Pain doesn't take a break just because you're close to being compensated. There may be traps, unintended consequences and confusing language inside your settlement negotiation that must be inspected. Before signing anything, consider a few key negotiation points that can mean the difference between a more secure future and being short changed without recourse.

No Finite Settlement Amount Is Perfect

Whether your injuries are causing unmanageable pain, physical or mental disability or all of the above, there is no easy way to put a price tag on getting better. Your pain may linger far beyond the initial hospital visit, leading to more complex problems that aren't easily linked to the initial injury.

Once you sign the settlement, it may be difficult to appeal for more compensation. Especially if you're able to work through the pain, your next legal battle may be extremely long and take a physical toll.

Instead of taking the first tempting offer, evaluate your costs with the professionals who will bill you in the future.

Assess Your Injury's Financial Obligations

With the assistance of an injury lawyer, meet with your medical care team to examine the damaging potential of your injuries.

You're not just looking for an estimated end date for your pain; the key to these medical meetings is to find out how much care you'll need to pay for on a yearly basis. By obtaining a yearly estimate, you can build a much more comprehensive, realistic settlement agreement.

To use these estimates to their fullest potential, it's best to turn down any finite settlement amount and instead opt for a yearly evaluation. Your legal opponent won't have to pay a massive sum of money for years and you won't be abandoned after accepting a smaller than necessary payment.

There are more costs to assess than just medical obligations. Are you working slower at your job or unable to earn income at all? Is your family suffering because of your injuries? A personal finance analyst can be helpful in examining your life costs and the loss associated with inconvenience.

Depending on how your income is affected and the amount of fault held by your opponent, some of your compensation may be better served by social services such as Social Security disability. Injuries on public or government property fall into this category, along with many other injury situations where the question of fault can't easily be applied to a single party.

For help with developing a comprehensive negotiation plan for injury compensation, contact a personal injury lawyer from a firm like Parker & Frey.