Can You Reopen a Personal Injury Case? Here’s What You Need to Know in 2025

You took a settlement — and now realize it wasn’t enough. Maybe new injuries surfaced. Perhaps the other party withheld critical evidence. Whatever the reason, you’re asking the right question:

Can you reopen a personal injury case?

The answer: sometimes — but only under very specific circumstances.

This guide explains when reopening a case is legally possible, when it’s not, and how to protect yourself from decisions that can’t be undone. If you believe you settled too soon, OwchBuddy can connect you with a legal expert who will review your case quickly and confidentially.

Can You Reopen a Personal Injury Case After Settlement?

In most cases, no. Once you’ve signed a release of liability and accepted compensation, the case is closed permanently.

However, there are a few exceptions where you may be able to reopen a case:

• Fraud or misrepresentation: if the other party withheld evidence, misled you, or tampered with documentation;
• Newly discovered evidence: if material facts emerge after the settlement that weren’t available before;
• Clerical or procedural errors: rare, but sometimes the court or insurance company makes mistakes;
• Multiple liable parties: if you settled with one party but not others, you may still have open claims.

Before assuming your case is over for good, talk to a legal expert — OwchBuddy can connect you with attorneys who specialize in these complex claim reviews. You’ll get expert advice covering all your possible needs and considering your situation.

Why Most Personal Injury Cases Can’t Be Reopened

A signed settlement almost always includes a “release of claims.” That means you agree to stop pursuing the matter in exchange for compensation — even if:

• Your injuries worsen later;
• You discover additional damages;
• You learn the insurer lowballed your claim.

Many injured clients settle too quickly due to stress, pain, or financial pressure. OwchBuddy has helped people halt the process just days before signing away their rights — often revealing their claim was worth much more than they were offered.

When Might a Case Still Be Open?

You may still have legal options if:

• You only settled with one of several defendants;
• You were a minor when the injury occurred;
• Your lawyer made a mistake that harmed your case (legal malpractice);
• The release form wasn’t properly executed or was incomplete;
• Your case was dismissed without prejudice.

Not sure how your case was handled? The legal team you connect with through OwchBuddy can review your file and tell you if reopening is even possible — typically within 24 hours.

What If Your Injuries Got Worse After the Settlement?

Unfortunately, a signed general release still applies even if your condition worsens significantly afterward. The only exception is if the worsening stems from a new and unrelated cause, such as:

• A defective medical device used during treatment;
• Negligence during rehabilitation;
• A new injury related to the initial incident, but not covered in the original claim.

In these cases, you might be eligible to file a separate personal injury claim. OwchBuddy can help assess your medical history and timeline to determine whether you still have legal ground.

What Should You Do If You Think You Settled Too Soon?

If you regret settling, don’t panic — but don’t wait either. Time is crucial. Here’s what to do:

• Verify if you signed a full release — OwchBuddy can help retrieve or review it;
• Gather all medical records, receipts, and treatment logs;
• Avoid further communication with insurers until you speak to a lawyer;
• Consult a personal injury attorney immediately.

Even if you’ve signed something, not all hope is lost — but the clock is ticking. OwchBuddy connects you with the right attorney fast, with no upfront costs. You’ll get the help you need in no time.

How OwchBuddy Helps People Reclaim Control After a Settlement

Tons of accident victims regret settling too early — usually because they were in pain, overwhelmed, or scared of mounting bills. Insurance companies use that stress against you. At OwchBuddy.com, you can:

• Get a second opinion on your past or current case;
• Upload your settlement release for review;
• Talk to a personal injury lawyer with zero obligation;
• Find out what you really could have received;

Sometimes there’s still a window to fix what went wrong. Sometimes there isn’t. But the only way to know for sure is to talk to someone who understands this area of law inside and out. Use OwchBuddy’s services to see your options and use the best ones as soon as possible.

Think You Settled Too Soon?
Let OwchBuddy Help You Take the Next Step

If you’re worried you left money on the table or that your injuries are worse than you thought — don’t stay in the dark. You might still have legal options.

OwchBuddy gives you instant access to trusted personal injury attorneys who can review your case, explain your rights, and help you decide what to do next.

• Free consultations with top personal injury attorneys;
• No hidden fees or obligations;
• Fast document review with results in days, not weeks;
• Full confidentiality and professional guidance.

Try out OwchBuddy for free to review your case and see if your settlement can be challenged — before it’s too late.