How to Increase Settlement Value?

Maximizing your settlement isn’t just about luck; it requires a smart and strategic approach. From the moment an accident happens, every decision you make can impact your compensation. Getting medical care right away, documenting every detail, and resisting that tempting first offer from the insurance company can make all the difference. But the real secret? Having a skilled personal injury attorney in your corner. 

A great lawyer knows how to push back against lowball offers, calculate the true value of your case (beyond just medical bills), and show the insurance company you mean business. With the right approach, you can fight for the settlement you truly deserve.

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10 Tips to Increase Your Settlement Value

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you deserve a fair and full settlement—not just what the insurance company wants to offer you. But here’s the reality: insurance companies are in the business of paying out as little as possible. They’ll try every trick in the book to minimize your claim.

So, how do you increase your settlement value and ensure you get the maximum compensation? The key is strategy, preparation, and persistence. Below, we break down proven steps to help you fight for what you truly deserve.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention After an Accident

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is delaying medical treatment. Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) take time to show symptoms. Insurance adjusters will use any delay against you, arguing that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

How This Helps Your Settlement:

• Medical records serve as strong evidence for your personal injury claim.
• Immediate treatment prevents insurance companies from disputing your injuries.
• A doctor’s evaluation helps determine the full extent of your damages.

2. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

You wouldn’t go into battle without armor—so don’t go up against insurance companies without a skilled Louisiana personal injury lawyer. Attorneys know all the tactics insurers use and can fight for the full compensation you deserve.

How a Lawyer Increases Your Settlement:

• Collects strong evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiates aggressively to reject lowball offers.
• Calculates all damages (including pain and suffering).
• Prepares your case for trial if necessary—which often leads to higher settlement offers.

The legal team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys has extensive experience maximizing settlements for injury victims.

3. Collect Strong Evidence to Support Your Injury Claim

You can’t just tell an insurance company you’re injured—you have to prove it. The more solid evidence you have, the stronger your claim and the higher your settlement value.

Key Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim:

• Photos & Videos – Document your injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene.
• Medical Records – Keep every doctor’s note, test result, and prescription.
• Witness Statements – Get contact info from anyone who saw what happened.
• Police Reports – An official accident report can support your case.

4. Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance adjusters count on you being desperate for a quick payout. That’s why their first offer is usually far lower than what you actually deserve.

Why You Should Wait:

• Early offers rarely include future medical expenses.
• Insurance companies assume you don’t know your case’s full value.
• Once you accept, you can’t renegotiate—even if new injuries appear.

Injury victims who negotiate with a lawyer typically receive 3.5 times more compensation than those who accept the first offer.

5. Calculate All Damages (Not Just Medical Bills)

Your settlement isn’t just about covering medical expenses—it should also compensate you for everything you’ve lost because of the accident.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To:

• Medical Bills – Hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions, and therapy.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and lost earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering – Payment for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage – Coverage for repairs or replacing a totaled vehicle.

6. Be Cautious When Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may act friendly, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Protect Yourself By:

• Not providing recorded statements without legal advice.
• Avoiding speculation—stick to the facts.
• Letting your lawyer handle negotiations.

7. Consider Future Medical Expenses and Long-Term Impacts

Many people settle too soon—only to realize later that their injuries require ongoing treatment. Don’t make that mistake. Your settlement should cover future costs, not just current bills.

Long-Term Costs to Factor Into Your Claim:

• Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
• Future Surgeries or Medical Treatments
• Chronic Pain & Reduced Mobility
• Impact on Daily Life & Work

8. File Your Claim Before the Legal Deadline

You don’t have unlimited time to file a personal injury claim. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date (Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492). If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation—no exceptions.

Don’t wait until the last minute—your lawyer needs time to build a strong case.

9. Keep a Personal Injury Journal

Insurance adjusters love to downplay pain and suffering—but a daily injury journal can provide powerful evidence.

What to Include in Your Journal:

• Daily Pain Levels & Symptoms
• Emotional Distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
• Missed Work & Activities You Can No Longer Do

This personal record can help prove the impact of your injuries, increasing your non-economic damages payout.

10. Be Prepared to Take Your Case to Trial

Most personal injury cases settle before trial—but insurance companies pay more when they know you’re serious about fighting back.

Why Being Trial-Ready Increases Your Settlement:

• Insurance companies fear bad publicity from a court case.
• A strong case can push them to offer a higher payout to avoid court.
• A jury may award far more than the insurance company wants to pay.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we’re always ready for trial—and that gives our clients an edge in settlement negotiations.

Maximize Your Settlement with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys

If you’ve been injured, don’t settle for less than what you deserve. With a proven track record of success, Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys has recovered around $3 Billion for our clients. By following these proven strategies, you can increase your settlement value and secure the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Want a legal team that fights for maximum compensation? Contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.

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