Is This Reasonable?

[EDDIE51]

As I reported on here , we were involved in a car crash on 4th Nov.
My wife suffered whip lash ( confirmed by doctors) and the doctors told her that the crash had almost certainly made her pre-existing arthritis of the spine worse. She was taken to hospital on a spinal board and had a series of X rays and scans. She was in sever pain for the next 4 days and was prescribed codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen . She still has more back pain than before and finds it hard to pick things up from the floor.
The other party's insurance have accepted 100% responsibility . The insurance have contacted us and offered £2250 as a full and final settlement. Do you think this is reasonable? we have until Monday to give them an answer.
The alternate is to go through the full claims procedure with medicals etc, the £2250 offer would be paid immediately , they say the full claims procedure will take over a year.

Anyone got any advice?

[Maydup]

Neither refuse not accept this offer on monday.

Instead state that it was much lower than you were expecting and would like to request it is reviewed before you make your final decision.

They will make a higher offer to be sure. Then you can decide.

[Maydup]

Sorry ...nor...rather than ....not....

[factor-fiction]

Is that a total figure for both of you? The figure of £2250 seems to be approaching a reasonable figure for your wife but maybe yours could be worth a £1000 or more if you also had minor whiplash issues. But for a quick settlement and to avoid hassle I can understand the temptation to settle

[factor-fiction]

Unless your wife has serious ongoing consequential health issues I think I'd indicate that it is well below your expectations but a combined figure of around £4000 could allow things to be settled quickly. However if your wife does have residual medical problems I'd be looking for a much bigger settlement for her and it may be time to get your own solicitors to act for you

[hc4361]

It took over 5 years for my personal injury claim to be settled. It involved covert filming of me going about my everyday business which I find disturbing even now.

In my opinion it is too soon to accept an offer. Your wife needs at least six months to fully access the impact of the accident but if she isn't prepared to undergo all the necessary examinations and medical reports then it is up to her to decide.

[ummmm]

I wouldn't accept that. It's far too soon.

[themas]

To me, this looks like their insurer hoping you will accept & they are then home free, whatever happens to your wife's health as a result. It is far too early for you to be expected to make such a decision.

Incidentally, aren't your own insurers involved - can't they give you some advice?

[TWR]

No Eddie, tell them this is by no way acceptable, do not let the ££££££££££££££ change your mind, your wife has a long way to go and to go a long way you have to be , support, help, & that could get worse, do not know what area you are but look for a "WIN NO FEE Solicitor & let them fight your case.

[EDDIE51]

I agree with what you say but its too late , my wife has accepted it despite my advice. She was the only one with any injury so the claim was only in her name.

[TWR]

Eddie, I am going through a NO WIN NO FEE claim myself at this time, I would ask your wife to reconsider their offer, In my opinion, she has a lot more to come regards discomfort, that's what she should be thinking of.

[beezaneez]

whiplash huh ? you know many many people play on this one, the insurance companies are not stupid .

[factor-fiction]

I think Eddie is looking for helpful answers, beezaneez

[boxtops]

That's a shame if she's accepted it, as the case will now be closed - but only 6 weeks or so is far too soon to assess ongoing medical conditions. It was over 6 months before my whiplash claim was settled, with the other side paying for all the medical reports etc. Still - at least she has a settlement.

[sunny-dave]

I think there may be some score settling going on factor.

Beez - do you think that whiplash would get better with a good massage?

[Mamyalynne]

oh dear.

[albaqwerty]

I suffered whiplash 18 years ago, the MRI scan showed degenerative bone issues, but as no previous mri had been taken, there was no concrete proof of damage by the accident.
At that time I was offered £1500. Am now in severe pain and can hardly carry shopping bags etc.

One thing which did help to relieve the pain was reflexology (I think that's what it was)

[ummmm]

It took about 2 years for my claim to be settled.