Bernard Tully Personal Injury Lawyer. Phone: 412-281-8700
Reading the book Never Split the Difference has helped me best assist our clients in my injury practice. Why should you never in injury case negotiations say, “Let’s split the difference”? Well, the answer is because it may cost your client money.
Suppose we demand $40,000 to settle a case and they offer $20,000. Suppose further, the insurance company says $20,000 is their top offer. Do you take the offer or not?
Well, what some attorneys will do to break the loggerhead is suggested to split the difference. That is, $30,000 is the halfway point between the 2 positions in this example. What is so wrong with this idea?
Quite simply, whoever says let’s split the difference first, loses. Why? Because by saying that, the adjuster KNOWS you will settle for $30,000. As a result, the insurance company will say sorry we cannot. But we will offer $27,000. Therefore, in that example, the attorney has cost their client $3,000.
The concept could work to your advantage if you let the other side suggest splitting first. Because then you can play the same game. In the end, an attorney should ALWAYS come down to attempting to get their injury client the MOST money you can for what they went through.
Can you also see how you could use this approach in your everyday life? How about when you’re going to buy a car? That is a serious game of negotiations. And the more knowledge you have of how the game is played the better your chances are of getting the best results possible. For you and your family.
Anyway, that is the way I approach my job. I will be the first to say, it does not always work out that way in negotiations. But at least you know that’s what I’m trying to do for you in your case.
Our main focus is honesty. We always preach it. We are passionate about trying to help any injured person or family member with their case. Questions about the blog? CALL US!
Bernard Tully Allegheny County Pittsburgh Disability Claim Attorney. Phone: 412-281-8700 and 1-800-518-0050