Professional Negligence Lawyers and Other Options When You Can't Settle...

You don't necessarily need to start looking for professional negligence lawyers just because you can't reach a settlement. There are other options out there besides professional negligence lawyers. In many cases you can even pursue compensation in small claims court.

Sometimes though, you'll find that the stakes are just too high. When the adjuster refuses to offer a fair settlement, then finding a lawyer may be your best option.

By now you've made a demand and have taken part in negotiating several settlement offers. Despite that, you have a limit as to how low you're willing to go, and the adjuster is limited to how high the insurance company will to go.

If neither party can convince the other to accept the settlement demand or offer, then formal negotiations will have to end. This impass takes your case to a different level which may, or may not, be civil litigation.

Is Mediation an Option?

One alternative to court that's starting to become more common is mediation. Unlike a formal court hearing, both parties first have to agree to take part in the mediation.

The idea of mediation is for you and the insurer to come together with a mediator who, as an unbiased third party, helps you both come to an agreement. Because you know your claim thoroughly, and because there aren't any strict legal rules to be wary of, there isn't usually a need to find an injury lawyer at that point.

If you know you've got a strong case, but don't think you could hold your own in a mediation, then you might want to find a professional negligence lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.

How About Small Claims Court?

If mediations don't work or they simply aren't an option, then you may have to turn to small claims court. Merely filing a suit in small claims court may pressure the adjuster into settling, to avoid the extra costs.

In cases where you have to go through with your lawsuit, you should realize that small claims court isn't really that intimidating. Like mediation, you'll likely be able to handle it without having to find an injury lawyer.

Taking the step towards small claims court comes with certain limitations. Every state has a limit on how much money can be awarded in small claims court. This amount can be as low as fifteen hundred dollars. If your settlement demand is a few thousand dollars higher than the limit, then small claims court is not worth your time.

In such cases you'll wind up going to a higher court. And you always want a professional negligence lawyer to represent you in a civil lawsuit. When you take this step, it's because you're seeking large damages that you truly need.

You'll be going up against the insurance company's legal team that has a ton of experience. Going into that courtroom alone, with no legal training, is a foolish mistake. There's too much on the line to take that kind of risk.

There are times when you'll need to find an injury lawyer even before initial negotiations cease.

Maybe you'll write your demand letter and hear back from the adjuster once or twice. You have confidence in your ability to file a claim and you want to see what the adjuster will say. If they offer a settlement that's high enough to please you, then you could just take that money and be done.

But if you find that they aren't willing to give you proper compensation, then you may decide it's worth it to have a professional negligence lawyer handle take over the case. Also, as we've already said, there's nothing stopping you from finding an injury lawyer for a free initial consultation. That may be all you need.