When you’ve been injured and you don’t believe it was your fault, getting professionals to represent you is very important in getting a successful claim. However, one thing you should never do is represent yourself in your case, as it can cost you more money than hiring a lawyer because it leads to significantly lower settlement amounts. There will be more missed opportunities if you represent yourself, as you won’t have as much experience as the experts at businesses like Bond Turner.
Studies show that people represented by attorneys often receive over three times more in compensation than those who handle their own claims. We’ll explore this and more in this article, so continue reading to find out more.
Mistakes of Self-Representation
Lowballing
Insurance adjusters are seasoned professionals whose primary goal is to protect their client’s bottom line. When they encounter an unrepresented claimant, they recognise an opportunity to negotiate with someone who likely lacks a good understanding of their claim’s market value. They often employ the quick cash tactic, as they offer a seemingly helpful settlement within days of the accident but this can end up being a lowball offer that is only part of what you should be owed. They rarely account for latent medical complications, ongoing physical therapy or long-term impact of an injury.
Inaccurate Valuation
Expert legal counsel accounts for future losses, such as the necessity of corrective surgery years down the line or the long-term impact an injury may have on your career progression and promotion eligibility. Professionals are better equipped to compensate for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, which is often a complex calculation that is nearly impossible for a non-professional to perform accurately. A solicitor ensures you aren’t just compensated for today’s paycheck, as they think about everything like the loss of pension contributions and protecting retirement security.
Litigation Leverage
One of the most significant disadvantages of representing yourself is that insurance companies have very little incentive to offer a fair settlement to someone they know is unlikely to be in a courtroom. Without a solicitor, you lack the credible threat of a lawsuit, which is often the only force that compels an insurer to pay you properly. When a personal injury solicitors in Liverpool takes your case, there will be a threat of a trial which can scare insurance companies into paying higher settlements.
Procedural Mistake Costs
Adherence to statutes of limitations and the completion of complex paperwork can often result in mistakes from those who represent themselves. Missing a mandatory filing deadline or inadvertently failing to disclose a pre-existing medical condition can lead to your entire case being dismissed by the court. The cost savings of avoiding a solicitor result can actually make you lose money in the long-term, as you can receive zero compensation for your injuries.
Most personal injury solicitors offer a free initial consultation, so you have a risk-free opportunity to gain a professional assessment of your case’s value.
