Deciding to reject a life insurance settlement offer is a major decision that should not be made in haste. Here are some situations in which it might be appropriate to reject an insurance settlement offer:
- Inadequate Compensation: Therefore, if the offer does not sufficiently account for your medical bills, damages to property, lost wages, and compensation for suffering, you might need to deny it. Be informed that your compensation should reflect the extent to which your injury has affected you financially and emotionally.
- Uncertainty About Future Costs: In case of ongoing medical treatment or future expenses due to the case, and if the compensation doesn’t consider this, then it is advisable to refuse the proposal. Often times accepting a settlement is done with an acknowledgment that you won’t get more money ever again.
- Liability Dispute: There are situations when the insurance company claims that a third party was responsible for the incident you suffered, but you think otherwise. In case of such cases, it may become unavoidable to refuse the offer. For example, this might occur where the parties claim against each other in an auto collision when the question of blame arises or in a fall on a private premise.
- Pre-existing Conditions: You should also decline to settle if your pre-existing medical injuries are not being compensated adequately.
- Unfair Terms: Carefully go through the terms of the settlement offer. In case the insurance company has unfavorable conditions like a confidential clause limiting further claims, for instance, this could be one of the reasons for refusing the offer.
- High Legal Fees: Thus, you might decide to turn down the settlement offer and bargain for an even better deal if the lawyer’s charges and other legal costs will reduce substantially the amount you will get paid once you consent to the proposal.
- Emotional Closure: At other times, the settlement may include justice, closure, or compensation. But if you feel that what is offered is not fair enough, then you can also reject the offer and continue with litigation.
- Strong Evidence: If you have strong evidence supporting your claim and believe the court would award you more than what was offered, then rejecting the settlement offer could be an option. This is a strategic step to discuss with your attorney.
- Medical Uncertainty: Therefore, if you are unsure about your injuries’ nature or long-term effects, it may be early to call a settlement down. It might be a good idea to wait until you learn more about your illness and know which will be the final prognosis.
- Legal Advice: Finally, you will need to talk to your attorney before accepting or turning down any settlement offer. Lawyers can advise you based on their understanding of managing insurance claims and personal injury cases.
Study the facts of your particular case closely and consult a lawyer about your possibilities and consequences of refusal before you reject an offer. Keep in mind that you typically waive your right to make any further claims concerning the occurrence once you settle, so choose best for yourself.
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