Settlements might feel like a shortcut through a frustrating process. All you have to do is sign a settlement agreement and the case ends. However, you should never sign an agreement without carefully considering the offer.
What if that offer doesn’t sit right with you? Maybe it’s too low. Maybe it misses the mark entirely. This is highly common.
At Moore Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys understand how personal these decisions are. You shouldn’t feel pressured into accepting less than you deserve. If you reject a settlement offer, you’re not walking away from resolution. You’re giving yourself space to pursue something fair.
What Happens When You Reject a Settlement Offer?
When you reject an offer, nothing explodes. Nobody slams a legal door shut. It simply means the case moves forward. You haven’t lost your right to pursue compensation. In fact, it often means you’re keeping your options open. The other side might return with a better offer. They may not want the uncertainty of court any more than you do. Your attorney will anticipate this and prepare accordingly.
We’ll help you evaluate whether the original offer accounts for future medical treatment, lost earning potential, and the non-financial costs you’ve incurred. If it doesn’t, we’ll prepare for what comes next.
The Choice to Reject Is Not a Mistake
Walking away from a low settlement isn’t reckless. It’s sometimes the most rational decision you can make. No one’s asking you to go to court tomorrow. It simply means that your claim remains active and open to continued negotiation or trial.
In Texas, you’re allowed to seek full compensation through the civil court system if a fair agreement can’t be reached outside of it. You’re not limited to one offer and done. According to Texas law, most personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations. That gives you time to think critically about your next move. There’s no need to rush into anything that doesn’t sit right.
A rejected offer might even help you down the road. It sends a signal that you expect to be treated seriously. If the other side senses you’re willing to go the distance, they may rethink how they value your claim.
Negotiation Is a Process, Not a One-Time Event
One settlement offer is rarely the only one an insurer makes. Most personal injury claims involve several rounds of negotiation. Rejecting an early offer can restart the conversation in a more productive direction. You’ve set a boundary. You’ve said, “Not good enough.” Now, the other side knows they need to come back with something more realistic.
An experienced personal injury attorney will follow up after you receive a revised proposal. We’ll make sure that the offer reflects the full picture – not just medical bills, but pain, inconvenience, future limitations, and emotional trauma. If it still falls short, we’ll continue to push back until the terms make sense.
Sometimes, rejecting an offer is the step that motivates a more serious look at settlement. Both sides might even agree to mediation. In that setting, you’d have an impartial third party helping guide the discussion toward resolution without stepping into a courtroom.
What Happens If You End Up in a Trial?
If negotiations stall and the insurer refuses to make a reasonable offer, the case might move toward trial. That doesn’t mean a courtroom appearance is guaranteed. Many cases settle even after the trial process begins. Your attorney will treat litigation as a very real possibility from the moment an offer is rejected.
We’ll prepare evidence and work with medical professionals who can describe your long-term prognosis. We may bring in economic analysts who’ll calculate lost wages or diminished earning capacity. The aim is simple: present a clear and compelling story of how your life has changed.
When You Should Consider Saying No
Sometimes, the amount offered doesn’t even cover your existing medical bills. Other times, the insurance company rushes to settle before you’ve had a chance to understand your injuries. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re being difficult. It means you’re thinking ahead.
You might be recovering now, but what about in a year? If you develop complications or chronic pain, that first offer may fall short. A good lawyer will look beyond the surface. Your attorney will ask, “What will this person need in five years?” That question shapes every future move we make on your behalf.
If the offer ignores emotional trauma, long-term recovery, or missed career opportunities, we’ll let you know. We’ll always keep your long-term interests at the center of the conversation.
Call Moore Law Firm to Discuss What Happens Next
If you’re unsure whether to settle or reject a settlement offer, please consult with us first. We’ll review the details, discuss the risks and options, and help you move forward with clarity, not confusion. We’ve handled numerous claims where early offers didn’t accurately reflect the full extent of the harm our clients suffered. We’ll help you recognize when to hold out and when to negotiate with more strength.
Use our online contact form or call 504-840-5529 for a free case review so we can stand up for what you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens if I reject a settlement offer?
A: Rejecting a settlement offer means the case moves forward. You retain the right to pursue compensation, and further negotiations or a trial may occur.
Q: Is it a mistake to reject a low settlement offer?
A: No, rejecting a low offer is not a mistake. It’s often a rational decision to ensure you receive fair compensation and signals you’re serious about your claim.
Q: Will rejecting an offer lead to a trial?
A: Rejecting an offer might lead to trial if negotiations stall, but many cases settle before or during the trial process. Your attorney will prepare accordingly.