You were hopeful when you received a settlement offerโmaybe even relievedโbut instead of feeling like a step forward, it left you frustrated and let down. The amount offered barely scratched the surface of your medical bills, lost wages, and the pain you’d endured. It’s natural to feel upset and want to reject the offer outright.
At Clark Frost Zucchi, we understand that feeling all too well. For over 35 years, we’ve helped injury victims navigate lowball offers and negotiate for the compensation they truly deserve. Rejecting an offer is normal, but how you do it makes all the difference.
To protect your rights and maximize your recovery, rejecting a low settlement offer should be done strategically:
- Evaluate the offer against all your damages.
- Respond professionally in writing.
- Consider making a counteroffer with supporting evidence.
- Know when to involve a personal injury lawyer.
Let’s take a closer look at how to determine if rejecting your offer is the best course of action and why approaching it the right way is so crucial.
I Feel Like the Settlement Is Too LowโHow Do I Know for Sure?
You can be sure a settlement offer is too low if it doesn’t fully cover the extent of your losses. A fair settlement should account for all your damages, not just the immediate bills. Insurance companies often make initial offers that are far less than what you need for a full recovery.
Here are some signs that an offer is unfair:
- Your medical bills are not fully covered. This includes past, present, and future medical treatments.
- Future costs are ignored. The offer doesn’t account for ongoing physical therapy, future surgeries, or long-term care.
- Lost wages are undervalued. Your lost income and any impact on your future earning capacity should be included.
- Pain and suffering are overlooked. Non-economic damages, such as physical pain and emotional distress, are a critical part of your claim.
Don’t rush to accept an offer just because money is on the table. Take the time to evaluate it carefully.
Why Does How I Reject the Offer Matter?
Responding in writing with a clear explanation shows the insurance company that you’re serious and organized. It also creates a paper trail that could be important if negotiations escalate. A professional response, even when rejecting an offer, sets the tone for the discussion and puts you in a stronger negotiating position.
What Should a Counteroffer Include?
When rejecting a low offer, you need to back up your request with factsโlike medical bills, future treatment costs, proof of lost wages, or related documentation. This isn’t just about pushing back; it’s about showing why your claim deserves more. A well-supported counteroffer is far more likely to get the insurer’s attention.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Reject a Settlement Offer?
You do not technically need a lawyer to reject a settlement offer, but it is highly recommended. Insurance adjusters are experienced negotiators whose goal is to settle claims for the lowest amount possible. If you handle negotiations on your own, you risk undervaluing your claim, missing legal deadlines, or saying something that could weaken your case. A lawyer acts as your advocate, managing all communications to keep them professional and strategic, and protecting you from pressure tactics.
What if the Insurance Company Says It’s Their ‘Final Offer’?
An insurance company may claim an offer is “final,” but this is often a negotiation tactic designed to pressure you into accepting. Rejecting a so-called final offer does not mean you lose your right to compensation. If negotiations stall, the next step may be to file a lawsuit. The possibility of going to trial often motivates insurers to return to the negotiating table with a more reasonable offer.
Stay Patient and Strong
Receiving a settlement offer that falls short of your needs can be frustrating, but rejecting it strategically is your first step toward getting the compensation you truly deserve.
Before making any decisions, reach out to a lawyer at Clark Frost Zucchi. With over 35 years of experience helping injury victims in our community, we can guide you through the process and explore every option for your claim. Contact us today for a consultation.
