How Can I Maximize the Compensation I Receive for My Personal Injury Claim?

How can I maximize the compensation I receive for my personal injury claim? The compensation you receive in a personal injury claim is meant to make you whole again. That means that the money you receive should be equal to the damages you sustained, which includes both economic damages and non-economic damages. However, too often, insurance companies try to devalue claims and not settle claims for the amount you really deserve.

At Burger Law, we've dedicated our careers to helping the injured throughout Missouri and Illinois get the maximum compensation they are owed. If you were injured by the negligence of another and the insurance company isn't being fair, call out St. Louis- and Chicago-based personal injury lawyers at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.

Read on to see how to get maximum compensation in your personal injury claim, and see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

10 Tips for Maximizing Your Compensation in a Personal Injury Claim

The following are 10 great tips for maximizing the compensation you receive for your personal injury claim:

1. Gather Evidence — Gathering evidence is crucial in any personal injury case. Take photos of the accident scene, get witness statements, keep any medical records or bills related to your injuries, and document how much money you're missing out on from being unable to work. The more evidence you have, the harder it will be for the insurance adjuster to deny or minimize your claim.
2. Document Your Injuries — You can't make an injury claim if you don't have proof you were injured. Make sure to document your injuries by taking photos and keeping medical records. This can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life, which can increase your compensation. You can keep a journal detailing how your injuries affect your daily life.
3. Follow All Treatments Recommended By Your Doctor — In order to receive full and fair compensation, you need to show the full extent of your injuries. Attend every procedure or physical therapy appointment a doctor prescribes. You'll not only have more medical bills to be compensated for, but getting more treatment will eventually increase your non-economic damages as well.
4. Be Honest About Your Injuries — Some people don't like going to the doctor, and some of us like to "play through pain." But, it's important to remember you are only asking for what you're owed. Be honest about the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. If you downplay your injuries, you may receive less compensation than you are entitled to. On the flip side, if you exaggerate your injuries, the insurance company can find out and use it to deny your claim.
5. Don't Accept the First Offer — Insurance companies often try to settle cases quickly and for as little money as possible. They know you might need money now because of not being able to work or having a lot of medical bills. They also might think you don't know how much your claim is really worth. Don't accept the first offer you receive, it's almost certainly a lowball offer.
6. Consider Future Costs — Make sure to consider any future costs related to your injuries when calculating your compensation. This could include ongoing medical treatment, lost earning potential if you're forced to work less or change jobs because of your injuries or even long-term care or future surgeries you may need.
7. Fully Value Your Claim — The insurance company may say they only have to pay for six weeks of medical treatment, or that they don't have to pay for lost wages if you had PTO available. None of that is true. Make sure you've accounted for every dime you're owed, including out-of-pocket expenses. Read more about how much to ask for in a personal injury settlement here.
8. Don't Forget About Non-Economic Damages — Non-economic damages refer to the consequences of your injuries that you can't put a dollar figure on. They include pain and suffering, loss of ability to enjoy life, permanent scarring, PTSD, loss of consortium and mental anguish. An insurance adjuster may tell you they don't have to pay for economic damages, but legally speaking you are owed those damages just like you are owed compensation for medical expenses. You can learn more about how pain and suffering is calculated here.
9. Stay Off Social Media — In today's world, it's normal to want to share what's going on in your life on social media. If you're making a claim for devastating injuries, but post pictures that paint a different story, it could ruin your case.
10. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer — One of the best ways to maximize your compensation is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. If your accident has added complications, such as multiple parties being at fault or if the other party is denying fault. If you have significant injuries, a lawyer can handle the legal aspect of your case and communication with the insurance company while you focus on your physical recovery. Read about how to choose the right personal injury lawyer here.

Call Burger Law to Maximize Your Compensation | Missouri and Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

Burger Law's injury trial attorneys have over 80 years of combined experience holding negligent people accountable and getting great results for our clients. We will stand by your side for however long it takes to get you maximum compensation; whether that means a few back-and-forths with an insurance adjuster or taking your claim all the way to a jury verdict. To date, we have secured over $200 million in compensation for our clients. Speak to an injury attorney today at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online form.