After an accident, you expect the insurance company to fairly evaluate your claim and provide compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Unfortunately, that isn't always what happens. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not to maximize your recovery.
At The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, we have spent decades representing injury victims throughout Chicago and Illinois. We've seen firsthand the tactics insurance companies use to reduce or deny legitimate claims, and we know how to fight back to help our clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Why Do Insurance Companies Offer Low Settlements?
Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little as possible. Every dollar they save the insurance company is money that stays in the company's pocket.
Many accident victims are under financial pressure after an injury. Medical bills begin arriving, time away from work leads to lost income, and the uncertainty of the claims process can make an early settlement offer seem appealing; even if it's far less than the claim is worth.
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you generally cannot seek additional compensation later, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially believed.
Common Lowball Tactics Insurance Companies Use
Making a Quick Settlement Offer
One of the most common tactics is contacting injured individuals shortly after an accident with a fast settlement offer. While it may seem like the insurance company is trying to help, these early offers often come before the full extent of injuries and future medical treatment are known.
Downplaying Your Injuries
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are minor, pre-existing, or unrelated to the accident. They often review your medical history looking for reasons to minimize your claim.
Disputing Liability
Even when fault appears clear, insurers may argue that you were partially responsible for the accident in an attempt to reduce the amount they have to pay under Illinois comparative negligence laws.
Questioning Medical Treatment
Adjusters may claim that certain treatments were unnecessary, that you waited too long to seek medical care, or that your recovery should have happened sooner.
Requesting Recorded Statements
Soon after an accident, an adjuster may ask you to provide a recorded statement. While this may seem routine, your statements can later be used against you if your recollection changes or if your words are taken out of context.
How Parente & Norem Fights Back
Our attorneys understand how insurance companies evaluate claims because we've handled thousands of personal injury cases. We prepare every case as though it may go to trial, which often strengthens our clients' negotiating position.
When we represent you, we work to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gather medical records and expert opinions
- Calculate both current and future damages
- Document lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Preserve critical evidence before it disappears
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial when necessary
Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to litigate. Demonstrating that we are fully prepared to present your case before a jury can significantly increase the likelihood of a fair settlement.
The True Value of Your Injury Claim
Many people underestimate what their claim may actually be worth. A fair settlement may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of normal life
Every case is unique, which is why it's important to have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your claim before accepting any settlement offer.
Don't Let the Insurance Company Decide What Your Case Is Worth
If you've been injured because of someone else's negligence, you deserve an attorney who will protect your interests, not the insurance company's.
At The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, we have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients across Illinois by standing up to insurance companies that refuse to pay what claims are truly worth. We understand the strategies insurers use, and we know how to build compelling cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and aggressively protecting our clients’ rights.
Before accepting any settlement offer, speak with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you.
If you've been injured in a car accident, construction accident, workplace incident, or another act of negligence, contact The Law Offices of Parente & Norem today. Call or text us now at 312-641-5926. We'll fight for the full compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing while we handle the insurance company.
