How To Write a Winning Demand Letter for Your Personal Injury Case

What To Include in an Injury Demand Letter

To write a winning demand letter, clearly state the following information:

• The date of the accident
• Name of the insured
• Policy number, if available
• What parties were involved in the accident
• Events leading up to and causing the accident
• Detailed information regarding economic damages, broken down by category
• Explanation of non-economic damages
• The victim/claimant’s contact information

In addition to the information above, it may be necessary to attach documentation. Helpful supplements may include verification of injuries, financial losses and statements that support the basis of non-economic losses. Knowing what information to include and exclude can be tricky. On the one hand, you don’t want to disclose your entire legal claim. However, you want to have enough supporting information to make a compelling case. Your attorney can help you determine a strategy for what to include in your demand letter.

Can a Lawyer Send a Demand Letter?

Yes, a lawyer can send a demand letter. In fact, when you’re represented by an attorney, one of the things that they do on your behalf is communicate with the insurance company. A lawyer can use their training and experience to write a compelling demand letter that outlines your case. They can send the letter and engage in any follow-up negotiations that develop. Finally, if you receive a settlement offer, a lawyer can help you evaluate it to determine whether you should accept the offer or continue to pursue the case.

What Happens After a Demand Letter Is Sent?

After a demand letter is sent, the insurance company considers the information in the letter. They may take several actions:

• Deny the request for compensation. Typically, an insurance company must state a reason for denying a claim
• Ask for more information
• Send a counteroffer of settlement
• Accept the demand and pay the claim

The victim may file a legal claim for compensation at any time. However, the victim should pay close attention to deadlines and the statute of limitations. Sending a demand letter does not stay the statute of limitations. The victim must have their legal claim filed before the deadline expires regardless of the exchange of demand letters and negotiating settlement compensation.

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How Long Does an Insurance Company Have To Answer a Demand Letter in Nevada?

Nevada law 683A.310¹ requires the insurance company to respond “reasonably promptly” to communications regarding insurance claims. If communications are not timely, the insurance company may be deemed to be engaging in unfair practices. To be the basis of a complaint for bad faith, the victim must give the insurance company a reasonable amount of time to respond to the demand letter.

A reasonable amount of time is enough to investigate and make an informed decision about whether to accept the claim. Additionally, in the State of Nevada, an insurance company has 28 days to respond to a consumer complaint filed with the Nevada Division of Insurance².

What Happens if There Is No Response to a Demand Letter?

If there is no response to a demand letter, the victim may proceed to file a lawsuit. Fortunately, the victim has a recourse when an insurance company fails to answer. The victim may pursue compensation through the courts. In addition, based on the lack of response, it may also be appropriate to assert bad faith and unfair practices in the claim. The insurance company has to answer the lawsuit or the victim can request a default judgment against them.

Demand Letter Template

Here is a sample demand letter for a slip and fall accident. You can use the basic outline and make changes to reflect your specific situation:

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[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

MONTH DAY, YEAR

[INSURANCE COMPANY NAME]
[INSURANCE COMPANY STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

Dear Insurance Company Representative:

On [DATE], I was in a slip and fall accident at [NAME OF STORE] at [ADDRESS]. At [TIME], I was in the store shopping. As I turned a corner, I tripped over a boxed television that was lying in the aisle. I have enclosed a copy of the incident report in question, as well as photographs taken of the incident and statements from two witnesses. Big Box Store is your insured party.

In failing to keep the aisles clear, [NAME OF STORE] created a dangerous situation on their premises. [STATE] law creates a legal liability for property owners who negligently allows a hazardous condition to exist on their premises.

As a result of my slip and fall accident, I was badly injured and taken to [HOSPITAL/CARE FACILITY]. There, I underwent surgery and diagnostic tests. I have still not returned to work. I continue to suffer from residual pain and physical limitations.

A breakdown of my economic losses are as follows:

     Medical bills/treatment: $_____________
     Out of pocket costs: $_____________
     Property damages: $_____________
     Lost wages: $_____________
     Pain and suffering: $_____________
     Other losses: $_____________

My losses total $_____________. After careful review of the issues involved in this claim, I believe this to be a fair and equitable settlement of this matter.

I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

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Remember, each demand letter must be carefully tailored to the unique situation. This is just an example. Some demand letters need to be very long and detailed. Other times it’s best to keep it brief.

You can look up demand letter templates specific to your type of accident, including a sample demand letter for car accident injuries, that will help you cover everything you need when addressing the insurance company.

An experienced attorney for personal injury demand letters can help you create an effective letter that is right for your legal strategy. They can also help you evaluate the response from the insurance company and determine the next steps.

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