You would need the compensation you deserve for your injuries if you were hurt in a premises liability accident in Virginia to pay for your medical expenses, replace your lost wages, and help you move on with your life. However, the insurance company may make you a settlement offer that you do not believe fairly compensates you.
You should never settle your claim without first consulting with an experienced premises liability attorney. You also need to know what your rights are to reject the insurance company’s offer and how to proceed if you decide to turn it down.
Can You Reject the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?
Yes, you have a right to reject a settlement offer. The insurance adjuster may make it sound like it is their only offer. However, this is likely not true, especially if this is the insurance company’s first offer.
Accepting the insurance adjuster’s initial settlement offer is rarely in your best interests. Insurance companies often offer to settle a claim quickly for far less money than a victim deserves to save the company money. You do not want to be taken advantage of like this.
What Are Your Options if You Decide to Reject a Settlement Offer?
It can be difficult not to succumb to the insurance company’s threats and pressures to accept their offer on your own. You should let your lawyer communicate your rejection of their offer to the insurance adjuster. They can also take these steps for you:
- Make a counteroffer. Your attorney will most likely reject the offer in writing. They will outline their liability to compensate you, the seriousness of your injuries, and your damages in a demand letter. Then they will make a counteroffer.
- Negotiate your settlement. The insurance company will most likely reject your first counteroffer. Your lawyer could go through several offers and counteroffers before obtaining a fair settlement. If the insurance company raises disputes, your attorney may need to collect additional evidence and hire expert witnesses to refute their claims.
- File a lawsuit. If the insurance company refuses to be reasonable or the statute of limitations, which is the deadline you have to sue, will expire soon, your attorney can file a civil complaint and litigate your case. You will most likely settle your claim before it goes to a jury trial.
If you were injured in a premises liability accident in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, our dedicated premises liability lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call our Norfolk office at 757-625-1214 or complete our online form today to schedule your free initial consultation.
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