Settlements and Judgments

• Suffering a personal injury or loss is the cause of most civil suits. The victim seeks compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses she incurred because of the defendant's negligence. She sues the negligent party and his insurance company begins negotiations to limit how much money they will have to pay. The company offers a single payment to cover what it determines to be a reasonable amount, usually after lengthy negotiations with the victim and her lawyers. If the insurer does not offer to settle a civil suit, a judge hears both sides of the case and determines what the insurance company should pay the victim.
  
  

Release

• When you reach a settlement amount with the insurance company or the judge orders them to pay judgment, you have to sign a release. This document states you will not file a lawsuit against the insurance company for more money in the future and releases them from liability. The company is no longer responsible for paying your medical bills and other expenses related to your injury or loss after you sign a release.
  
  

Future Expenses

• After suffering an injury due to the negligence or carelessness of another person, you may have lingering problems. A traumatic brain injury results in immediate damages that require MRIs, Xrays and other tests to diagnose, followed by extensive treatment. If you settle your case and sign a release, you cannot recover future expenses that you incur. It is important to try and accurately estimate your needs, including doctors' appointments and medications you may require after you settle your case.
  
  

Help

• Get help estimating potential future expenses by talking with your doctors and consulting an attorney. Your doctors can give you an accurate prognosis and detail what you can expect to encounter as you recover. They may recommend physical therapy and other long-term treatments that may end up being costly. Attorneys can help you consider other expenses you may encounter that doctors may not immediately consider, such as medications, medical supplies and insurance costs. You have to consider all these costs before signing a release.