Should I Accept a Settlement After a Maritime Injury?

Suffering a maritime injury can turn your life upside down, leaving you with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. If you’ve been injured, you may already have received a settlement offer from your employer or their insurance company. At first glance, accepting a settlement might seem like the quickest way to move forward — but is it the best decision for your situation?

Maritime workers have unique rights under laws like the Jones Act, and settlement offers often fall short of fully addressing the long-term impact of an injury. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of accepting a settlement, why you should be cautious, and how consulting an experienced maritime injury attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you truly deserve.

Advantages of Accepting a Maritime Injury Settlement

Accepting a settlement after a maritime injury can have its benefits, especially for those looking for a swift resolution to their claim. Here are some key advantages:

Faster Resolution

Settlements can be finalized much more quickly than waiting for a trial, which may take months or even years. For injured workers needing immediate financial relief to cover medical bills and living expenses, this speed can be a significant advantage.

Certainty and Finality

Unlike a trial, which carries the risk of an unfavorable verdict, a settlement provides a guaranteed outcome. This certainty can help you plan for the future without the stress of prolonged legal battles.

Reduced Legal Costs

While working with an attorney is essential to ensure you get a fair settlement, resolving your case early through a settlement often minimizes court fees and other litigation expenses.

Less Emotional Stress

Trials can be emotionally taxing, involving depositions, cross-examinations, and the reliving of traumatic events. Accepting a settlement allows you to avoid these challenges and move on with your recovery.

While these advantages are appealing, it’s crucial to weigh them against the potential downsides of accepting a settlement prematurely, which we’ll explore in the next section.

Why You Shouldn’t Accept a Settlement Too Soon

While accepting a settlement might seem like a convenient option, it’s not always the best decision. Here are some significant drawbacks to consider before signing on the dotted line:

Risk of Undervaluing Your Claim

Settlement offers from employers or insurance companies are often designed to save them money, not to fairly compensate you. Accepting an offer too quickly might leave you with far less than what you deserve, especially if all damages — like future medical expenses or lost wages — aren’t fully accounted for.

Limited Future Options

Once you accept a settlement, your case is typically closed. This means you cannot seek additional compensation later, even if new medical issues arise or your condition worsens.

Pressure to Settle Quickly

Employers and insurers may pressure you to accept an offer soon after the injury, before you’ve had time to assess the full extent of your damages or consult an attorney. This can lead to hasty decisions that don’t serve your best interests.

Overlooking Long-Term Costs

Maritime injuries often have lasting impacts, including chronic pain, reduced earning capacity, or ongoing rehabilitation needs. A settlement offer might not reflect these long-term costs, leaving you financially unprepared down the road.

Before deciding, it’s crucial to have an experienced maritime injury attorney review your settlement offer to ensure it covers all aspects of your case, including current and future expenses. Making an informed decision now can prevent financial hardship later.

The Critical Role of a Maritime Injury Attorney in Settlement Decisions

When faced with a settlement offer after a maritime injury, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable advocate by your side. Maritime law is complex, and without proper legal guidance, you risk accepting less compensation than you deserve. Here’s why consulting a maritime injury attorney is so important:

Accurate Valuation of Your Claim

An experienced attorney understands the unique challenges maritime workers face and can calculate the true value of your claim. This includes not just immediate medical expenses and lost wages but also long-term costs like ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and diminished earning potential.

Understanding Maritime Law Protections

Laws like the Jones Act and the doctrine of maintenance and cure provide special protections for injured maritime workers. An attorney can ensure that your settlement fully reflects these rights and holds your employer accountable for their obligations.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Employers and their insurers often aim to minimize payouts. A maritime injury attorney knows the tactics they use and will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Accepting a settlement without understanding its implications can have lasting consequences. An attorney can help you avoid signing away your rights or agreeing to a settlement that doesn’t fully address your needs.

Preparing for Trial if Necessary

While many cases settle out of court, some require litigation to achieve a just outcome. An experienced attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial if the settlement offer doesn’t meet your needs, leveraging their expertise to fight for maximum compensation.

Take Control of Your Future — Contact Us Today

If you’ve suffered a maritime injury, don’t make the mistake of accepting a settlement that doesn’t meet your needs. The experienced attorneys at Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC are here to help you navigate the complexities of maritime law and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

We understand the challenges maritime workers face and are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to review your settlement offer and explore your legal options.