Glenn Mills Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

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A catastrophic injury can lead to permanent disabilities, extensive medical treatment, and financial hardship. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, Kingbird Legal’s compassionate catastrophic injury lawyers in Glenn Mills will work to ensure you receive the compensation you need for ongoing care and support. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you move forward.

How Insurance Companies Handle Catastrophic Injury Claims in Pennsylvania

Catastrophic injuries are life-changing. They can leave individuals with long-term disabilities, chronic pain, and extensive medical needs. In Pennsylvania, as in most states, insurance companies play a significant role in the claims process for those who have suffered these injuries. However, dealing with an insurance company after a catastrophic injury can be a complex and often frustrating experience.

Understanding how insurance companies handle catastrophic injury claims is crucial for anyone going through this difficult process.

The Basics of Catastrophic Injury Claims

Catastrophic injuries include conditions like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, amputations, and other life-altering trauma. These types of injuries typically result from serious accidents such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and falls, or workplace accidents. They can require years of treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

Insurance companies are responsible for compensating victims of these accidents, but they do not always make the process straightforward. Many injured individuals are caught off guard by the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.

What to Expect From Insurance Companies

When you file a claim for a catastrophic injury, insurance companies will generally go through a series of steps to evaluate and process your claim. They’ll review the evidence, assess the damages, and determine the compensation you’re entitled to. Here’s how this process typically works.

  1. Initial Evaluation

After receiving your claim, the insurance company will conduct an initial review to determine whether the accident is covered by the policy. They will also review any medical reports and accident details to assess the severity of the injury. The extent of your injuries and the evidence you provide will play a large role in how your claim is processed.

Insurance adjusters often rely heavily on the documentation you provide, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements. If the documentation isn’t thorough or if they find inconsistencies, they may dispute the claim or delay the process.

  1. Investigating the Accident

Insurance companies will conduct their own investigation into the accident. They’ll look into factors like who was at fault, what caused the accident, and the extent of the damage. They may contact witnesses, review video footage, and even hire experts to support their side of the case.

While they are supposed to be objective, their goal is often to minimize their financial exposure. Insurance adjusters might focus on aspects of the accident that could reduce your claim, such as questioning whether you contributed to the incident in any way, even if you weren’t primarily at fault.

  1. Assessing Liability

Insurance companies will assess who is liable for the injury and how much the at-fault party’s policy will cover. If multiple parties were involved in the accident, the insurer will try to determine how to divide the responsibility. The more complex the liability, the more difficult the claims process may become.

They will also evaluate the policy limits. If the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage, your claim may be limited to the available coverage. If your injuries are severe and medical costs are high, you may not receive full compensation if the other party’s insurance is underinsured.

  1. Determining Damages

Insurance adjusters will assess your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other direct costs associated with your injury. They will also consider non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

This process is subjective, and insurance companies are often motivated to keep the payout as low as possible. For catastrophic injuries, long-term medical care and rehabilitation are a major part of the damage assessment. The insurance company may argue that some of these costs are unnecessary or that they should be covered by other sources (e.g., Medicaid or private health insurance).

  1. Offering a Settlement

After they have completed their investigation and assessment, the insurance company will typically offer a settlement. The offer might be far lower than what you are entitled to, especially in cases of catastrophic injury. The insurance company will often present a low settlement early in the process in hopes that you will accept it quickly. However, this amount is often insufficient to cover long-term medical needs, ongoing treatments, and lost wages.

If you accept the settlement, you usually forfeit your right to pursue further claims related to the accident. It’s important to consult with an attorney before accepting any offer to ensure that the settlement is fair.

Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Payouts

Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to maximize profits. This means that they will often employ tactics designed to minimize the amount of compensation you receive. Some common strategies include:

  1. Denying Liability

Insurance companies may attempt to deny liability by arguing that the accident wasn’t their policyholder’s fault, or that you were partially responsible for the incident. They might also argue that you weren’t injured as severely as you claim or that the injury wasn’t related to the accident.

  1. Offering Low Settlements

As mentioned earlier, insurers may offer a settlement that is much lower than the actual value of your claim. They might pressure you to accept quickly by claiming it’s the best offer you’ll receive. They rely on the fact that many people, especially those dealing with severe injuries, may feel desperate for compensation and accept a low offer.

  1. Delaying the Process

Insurance companies may delay the claims process by dragging out investigations, requesting excessive documentation, or making it difficult to get in touch with the right people. This tactic is designed to wear down claimants and cause them to give up or accept an unfavorable settlement.

  1. Disputing Medical Evidence

In catastrophic injury cases, the extent of the injury and its long-term impact are crucial. Insurance adjusters may dispute medical evidence by questioning the validity of diagnoses or the necessity of treatment. They may suggest that your injuries aren’t as severe as they seem or that your current condition is due to a pre-existing injury rather than the accident itself.

Protecting Your Rights

Dealing with insurance companies after a catastrophic injury can be daunting, but there are steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve:

  • Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney Having an attorney who specializes in personal injury and catastrophic injuries can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the claims process, ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered, and advocate for a fair settlement.
  • Keep Detailed Records Document everything related to your injury. This includes medical records, bills, receipts, and any correspondence with the insurance company. Keeping track of your pain, suffering, and the impact on your daily life is also important when assessing non-economic damages.
  • Don’t Rush into Settling Insurance companies may try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement. Don’t rush into accepting an offer until you fully understand the extent of your injuries and the long-term implications. Consult with your attorney before making any decisions.
  • Be Prepared for a Fight In catastrophic injury claims, the insurance company is likely to fight hard to minimize their payout. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy and difficult process. Patience and persistence will be crucial as you work toward getting fair compensation.

Insurance companies are an integral part of the claims process after a catastrophic injury. However, they often operate in ways that prioritize their financial interests over your well-being. Understanding how these companies handle claims and recognizing the strategies they use to minimize payouts can help you make more informed decisions.

Glenn Mills Catastrophic Injury Attorney

A catastrophic injury can change your life forever, but with the right legal support, you can secure the resources you need to move forward. By working with a personal injury attorney, keeping detailed records, and being patient throughout the claims process, you can ensure that your rights are protected. Kingbird Legal’s catastrophic injury attorneys in Glenn Mills are dedicated to fighting for your future. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.