Can I Pursue More Compensation After Agreeing To Settle My Gainesville Injury Claim?

Bill Allen | March 29, 2023 | Personal Injury

Can I Pursue More Compensation After Agreeing To Settle My Gainesville Injury Claim?

Sustaining an injury due to someone else’s negligence can be a traumatic experience that leaves a lasting impact on your life. In such cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. However, the process of obtaining compensation is often complicated, and it’s easy to make mistakes that could impact the outcome of your case.

If you’ve been injured in Gainesville, Florida, and have reached a settlement agreement with the responsible party, you may be wondering whether you can pursue more compensation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that may impact your ability to do so.

What Is a Settlement Agreement?

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between two parties that resolves a dispute without going to trial. In a personal injury case, a settlement agreement is typically reached between the injured person and the person or entity responsible for their injuries, often an insurance company.

In a settlement agreement, the injured person agrees to accept a certain amount of compensation in exchange for releasing the responsible party from any further liability related to the incident. Once a settlement agreement is signed, it becomes binding, and neither party can back out of it without consequences.

Can I Pursue More Compensation After Signing a Settlement Agreement?

In general, once you sign a settlement agreement, you cannot pursue more compensation related to the incident that led to your injuries. This is because the settlement agreement likely includes a release of liability clause, which means that you are agreeing to release the responsible party from any further claims related to the incident.

Exceptions

However, there are some limited exceptions to this general rule. For example, if there was fraud or misrepresentation involved in the settlement agreement. If the responsible party knowingly withheld information about the extent of your injuries or the amount of compensation you were entitled to, you may be able to challenge the settlement agreement in court.

You may also have legal recourse if the at-fault party refuses to honor the terms of the settlement agreement, such as by not making the appropriate payments to you.

It’s important to note that pursuing more compensation after signing a settlement agreement can be a difficult and complicated process, and it’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your options.

What Should I Do Before Signing a Settlement Agreement?

Before signing a settlement agreement, it’s important to carefully consider your options and understand the potential consequences. Here are some steps to take before signing a settlement agreement:

  • Review the terms of the settlement agreement carefully, including any release of liability clauses, reservation of rights clauses, and confidentiality agreements.
  • Calculate your losses accurately, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney to review the settlement agreement and ensure that your rights are protected.
  • Be prepared to negotiate the terms of the settlement agreement if necessary, and don’t be afraid to reject an offer that you feel is unfair.

Make sure that you fully understand the implications of signing the settlement agreement, including the fact that you will not be able to pursue more compensation later.

Contact an Experienced Gainesville Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in Gainesville and have reached a settlement agreement with the responsible party, you should understand your options for pursuing more compensation. 

While it’s generally not possible to do so once a settlement agreement is signed, there are some exceptions that may allow you to reopen the settlement agreement or challenge it in court. 

However, pursuing more compensation after signing a settlement agreement can be complicated and challenging, and it’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your options.

Contact Our Gainesville Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258