Everyone says they'll "maximize your compensation." It's on every personal injury lawyer's website. But what does that actually mean in practice? After close to 30 years of negotiating settlements and trying cases in Illinois, let me pull back the curtain and show you exactly what we do differently to put more money in our clients' pockets.
The first strategy is something most people never think about: choosing the right medical providers. Not all doctors are created equal when it comes to personal injury cases. Some doctors write detailed, thorough notes that document every symptom, every limitation, and every way the injury has affected your life. Other doctors write notes that say "patient reports pain, continue treatment." Guess which records the insurance company takes more seriously? We don't tell you what doctor to see — that's your choice — but we guide our clients toward providers who we know will take the time to document your condition properly. That documentation is the backbone of your case.
The second strategy is calculating future damages. The insurance company is more than happy to add up your current medical bills and offer you a number based on what you've already spent. But what about the surgery your doctor says you'll probably need in five years? What about the epidural injections you'll need every year for the rest of your life? What about the fact that your back injury is going to prevent you from doing the physical labor you've done for the past 20 years, and now you'll have to take a desk job that pays $30,000 less per year? Future medical costs and lost earning capacity can be worth more than all of your current bills combined. We hire medical experts and economists to calculate those numbers so the insurance company can't ignore them.
The third strategy is understanding the insurance company's pressure points. Every insurance company has a threshold where they'd rather settle than go to trial. Some companies cave early when they see a well-prepared demand package. Others need to see that you've filed a lawsuit and taken depositions before they get serious. And some need to be standing on the courthouse steps on the morning of trial before they'll pay fair value. Knowing which approach works with which company — and which adjuster — comes from decades of experience. We don't use a one-size-fits-all negotiation strategy because every case and every insurance company is different.
The fourth strategy is preparing for trial from day one. I've said this before, but it bears repeating: insurance companies track which lawyers actually try cases and which ones settle everything. If your lawyer has never taken a case to verdict, the insurance company knows it, and they offer less because they know your lawyer will fold. We prepare every case as if it's going to trial — lining up expert witnesses, preparing exhibits, taking depositions — and the insurance companies we deal with know we mean it. That preparation is what gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.
The bottom line is that maximizing compensation isn't about one magic trick. It's about doing the hard work at every stage of the case — from choosing the right doctors to calculating future damages to knowing when to push and when to settle. If you want a lawyer who does that work, call us at 312-500-4500.
One of the key ways a personal injury lawyer can help maximize your compensation is by evaluating the full extent of your damages. They will thoroughly assess the impact of the accident on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
By understanding the complete scope of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages, your lawyer can effectively negotiate for a settlement that fully addresses your losses. Their goal is to ensure that you receive fair compensation that reflects the true value of your case.
A personal injury lawyer will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf. They will gather compelling evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions, to support your claim for maximum compensation.
Your lawyer will also assess liability and establish a clear link between the defendant’s negligence and your injuries. This comprehensive approach strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of securing a favorable settlement.
When seeking compensation, it’s important to consider not only your current damages but also any future damages that may arise as a result of the accident. This can include ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation costs, and potential long-term effects on your earning capacity or quality of life.
A personal injury lawyer will work with medical experts and other professionals to assess the potential long-term impact of your injuries. They will ensure that your settlement accounts for these future damages, aiming to secure the financial support you may need in the years to come.
While many personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement, there are instances where litigation becomes necessary to secure the settlement you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court.
In litigation, your lawyer will present a compelling argument, gather supporting evidence, and fight for your rights before a judge and jury. They will use their courtroom skills to advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf.
A good personal injury lawyer maximizes your settlement in several ways: we make sure your injuries are fully documented by the right medical providers, we calculate damages the insurance company hopes you'll overlook (future medical costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering), we know the true value of your case based on decades of experience with similar claims, and we prepare your case for trial so the insurance company knows we're not bluffing. Studies consistently show that represented claimants recover significantly more than those who handle claims on their own — even after attorney fees.
You can recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future medical costs, future lost earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, disability), and in rare cases involving intentional or egregious conduct, punitive damages. Most people focus on the medical bills, but pain and suffering is often the largest component of a personal injury settlement.
You almost certainly don't — and that's by design. Insurance adjusters are trained to make offers that sound reasonable but are actually a fraction of what the case is worth. They'll offer you a quick check before you've finished treatment, before you know the full extent of your injuries, and before you've consulted a lawyer. A fair offer accounts for all of your medical bills, all of your lost wages, your future medical needs, and a reasonable amount for your pain and suffering. If you haven't talked to a lawyer, you have no way to know if the offer is fair. Call 312-500-4500 for a free evaluation.
It might take slightly longer, but the result is almost always a significantly higher settlement. Insurance companies make fast, lowball offers specifically because they know unrepresented claimants are more likely to accept them out of desperation. When you hire a lawyer, we make sure your treatment is complete, your damages are fully documented, and your case is positioned for maximum value before we negotiate. The extra time translates directly into more money in your pocket.
Nothing upfront. Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis — we take a percentage of your settlement (typically one-third), and if we don't recover money for you, you owe us nothing. We also advance all case costs. There's literally zero financial risk to you in hiring a lawyer. The only risk is trying to handle it yourself and accepting less than your case is worth.
Would you like to know more about maximizing personal injury compensation?
If you or a loved one is dealing with a situation like this, give us a call any time, day or night. We are here to help. 312-500-4500
Scott DeSalvo founded DeSalvo Law to help injured people throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1998, IARDC #6244452, Scott has represented over 3,000 clients in personal injury, workers compensation, and accident cases.
No Fee Unless You Win | Free Consultation | 24/7 Availability Call or Text: (312) 500-4500
>>Read More
Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 312-895-0545
Fax: 866-629-1817
service@desalvolaw.com
Chicago and Other Suburban Offices
By Appointment Only
