If you were injured in a maritime occupation, you should contact an offshore injury lawyer to see if you have a case. If you have a claim, you could receive compensation for medical expenses as well as lost income and additional costs. There will be many decisions along the way, but one of the most important ones will relate to whether or not you agree to a settlement. About 80% of litigation cases end in a settlement rather than go to court.
One of the reasons for this is that neither party knows who will be successful. They can never predict how the jury will see the situation or how much compensation will be given. However, it is important that your attorney be willing to go to court if that is in the best interests of your case and personal situation.
When deciding whether or not to agree to a settlement, there are various factors that you should take into consideration. You and your legal representative should determine how much you believe your case is worth and how much you are willing to settle for. In order to find an accurate amount, you could examine similar cases and see what verdicts they received. However, the best thing to consider is what you will actually need from your claim.
Consider the severity of your injuries—if they have kept you from working, you can expect that your earning potential has reduced. A firm with the right resources will be able to calculate your lifetime loss of income with an economist's help. For a ballpark figure, read about projected inflation rates and calculate your would-be income accordingly. Also consider your long-term spending on medical care, as well as any support resources you'll need.
When you walk into a negotiation room armed with the figure that you know you will need to survive, then it becomes easier to turn down an insufficient settlement—no matter how attractive it may seem at first. However, if you don't have sufficient evidence or believe there will be difficulties in court, a settlement may be the best option.
In other cases, people want to avoid the publicity and dragging their private matters through court, so they opt for resolving matters through a settlement. Whatever the reason, an offshore injury lawyer could examine your case and help you obtain a favorable outcome. In any case, speaking with an attorney can provide qualified guidance.
While there are many firms that might take your case, a look at our resume and accolades leave little doubt that we can offer you the best chance of recovering the maximum amount of compensation possible in either a settlement or court case. Arnold & Itkin has truly gone above and beyond for every single client we have represented.
Having nationally-renowned trial lawyers on your side provides a second benefit: because your adversaries likely know our name and our reputation for securing verdicts, they may be more likely to provide a favorable settlement. Our willingness to try your case with trial-tested aggression gives us a strong position from which to negotiate.
Our offshore injury firm stands apart for the following reasons:
In many cases, it is advisable to avoid a lengthy and expensive court case. However, on the flipside, it is also advisable not to settle for anything less than you deserve. That is why having a seasoned and skilled offshore injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Call today to schedule your initial consultation!
Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.
