It is an unfortunate truth that when you are injured due to someone else acting negligently or carelessly, it is often necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit to get fair compensation. However, in some cases it may not be necessary. Keep reading to learn three ways you may be able to get compensation without filing an injury lawsuit. To find out for sure what option is best for you, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
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Make a claim or complaint directly
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Contact your insurance company
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Threaten a lawsuit
If you were injured in a store, talk to the store manager. Find out if there is a claims procedure that allows you to file a complaint to request compensation. Did you fall in a government building? You may need to file a government tort claim with the right agency. In fact, you likely need to do this, and have it denied, before you can file a lawsuit for damages.
Did your injury occur at work? Then workers’ compensation may be the right path. It covers medical costs and lost wages and does not require you to prove that another party was at fault for your injuries. However, it does not cover pain and suffering and certain other damages that can be covered in a personal injury lawsuit.
The reality of some situations is that you may need to get your medical bills paid sooner – not later. A lawsuit can take months or even years – and then the judgement must be enforced. If you have car insurance or health insurance, then it may be worth it to contact your insurer to find out how they can help. It is likely that your insurance company will cover medial costs and they can sue the at-fault party if necessary.
Note that insurance companies, even the one you pay to cover you, are not in business to provide the best possible payouts for clients. They are in business to make money and in doing so, they may not offer you a fair settlement. We do recommend that you have a personal injury attorney look at any settlements you are offered before you sign off.
Letting the at-fault party know that you are willing to sue if you need to may be just what they needed to pay what you are owed. Write a demand letter to the at-fault party. List all of your injuries, their costs, and your other damages. Then tell them exactly what you want. They may negotiate with you or pay it outright just to avoid being used.
Whether you want to sue the at-fault party or not, it is always worth it to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We can assess your case and let you know if it is likely strong enough to win and what the expected settlement or award would be.
