Most personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, but sometimes an insurance company refuses to make a fair offer or disputes liability or the value of your damages.

Most personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, but sometimes an insurance company refuses to make a fair offer or disputes liability, the extent of your injuries, or the value of your damages. When negotiations break down, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step toward obtaining fair compensation. Filing suit does not necessarily mean your case will go all the way to trial — in fact, most cases settle during litigation after the parties exchange evidence, take depositions, obtain expert opinions, and gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the case. A lawsuit can also put additional pressure on an insurance company by establishing court deadlines and demonstrating that you are prepared to present your claim to a judge or jury if necessary. Because the law imposes deadlines for filing personal injury claims, it is important not to allow prolonged settlement negotiations to jeopardize your right to pursue compensation. If you have been injured in an auto collision or other incident and settlement negotiations have stalled, contact the Law Offices of P. Stephen Aita, PLLC at 253.858.5434 to schedule a consultation and discuss whether filing a lawsuit is the appropriate next step.