After suffering a severe injury due to another party’s negligence, it is understandable to want to settle your case quickly, especially when medical bills are piling up and you cannot work. Insurance companies know this, and they often rush to present a settlement offer to claimants. For many traumatic brain Injury (TBI) victims, the first offer from an insurance company can be tempting. But the truth is that settling too early can be one of the biggest mistakes you ever make. For traumatic brain injury victims, patience is key. Avoiding settling too quickly can make a significant difference in your recovery and financial future.
Below, we share the reasons why TBI victims should avoid settling their cases too soon.
1. The Full Extent of a TBI Takes Time to Appear
Unlike people who suffer cuts or broken bones, traumatic brain injury victims do not always know the full effects of their injury immediately. You might not experience serious or noticeable symptoms at first and might assume you are healing, only to notice new or worsening symptoms weeks later, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and severe headache. Settling your case early might mean that you accept compensation before understanding how much the injury will affect your life. Waiting until your medical team can give you a clear prognosis can ensure your claim accurately reflects the full extent of your injury.
2. Early Settlements Rarely Account for Future Medical Costs
Often, traumatic brain injuries require ongoing treatment long after the initial hospital stay. It can take several months or even years to recover from a TBI. The cost of ongoing therapy, medications, follow-up appointments, and assistive devices can add up to tens of thousands, if not more. Unfortunately, often early settlement offers from insurance companies do not account for future medical costs.
It is vital to note that once you accept an offer from an insurance company and sign a release, you cannot go back later to request additional compensation if new or worsening symptoms arise. Before accepting a settlement offer, it is best to consult an experienced TBI lawyer. A skilled attorney can make sure all your damages, including future medical costs and non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress, are included in your compensation.
3. Insurance Companies Aim To Minimize Payouts
Another reason TBI victims should avoid settling too early is that insurance companies have only one goal: to pay out as little as possible. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line and not your well-being. A common tactic adjusters use to minimize payout is offering a quick, lowball settlement. Adjusters know that TBI victims may be under financial pressure and eager to resolve their case.
Waiting to settle your TBI claim gives you time to understand the full extent of your injury. It can give you time to build a strong case and ensure you receive a settlement that reflects how your injury impacts all aspects of your life, not just physically and emotionally, but also financially. Remember, while settling early might feel like a relief, it can create problems in the future if your injury worsens.
Contact Us for Legal Help
With patience and help from our experienced brain injury counsel at Griggs Injury Law, you can recover the compensation you deserve for your traumatic brain injury. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
