A settlement offer from a workers’ compensation insurance company may initially seem attractive, but it’s important to note that they are looking out for their bottom line. They want to settle because it benefits them, not you. An experienced Florida workers’ compensation lawyer at Berlin Law Firm can help you determine the fair value of your claim and pursue a settlement that is truly in your best interests.
Our team cares for our clients. We work on a case-by-case basis. We personally and meticulously review each case file and keep our clients informed at every step of the process. Our goal is to help people as they deserve to be helped through fair representation, honest work, and a relentless pursuit of bettering this community. If you are being pressured to accept a settlement or have questions about your claim, schedule a free consultation today.
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
What Drives Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies?
The primary motivation of insurance companies is turning a profit. However, as an injured worker, you must look out for your interests and make decisions that protect your financial stability and health.
The most common reasons workers’ comp insurance companies may want to settle include:
- Protecting their bottom line—in offering you a settlement, the insurance company is hoping you will accept their first offer, which is likely far less than your claim is worth.
- Avoiding risk and uncertainty—a workers’ comp settlement makes the insurance company’s liability straightforward and predictable. If the dispute lingers, uncertainty over the outcome will cost them time and money.
- Staying out of court—insurance companies are wary of litigation, and for good reason. Protracted legal disputes are expensive. The insurance company may balk at the high cost of expert witnesses, investigators, and teams of attorneys, and seek a cost-effective alternative in a settlement offer.
The key is negotiating for a fair settlement that reflects the hardships you face due to your work injury. This is where the services of a skilled Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can make a difference in your life and your financial future. Learn more by reading our Guide to Florida Workers’ Comp Settlements.
Strategies Used by Workers’ Comp
Workers’ compensation insurance companies employ various methods to deny your claim or minimize the benefits you are entitled to receive. Our team is familiar with these tactics and knows how to counter them. Some of the more typical strategies they employ include the following:
The Settlement Offer Comes Too Quickly
A well-developed settlement offer should take weeks and take into account all of your past medical bills, future medical needs, the extent of your disability, and how it has impacted your life. A settlement offer that comes quickly may ignore some of these elements and likely will not address the full extent of your needs.
You Feel Pressured
Pressure comes in many forms. You may be told, “Accept this or receive nothing.” Or they may suggest the offer will only get lower from here. Remember, what the insurance company says is far from the final word. The law and how well your attorney can use it to your advantage will determine the outcome.
They Dispute the Facts
When seeking workers’ compensation benefits, it is not enough to say you are injured. You must be able to provide documented proof of your injuries. An insurance company may dispute the extent of your injuries or even question whether you are injured. They may claim your injuries are pre-existing or were sustained while you were off the clock.
Trying to prove what you know to be true is exhausting and frustrating. This is why you need an attorney who can obtain the necessary evidence to build a compelling case for a fair and reasonable settlement.
Schedule a Free Consultation About Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Though the Florida workers’ comp benefits system was established to protect workers, insurers aren’t in the business of paying out maximum compensation—and you may quickly find yourself in a situation where you aren’t receiving enough money to make ends meet.
To learn more about how an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you maximize your settlement offer, contact Berlin Law Firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
