation. But obtaining the best settlement requires more than just filling out forms. The procedure can be difficult since some insurance companies will always try to pay less. 

Hence, you need to plan this with an approach while considering your case.

The Following Tips Are Very Important to Help You Negotiate the Best Personal Injury Settlement Amount

1. Obtain Medical Treatment without Delay

Your health comes first. Seeking medical attention immediately, therefore, not only looks after you physically but also helps document the full nature of your injury. If there is a delay in treatment, that gives the insurance company an opening to speculate whether your injuries are serious after all or whether they were a result of the accident, if any.

2. Document Everything

Good documentation makes for a stronger claim. This may include:

• Pictures of your injury and the accident scene
• Medical records and bills
• Any receipts for out-of-pocket expenses

The more proof you have, the more difficult it becomes for the insurance adjusters to dispute your claim.

3. Do Not Settle Prematurely

Insurance companies frequently expedite settlement in the hope that you will accept an amount that is less than what your claim is truly worth. You should not sign anything or accept an initial offer until you have taken the time to assess its long-term impact on your injuries.

4. Know How Much Your Claim is Worth

Your settlement should cover more than just immediate medical bills. Consider:

• Medical treatment is expected in the future
• Reduction in earning capacity
• Emotional distress or pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

A competent personal injury lawyer can help you determine the full worth of your claim.

5. Watch What You Say

Certainly, avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters and refrain from posting anything about your injury on social media. Anything you say could later bite you and reduce your compensation. You can never tell what innocent comment might hurt your case.

Bottom Line!

Aiming for the best personal injury settlement requires preparation, patience, and professional support. If you document everything, know the true worth of your claim, and have a competent attorney, you protect your rights and get every dime you deserve. 

In case you need legal help after an injury, do consult a qualified personal injury lawyer at Tenina Law, because the future of your well-being may depend on it.

This article was written by Alla Tenina. Alla is one of the best bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles, California, and the founder of Tenina Law. She has experience in bankruptcies, real estate planning, and complex tax matters. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

Storm-Proofing Your Homeowners Claim After Florida Weather Events

The beauty of Florida’s tropical climate comes with its challenges. Across the state and coastal cities like St. Petersburg, hurricanes, windstorms, and heavy rains wreak havoc on homes. Once the storm passes, homeowners’ insurance claims become critical. But not every claim is smooth sailing; many are underpaid, delayed, or outright denied.

How to Storm-Proof Your Homeowners Insurance Claim and Make Sure You’re Prepared When the Next Florida Storm Strikes

Document Before the Damage

Preparation starts long before the storm. Make sure you have clear, dated photos and videos of the inside and outside of your home. Concentrate on the roof, walls, windows, floors, appliances, and major systems. This type of visual inventory is critical proof of the pre-storm condition of your home, making it easier to show what has changed after an occurrence of damage.

Keep Records of Maintenance and Upgrades

Insurance companies are likely to ask you about the condition of your roof, plumbing, or electrical system before they approve any storm-related claims. Hang on to receipts and documents pertaining to repairs, upgrades, or professional maintenance. These records help support your position that the damage was truly caused by the storm and not normal wear and tear. 

Act Quickly After the Storm

As soon as the storm clouds lift and it is safe, inspect your property. Right after that, take new pictures and videos of whatever damage has ensued. Document everything, even if it seems minor. Next, reach out to your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process. Dilly-dallying could give rise to some complications resulting in potential denials. 

Prevent Further Damage

Most policies require homeowners to mitigate further losses due to storm damage. This means having tarps on the roof, boarding up windows, and shutting off water to a leaking pipe, to name just a few. If you do not act fast, it could ruin your claim. Save all receipts for emergency repairs/materials.

Review Your Policy and Deductibles

Prior to the start of the storm season, review your policy, especially the hurricane or windstorm deductible. That deductible is frequently a percentage amount of your home’s insured value as opposed to a dollar amount. Know what your policy covers (and what it does not), such as flood damage, temporary housing costs, and upgrades needed to meet new building codes.

This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of https://www.jenkinslawpl.com/. Kelly-Ann is an insurance claim Lawyer. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision that should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation. 

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user, or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.