Navigating a personal injury claim in Ohio can be overwhelming—especially when an insurance adjuster sends a settlement offer that barely covers your medical bills, let alone your pain, lost income, or ongoing treatment. While it may feel like an insult, low initial offers are a common—and strategic—part of the claims process.
Here's why that first number is often much lower than your case deserves, and why you should think twice before accepting it.
1. Insurance Companies Protect Their Bottom Line
Insurance companies are businesses. Like any for-profit operation, their primary goal is to reduce costs and protect revenue—not to ensure you're made whole. When they extend an initial settlement, it's rarely based on the full value of your injuries. Instead, it's typically a calculated offer designed to minimize their payout.
These early offers often come before you've had time to fully assess the scope of your injuries. Adjusters know this, and they use it to their advantage. The hope is that you'll accept a fast payout out of stress or financial pressure.
In Ohio, where the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10), insurers may also try to run out the clock by dragging out negotiations—pushing you toward a lower offer just to resolve the claim before time runs out.
2. Your Injuries May Still Be Developing
In many personal injury cases, the full impact of an injury isn't immediately obvious. What seems like a minor back injury after a car crash can develop into a long-term mobility issue. A concussion may lead to chronic headaches or cognitive issues down the road.
But insurance companies often make that first offer before your treatment plan is finalized or before your doctors can estimate future medical needs. If you accept too early, you're locking in a settlement that doesn't reflect ongoing care, follow-up surgeries, rehab, or loss of future earning capacity.
In short: The earlier the offer, the more likely it is to undervalue the long-term costs of your injuries.
3. They Assume You Don't Know Your Case's Value
Insurance companies often bank on claimants not understanding the full scope of what they're entitled to under Ohio law. A seasoned personal injury attorney will take into account not just your current medical bills, but also:
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress or emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage, where applicable
Without legal guidance, many injured Ohioans may accept a number that only reflects out-of-pocket expenses—ignoring long-term consequences, non-economic damages, or future needs entirely.
According to the Insurance Research Council, claimants who work with attorneys receive settlements that are, on average, 3.5 times higher than those who settle on their own. That's a significant difference—and one reason insurers may push a low offer upfront, hoping you'll skip legal representation.
4. They're Testing Whether You'll Push Back
The first settlement offer is often a test. Adjusters want to see if you'll challenge the amount—or just accept it and close the file. It's a negotiation tactic, not a final decision. Like any negotiation, the person who responds quickly and accepts the first offer loses the opportunity to push for more.
In fact, many adjusters are trained to lowball as a starting point. The idea is that even if you counter, they've anchored the conversation at a lower number. This technique, known as "anchoring," is a well-documented behavioral bias used in negotiation and marketing alike. It subtly shapes your expectations around what your claim might be worth, even if the real value is much higher.
Recognizing that tactic is the first step toward effectively countering it.
5. The Full Evidence Hasn't Been Presented Yet
At the beginning of a claim, especially if you're unrepresented, the insurer may only have limited information. They might have the accident report and your initial medical records—but not the full picture of your injuries, the costs, or any supporting documentation.
Without:
- Specialist evaluations
- Long-term treatment forecasts
- Vocational assessments (if you can't return to work)
- Pain and suffering documentation
- Expert testimony or medical opinions
…the insurer will assume minimal damages. That results in an offer based on incomplete information. And once you sign a settlement agreement, the claim is closed—you can't go back and ask for more later, even if new complications arise.
That's why building a detailed, evidence-backed case is key to receiving a fair offer. And it's also why early offers are often premature and far too low.
What You Should Do Instead
If you receive an early settlement offer from an insurance company in Ohio, take the following steps before making any decision:
- Don't rush to accept – Take time to review the offer and consult with professionals.
- Get a medical evaluation – Ensure your injuries are fully assessed and documented.
- Consult an attorney – Most Ohio personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. Even a quick review can clarify whether the offer is reasonable.
- Gather documentation – Start collecting medical records, accident reports, wage loss evidence, and more.
- Prepare to negotiate – Understand that the first offer is just a starting point.
Conclusion
If you've been injured in Ohio, receiving a low initial settlement offer can feel like a setback—but it's more common than you might think. Insurance companies rely on early pressure and incomplete information to limit their payouts. But when you know the reasons behind the offer—and how to respond—you can protect your rights and improve your chances of a fair resolution.
Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away
Navigating Ohio personal injury claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.
Contact us now for a free legal review.