When faced with a personal injury, one of the first questions you may ask is whether you should settle the claim on your own or hire an attorney to navigate the process for you. While settling without an attorney might seem like a quicker and less costly option, it often comes with risks that could affect the outcome of your case.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and generally put their bottom line over the full compensation you deserve for injuries. That’s why the lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP negotiate on your behalf to ensure you recover what you deserve for present and future damages.
4 Reasons You Should Not Settle Your Personal Injury Claim Without an Attorney
While it may be tempting to settle your personal injury claim quickly, doing so without consulting an attorney can lead to significant financial and legal disadvantages. The following are several reasons why having an experienced attorney by your side is essential:
1. Thorough Evaluation of Your Case
An attorney at Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can assess the full extent of injuries and the long-term impact they may have on your life. We understand the complexities involved in calculating economic and non-economic damages. Without legal guidance, you may settle for far less than your case is worth.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are known for awarding low settlements, aiming to pay as little as possible. We are skilled negotiators who handle the often challenging back-and-forth with insurance adjusters. We will ensure that your settlement covers not just immediate medical costs but also future expenses, rehabilitation, and lost earning potential.
3. Handling Complex Legal Details
These types of cases involve complex legal issues, such as determining liability, gathering evidence, and working with expert witnesses. Our legal team has the focused knowledge and resources to investigate your case thoroughly, obtaining critical evidence that can make or break your claim. We can also handle any legal challenges that arise during the process.
4. Peace of Mind
The legal process is stressful and time-consuming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Hiring a Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP attorney lets you focus on recovery while knowing a legal professional is fighting for your best interests. This peace of mind is invaluable during such a difficult time.
Types of Personal Injury Damages You May Recover
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for the losses and hardships you’ve experienced. A skilled personal injury lawyer from the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP helps you recover the full range of damages you deserve.
Economic damages are the most straightforward type of compensation. They are meant to cover the direct financial losses you’ve suffered due to the injury. This can include:
- Present and Future Medical Bills: Medical expenses, such as doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work. This can include time missed from work for medical treatment or recovery.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If injuries keep you from going back to your previous job or restrict your ability to earn income in the future, you may recover compensation.
- Property Damages: If property was damaged in the accident—such as your vehicle in a car crash—you can seek compensation for repairs or the replacement of the property. This includes repair costs, the fair market value of the damaged property, and any related expenses, such as rental cars, if applicable.
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible, emotional toll your injury has taken on your life. While harder to quantify, non-economic damages can have a significant impact on the total value of your claim:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the present and future physical pain and discomfort.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury has impacted your ability to engage in hobbies, social activities, or other aspects of life that you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to damages for the loss of these experiences.
- Loss of Consortium: If injuries affected your relationship with your spouse, they may recover compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and the capacity to maintain a normal marital relationship due to your injuries.
A personal injury lawyer from Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP LLP will work tirelessly to ensure all damages you are entitled to are fully evaluated and pursued. No matter the type of injuries you suffered, our experienced team will fight to obtain the maximum compensation possible for you.
Speak With the Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
When you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, it can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the complex legal and financial aspects of your recovery. While it may be tempting to settle your personal injury claim quickly, doing so without consulting an attorney can lead to significant financial and legal disadvantages.
Don’t let the stress of legal battles interfere with your recovery. Contact us at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today by calling (516) 358-6900 or filling out our contact form. For more information, visit our YouTube channel for valuable insights. Let us help you get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.