If 1 1/2 years ago I was in a car accident for which I was not at fault, what a reasonable settlement for my injury?
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If 1 1/2 years ago I was in a car accident for which I was not at fault, what a reasonable settlement for my injury?
My job required a certain amount of heavy lifting and although I could handle the duties of my job, this was not without a significant amount of pain in my upper back. Finally, after some time I was offered a settlement of $1,619 and was told that this offer includes reimbursement for the $459 in medical bills. I didn’t have tons of medical treatment, assuming that, since I’m a young guy, it will get better. However, there was still an extended period of consistent pain. Also, being a young man, I am afraid that they are lowballing me.
Asked on August 27, 2015 under Personal Injury, Washington
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
The settlement offer should be rejected. The problem is that you had very little medical treatment and should have had additional medical treatment which would include physical therapy for your back pain.
If you want to settle the case without additional medical treatment, I would ask for $12,000, to compensate for residual back pain, but not expecting to get that, would settle the case for $10,000.
If you can't get a figure close to $10,000 with your residual back pain, reject the settlement offers and file a lawsuit for negligence against the at-fault party.
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