HOW CAN I SETTLE WITH A HOTEL FOR INJURY I RECEIVED THERE IN 2007?

Question

I was injured at a Hotel last Labor Day Weekend, and I am wondering what I need to do to settle with their Corporate Risk Management Dept.

They told me they Do Not get involved until I am ready to settle, meanwhile helping with no bills, prescriptions or anything. Then they said they just cut me a check.

Are they only liable for just my medical expenses, as I will have these pains for the rest of my life?

Please Help? Need to make a decision quick, they informed me, of no need for an Attorney, and most only want to help if you are pretty much crippled.

Answer 1

Anon Y said it all.

The corporate risk office does not have your best interests in mind. They just want to get you to sign a release form (releasing them from any further financial responsibility) and they want to pay you the minimum amount they can get away with. The reason they told you that you don't need an attorney is because they know that if you get an attorney, they can't trick you into settling for less than your claim is worth.

That being said. Its up to you. An attorney will probably demand 35% of your settlement (or more). But if you get a much higher settlement then you otherwise would have gotten, you might be better off.

If you are permanently disabled, or you are going to live in pain the rest of your life because of this, then you should be demanding a large sum of money. Its hard to say how much is enough, you have to decide that for yourself based on how badly you are hurt.

Whatever you decide, act quickly. If you wait too long you may lose your right to file a claim.  

Answer 2

The first thing you need to do is stop trusting the very people with whom you are in conflict to tell you the best course of action in your dispute with them.  They do NOT represent you or care about you.  They just want you to go away.

If you hire your own attorney, you would lose part of the settlement to the attorney.  But only the attorney would have the skill and knowledge to file a complaint with a court on your behalf.  You need to file such a complaint ASAP to preserve your right to any settlement.

If you're dead set against an attorney, then I would make a settlement offer.  Add up all your bills, tack on about 200% for pain and suffering, and write them a letter with your offer.  See what they say in response.  They won't give you everything you ask for, but if they give you enough to make you happy, take it.  If not, time for the attorney.  

Answer 3

I'd add that you better get a move on because the statute of limitations for making a claim is probably 364 days or so (not a typo) from the accident.

Once you miss the date they will stop talking to you.