
Many people recognize that settlements are generally preferable to going to trial for various reasons, including the certainty of receiving compensation and accessing it sooner. However, going to trial can be a lengthy process that often results in unpredictable outcomes.
There are several reasons why injured parties may refuse an early settlement following their injury. Before you reject a settlement offer, it is crucial to understand the implications. When someone rejects a settlement offer, it is automatically terminated and cannot be accepted later. At this point, you may negotiate or make a counteroffer, but the decision to accept or reject your new offer rests with the opposing party.
What is a Settlement?
A settlement offer is basically a contract. The party responsible for your injuries (and most likely their insurance company) offers a sum of money to settle the legal situation. In exchange, you agree not to pursue your case further in court. It is a method of avoiding the time, cost, and uncertainty of a trial. While this may sound appealing, it’s critical to understand the complexities of Las Vegas law and how they affect your settlement alternatives.
Settlement offers have advantages, but they are not always the best line of action. Initial offers are frequently low-ball figures, and accepting may result in you being considerably undercompensated. Insurance companies, particularly in Las Vegas, excel in minimizing payouts.
They may try to shift the blame to you or downplay the severity of your injuries. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced Las Vegas premises liability attorney on your side who can negotiate tirelessly for you.
What Happens if You Do Not Accept the Settlement Agreement?
If you do not accept a settlement agreement, your case will advance to the next steps. If you’ve previously filed a lawsuit, you may face further hearings before going to trial. When a case goes to trial, you risk losing in court. The judge may reject your case outright or issue an order that limits the amount you can collect. A jury may possibly not rule in your favor or give a smaller amount than you anticipated.
If you have not filed a lawsuit yet and negotiations have broken down, you may need to act quickly to recover damages for your injuries.
Do You Have the Right to Refuse a Settlement?
You are under no obligation to accept a settlement offer. It is an important decision with consequences for the future that should not be rushed. If the offer does not meet your requirements, you may and should reject it. Consultation with a Las Vegas personal injury attorney is essential in this situation. They will thoroughly examine your case and advise you on the fairness of the proposed settlement, ensuring that you are aware of your rights under Las Vegas law.
Remember, insurance companies often prioritize minimizing payouts over offering adequate compensation. Your attorney’s job is to advocate solely for you, ensuring you receive the full support you need to navigate your recovery.
What’s Next After Refusing a Settlement in a Legal Case?
Rejecting a settlement does not indicate that your case is closed. Here’s what might happen next.
- Negotiations Continue: Rejecting an early offer does not necessarily signal the end of negotiations. Personal injury attorneys might counter the offer and continue negotiations to seek a more beneficial settlement deal. This method may involve patience and smart maneuvering, but it can lead to a better outcome.
- The Case Proceeds to Trial: If negotiations fail, you have the option of filing a lawsuit. In Nevada, premises liability cases are typically tried in civil court. A trial enhances the possibility of a larger judgment if your case is strong, but it also increases the danger of losing or earning a smaller sum than given initially. Your attorney will assist you in weighing the risks and advantages and determining whether pursuing a trial is the best course of action.
- The Discovery Phase Begins: During the pre-trial stage, the concerned parties exchange evidence. Your attorney might use this phase to strengthen your case by gathering evidence of the property owner’s negligence. This could involve requesting maintenance records, surveillance footage, witness statements, and other pertinent documents. Las Vegas discovery rules can be complex, and an expert attorney will safeguard your rights and acquire all relevant information to enhance your claim.
- The Risk of Losing: Rejecting a settlement offer displays your dedication to seeking fair recompense, but it also involves risk. If the matter goes to trial and you fail to prove the defendant’s liability or the amount of your injuries, you may not be compensated at all. As a result, it is important to thoroughly consider the potential benefits and risks before rejecting a settlement offer.
Long-Term Considerations and Personal Impact
Refusing a settlement can have personal and financial implications. A prolonged trial can be emotionally and financially draining, potentially affecting your mental health and daily life. Additionally, the public nature of trials can expose personal details that a private settlement would keep confidential. It’s important to weigh these aspects and consult a financial advisor to understand the consequences of your decision entirely. This comprehensive preparation helps ensure you are ready for the potential impacts of continuing your legal battle.
How Do You Refuse a Settlement Offer?
Refusing a settlement offer is as simple as saying “no.” There are no extra steps to take. However, your attorney or the defendant may ask you to respond in writing so that everything is clear. If a settlement offer contains a deadline, you can refuse it by ignoring it until it expires. Once you’ve made your decision, it’s a good idea to have your attorney convey your response to the defendant’s attorneys. Your attorney can also explain the factual and legal reasons you’re asking for a higher offer.
Contact our Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys Right Now!
Knowing whether to refuse a settlement offer might be challenging. If a plaintiff has common injuries, the outcome of a case can be significantly different, even if the facts or laws apply. The insurance company’s purpose is to limit what they have to pay. Having an attorney on your side is your sole legal alternative for receiving the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Contact our experienced Lach Injury Law today to discuss your case.