Victims who file lawsuits in negligent injury cases are often pressured into accepting low and immediate settlements because of immediate financial concerns. It’s difficult to turn down a large lump sum of money that can save the home and car when the bill collectors are threatening action. The first settlement in an insurance case is seldom the amount that can be won if the case is allowed to go forward.
The sure money now is often seen as a better choice rather than the chance of a possibility of a larger sum in the future. Financial burdens often cause enough stress that the victim is unwilling to follow legal advice that will possibly put their home in jeopardy.
There are several lawsuit assistance organizations that have helped accident victims keep their finances in order while awaiting disposition of negligence lawsuits. These companies can offer qualified accident victims advances against future settlements that allow the accident victim the time needed to pursue the lawsuit.
A recent case in Indiana allowed the victim of a car accident who suffered traumatic brain injury to reject an immediate settlement payment of $250,000 by the insurance company, even though her disabilities left her car payment and mortgage in arrears.
Several advances by one such organization allowed her to pay her bills and the case was settled almost a year later for $950,000.
If you feel pressured to accept a low settlement because of financial hardship, look into a lawsuit assistance program and don’t feel rushed to accept anything less than what is due to you.
