The final goal of any personal injury claim is getting the settlement. And sometimes its amount depends not only on the objective facts of the case but on your negotiation skills. Developing an effective strategy will help you to turn the negotiations in your favor.
1. Know your bottom line.
Think beforehand about the sum of the settlement that will satisfy you. Consider the worth of your claim before talking to an adjuster so that not to be taken by surprise. Keep in mind this figure and don’t tell it to anyone. It will help you to feel more confident during the negotiation. If you suffered from a personal injury in Ajax, consult our attorneys to be sure in the good outcome.
2. The first offer is a trick.
Traditionally, every negotiation is started by the adjuster offering a very low settlement sum. Know about this trick and its main purposes. It doesn’t mean any disrespect. In fact, the adjuster just wants to check whether you realize the real worth of your claim or not. Keep calm and make a counteroffer with a reasonable sum near the one you have decided the optimal for you. In case the adjuster tries to deny the liability at all, go over the strongest facts in your favor and suggest your sum. It is more than likely that you will soon get to the compromise satisfying both the sides.
3. Use emotional factors.
Don’t forget that besides the property losses, your personal injury also concerns moral damages. You got serious injuries and suffered a lot? You lost your ability to work? You got unable to care for your child or sick relative? You are the only breadwinner in your family? All those facts can be great arguments for raising the settlement amount. Mention them during the negotiation even if they seem minor for you. Make sure to make photos of your injuries and damages and use them as a proof when speaking to the adjuster.
4. Bargain smartly.
When receiving a letter with an offer from the adjuster, consider all his points and answer only once. It’s unreasonable to lower your price twice until you get the response. Wait for the answering letter and reply according to it. If the adjuster insists on an extremely low sum, ask him to explain the reasons for this sum. Consider all of them thoroughly and answer them one by one, giving your strong arguments supporting your price. Still, some of the adjuster’s points may come really reasonable, so they can affect the final settlement sum.
5. Consult an attorney.
If your case is not very clear or you feel not enough confidence to solve it yourself, you’d better hire a personal injury attorney. A professional layer will help you to lead the negotiations and fill all the necessary papers. There are cases when you can’t deal without a lawyer. For example, if your supplement demand goes beyond thousands of dollars or your claim refers further damages. If you are solving your case in Canada, you will certainly need law123.ca Ajax personal injury lawyers to settle your claim.
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