When To Accept Or Reject A Settlement Offer

By Howard Eglash, Personal Injury Attorney

After an accident, one of the most difficult decisions an injury victim faces is whether to accept or reject a settlement offer. Insurance companies often move quickly to present a number that seems fair at first glance — especially when medical bills and lost wages are piling up. But before signing anything, it’s important to understand what a settlement truly represents and how to determine whether the offer reflects the full value of your claim.

What A Settlement Offer Means

A settlement offer is the insurance company’s proposal to resolve your personal injury claim without going to trial. In exchange for a specific amount of money, you agree to release the at-fault party and their insurer from any further liability.

Once you accept and sign a settlement agreement, your case is permanently closed. You cannot later reopen the claim if you discover additional injuries or costs. That’s why it’s crucial to make this decision with a full understanding of your medical condition, expenses, and future needs.

When You Might Consider Accepting A Settlement

In some cases, accepting a settlement offer makes sense — especially if the offer is fair and your injuries and expenses are well-documented. You may consider accepting when:

• Your medical treatment is complete and your doctors confirm you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.
• All your expenses are known, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
• The settlement reflects full compensation for your financial losses and pain and suffering.
• Liability is clear and there’s little dispute about who caused the accident.
• You’ve reviewed the offer with an attorney and confirmed it aligns with similar case values in Wisconsin.
• A reasonable settlement can save time, reduce stress, and provide financial stability sooner — but only when it fully compensates you for your losses.

When You Should Consider Rejecting An Offer

Early settlement offers from insurance companies are often designed to limit their financial exposure — not to protect your long-term interests. You should consider rejecting or negotiating the offer if:

• It doesn’t cover your total expenses. Low offers may not include future medical care, ongoing therapy, or long-term wage loss.
• Your medical recovery is still in progress. If you haven’t fully healed, it’s too soon to know your final costs or limitations.
• Pain and suffering weren’t factored in. Insurers frequently undervalue non-economic damages such as emotional distress, chronic pain, or reduced quality of life.
• Liability is disputed. If fault is unclear, the insurer may offer less than your claim is worth to avoid full responsibility.
• You haven’t spoken to an attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer can often negotiate a stronger outcome than what’s offered initially.

How Attorneys Evaluate Settlement Offers

Attorneys assess offers by comparing them to the total projected value of your claim. This involves reviewing:

• Medical evidence and physician reports
• Economic losses, including lost wages and potential future earnings
• Non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Liability strength and potential risks of trial
• Comparable case outcomes in Wisconsin courts

A professional attorney can help you understand when to accept or reject a settlement offer. Your attorney may also consult with medical and vocational experts to project long-term costs and ensure the offer reflects your true financial and personal losses.

The Role Of Negotiation And Mediation

Most personal injury cases settle before trial, often after several rounds of negotiation. Mediation can also be used as a structured process for both sides to reach a fair agreement under the guidance of a neutral third party.

If the insurer refuses to increase its offer, your attorney can prepare to take the case to court — sometimes prompting a more realistic settlement before trial begins.

Why Patience Pays Off

It can be tempting to accept a quick settlement, especially when bills are mounting. But early settlements rarely account for future medical care, ongoing pain, or lost earning capacity. Taking time to gather complete medical and financial documentation gives you leverage and helps your attorney present a stronger case for full compensation.

Protecting Your Future With Experienced Guidance

At Bosshard Parke, we help clients in La Crosse, Sparta, and throughout western Wisconsin evaluate settlement offers with clarity and confidence. Our attorneys handle the negotiation process, help calculate the full value of your claim, and protect you from accepting less than you deserve.

If you don’t know wether or not you should accept or reject your settlement or are unsure what your case is worth, contact Bosshard Parke today to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, please consult an attorney at Bosshard Parke.