How to Issue a Demand Letter
The most important factor in negotiating with a business, a person or an insurance company or in trying to get a claim is having a strong demand letter. An effective demand letter clearly states what you are requesting, why you are asking for it and when you expect to have it by. This removes ambiguity and makes it more likely you will get what you want.
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Instructions
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Review the history of the dispute. Even if the other party knows what happened, it is important that you outline all the details, including where, when and what happened, and who was involved. If the letter ends up as evidence being considered by a judge, this will help provide background.
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Describe exactly what your injuries are, if applicable. These can be either physical or bodily injuries, or damage to equipment or property. Include any supporting documentation such as medical records or evaluations from professionals that assess damage to property and estimate the cost of repairs versus replacement.
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Outline why the other person is legally responsible for the damages -- for example, if the other person made an illegal left turn, if the landlord was grossly negligent by failing to install a fire alarm or if the HVAC business promised in writing to fix your heating system but failed to do so. If the matter is traffic related and the other party has a police ticket or citation, raise that issue. Refer to the police or fire report if applicable.
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Outline what your medical treatment was, if applicable -- describe the procedure by name and location -- and include proof of how much it cost. Include doctor write-ups that state that the treatment was necessary, not optional.
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Write what your income loss was, if applicable. This could come from time taken off work, or projects that your company lost due to the resulting damage or loss of equipment.
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Conclude with a demand for a lump sum or for a specific action. Include a deadline.
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Tips & Warnings
Be professional and polite. This will increase your chances of securing a compromise and help you look good if the matter goes to court.
References
- Photo Credit letter 2 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
