A demand letter is the document that starts settlement negotiations. A well-structured demand increases the opening offer, reduces negotiation rounds, and demonstrates that you understand what your claim is worth. A poor demand — vague, unsubstantiated, or unreasonably inflated — signals to the adjuster that the claimant is unfamiliar with the process.
TL;DR.
Seven steps: prepare documentation → factual summary → liability analysis → medical chronology → itemised specials → framed generals → specific demand amount. Anchor every number to evidence. Reference published authority. Set a 30-day response deadline. Keep the tone professional.
The seven-step process
- Research and prepare documentation. Compile all medical records, bills, employment verification, photographs, police reports, and witness statements. Organise into indexed exhibits.
- Write the factual summary. Describe the incident in neutral, factual terms. Date, time, location, parties, and mechanism of injury. Let the facts establish liability.
- Establish liability. Set out why the defendant is liable. Reference the police report, witness statements, and any admissions. Address comparative fault preemptively if applicable.
- Chronologise medical treatment. List every medical visit, procedure, and specialist appointment in date order. Reference the corresponding exhibit for each.
- Itemise special damages. Table every financial loss: medical bills, lost wages, future medical costs, property damage, out-of-pocket expenses. Total with precision.
- Frame general damages. Argue the non-economic component using published authority — multiplier analysis, JCG bands, comparable settlements, or per diem calculation.
- State the demand. State a specific dollar (or pound, or euro) amount. Set a reasonable response deadline (typically 30 days). Keep the tone professional.
Demand letter structure
| Section | Purpose | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Header / addressee | Direct to claims adjuster by name; reference claim number | ~3 lines |
| Factual summary | Neutral account of the incident | 1–2 paragraphs |
| Liability analysis | Why the defendant is at fault | 1–3 paragraphs |
| Medical chronology | Date-ordered treatment history | 1–2 pages |
| Special damages table | Itemised financial losses with totals | 1 page (table) |
| General damages argument | Non-economic damages with authority | 1–2 paragraphs |
| Demand | Specific amount + response deadline | 1 paragraph |
| Exhibits | Indexed supporting documents | Variable |
Common mistakes
- No specific demand amount. Saying “fair compensation” without a number forces the adjuster to anchor the negotiation at their figure.
- Unsupported numbers. Every damage figure must reference an exhibit. Adjusters discount uncorroborated claims.
- Emotional tone. The demand is a business document. Professional tone is more persuasive than emotional language.
- Missing medical records. Gaps in treatment history suggest the injury was not serious enough to seek consistent care.
- Inflated demand without basis. An unreasonable opening number signals inexperience and reduces your credibility.
TipReference the specific published authority for your jurisdiction in the general damages section — the JCG in the UK, the multiplier method or comparable verdicts in the US, or the relevant PIAG band in Ireland. Anchoring to authority makes your number harder to dismiss.
Frequently asked questions
What should a demand letter include?
Six core sections: (1) factual summary of the incident, (2) liability analysis, (3) medical treatment chronology, (4) itemised special damages, (5) general damages argument with published authority, and (6) the specific settlement demand amount.
How long should a demand letter be?
For a straightforward soft-tissue claim: 3–5 pages plus exhibits. For a complex or catastrophic case: 10–20 pages with indexed exhibits. Length should match complexity — padding dilutes the impact.
What is a reasonable demand amount?
Most practitioners demand 1.5–3× what they expect to settle for, creating room for negotiation. The demand must be defensible — an unreasonable demand loses credibility. Anchor to published authority (JCG bands, comparable verdicts, multiplier analysis).
Can I write a demand letter without a lawyer?
Yes, particularly for smaller claims. The structure is the same regardless of who writes it. However, demand letters from attorneys carry more weight because they imply a credible threat of litigation.
Sources
- American Bar Association — demand letter best practices
- Law Society of England & Wales — pre-action protocol guidance
- Insurance Research Council — claim resolution patterns
Editorial note. This guide explains how to structure a demand letter. It is not legal advice. See our full disclaimer.
📌Cite this article: “How to Write a Demand Letter for Personal Injury.” MyClaimWorth.com, May 2026. Accessed 2026. https://myclaimworth.com/articles/how-to-write-demand-letter