Waiting Until You’re Done

I hate waiting. Absolutely can’t stand it. Unfortunately, patience and waiting are at the heart of two of the most
important questions you can ask yourself, when settling your case:

Are you completely done with your medical treatment and will you get no further treatment? Have you reached your maximum medical improvement?

Do not settle you claim before you know the full extent of your injuries. If you ever settle your claim and sign a
release, you fully and finally settle and release your claim. You can never recover any more money.

Releases contain language that you are fully and finally settling and completely resolving your claim for all
injuries from the car accident, whether known or unknown. You do not want to settle your claim and then find out
that you need additional medical care or have long lasting pain, problems or disability.

Maybe the worst mistake that someone injured in a car
accident or their lawyer can make is to settle a case and then discover that the injured party needs surgery
a month later.

Many times back or neck problems linger for a long period of time and it’s only after an MRI or other detailed study
that herniated discs or underlying trauma is identified. We have represented people injured in car accidents who
tried to recover without surgery through physical therapy, strengthening and exercise, injections and other therapy,
but finally resort to surgery.

Typically, medical providers want to try the least invasive and conservative treatments first and only after those
have failed opt for surgery. You do not want to settle a claim for $10K and then later find out you need a $50K
surgery.

Often, you are not 100% after you receive treatment and may have a residual disability or disfigurement.

Any treatment can only last until you are at your maximum medical improvement. But people have lasting symptoms
– pain, lack of mobility, loss of function, lack of ability to do things, incapacity to work at full
potential, and other disabilities.

Waiting until you have completely finished treatment is one of the most important ways to maximize the value of your
settlement.

Settling a case is stressful, but it’s important to be prepared with knowledge. Fortunately, we’ve literally written
the book on settling a case and picking a lawyer! Tell ya
what, let me give you a copy.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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