What to Know Before Accepting an Insurance Settlement in Connecticut
If you were injured in an accident, the insurance company for the at-fault party may offer you a settlement. That money is meant to cover things like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. While some cases go to court, most personal injury claims in Connecticut are resolved through settlements.
That said, not every settlement offer is fair. In fact, early offers are often designed to protect the insurance company, not you. Before accepting any settlement, it is important to understand what is really at stake.
Why You Should Be Careful with Quick Settlement Offers
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay as little as possible. A fast settlement may seem helpful when bills are piling up, but it often does not reflect the full value of your claim.
Here are a few reasons to slow down and evaluate the offer carefully.
Insurance Companies Often Start Low
When liability is clear, insurers may make an early offer that sounds reasonable on the surface but falls short of covering your long-term needs. These offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries is known.
Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot go back and ask for more money later, even if your condition worsens.
Do Not Settle Before Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement
Maximum medical improvement means your doctors believe your condition has stabilized and that no major improvement is expected with further treatment. Settling before reaching this point can be risky.
If you accept an offer too early, you may not be compensated for future medical care, ongoing therapy, or long-term limitations related to your injury.
Understand the Full Value of Your Damages
Under Connecticut law, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This can include:
Medical bills and future care
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent injury or disability
Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Insurance companies often focus on immediate costs and ignore the bigger picture. Knowing the full value of your damages is critical before agreeing to any settlement.
Early Offers Often Come Before You Speak with a Lawyer
Insurance companies know that once an attorney is involved, settlement discussions tend to change. That is why early offers are often made before you have a chance to get legal advice.
Having a personal injury attorney review your case can help level the playing field and ensure the insurance company treats your claim seriously.
How Sousa Law Can Help
At Sousa Law, we help injured individuals across Connecticut understand their options and protect their rights. We review settlement offers, gather the evidence needed to support your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies so you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
If you have received a settlement offer or have questions about your personal injury claim, we are here to help.
Call (203) 929-8283 today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.