The overwhelming majority of personal injury cases do not end up in court. Instead, these cases are settled between the injured party—also known as the plaintiff—and the defendant’s insurance company. The defendant is the party wholly or partially responsible for the circumstances leading to the injury.
If you were injured in an accident, the defendant’s insurance company may contact you with a monetary settlement offer. It is important to remember, however, that insurance companies are not in business to make large settlements and often want to pay the injured party as little as possible.
Before receiving a settlement in a Burlington County injury case, it may be wise for you to consult with an experienced lawyer. A Burlington County personal injury attorney who could examine the offer to make sure it covers your needs.
At the beginning of the settlement negotiation process, the plaintiff—or the attorney working on their behalf—sends extensive information to the defendant’s insurance company, along with a letter of demand. This letter outlines why the party represented by the insurance company was responsible for the circumstances causing the injury, as well as the medical conditions the plaintiff is currently experiencing as a result and the types and cost of all required medical care.
The demand letter usually also specifies any wages or income lost because of the injury and their total value. Medical care and lost wages are considered economic damages, but non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, PTSD, and other impairments directly related to the injury may be included as well. The letter closes with a demand for the lump monetary sum necessary to settle the claim.
Determining fair compensation in a personal injury case is almost always a complex affair. Recent settlements for similar injuries can give a basic frame of reference, but again, each case is different. If the plaintiff was partly at fault for the accident, for example, it can affect the final settlement amount.
A Burlington County attorney may discuss a “bottom line” acceptable settlement amount with the potential client. If the insurance company agrees to this acceptable amount, the case is then settled. However, if the insurance company refuses to budge and will not offer a reasonable amount, going to civil court may be necessary to receive the requested compensation.
All personal injury cases are unique. In some instances, liability for a personal injury extends beyond an individual defendant. For example, if a person is harmed because of a defective product, the manufacturer and company selling the product may be held liable. These situations usually involve several insurance companies, but one company is generally the primary insurer for a particular claim.
While it is possible for an injured party to negotiate the settlement process without the aid of an attorney, it is generally not advisable. Dealing with an insurance company in a personal injury case is complicated, and doing so without legal representation could lead to a plaintiff being forced to accept an unsatisfactory settlement.
If you have any questions or concerns about receiving a settlement in a Burlington County injury case, you may benefit from the services of a Burlington County personal injury lawyer.
This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …
This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.