In her article entitled "Preventing the Number 1 Occupational Health Problem: Repetitive Strain Injuries", author Teresa Long outlines the importance
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hurt at Work? Know Your Legal Rights
Were you injured at work? If so, there is some crucial information you should know about the laws of Workers Compensation in Massachusetts. Check out this post by http://lawfirms.com/
Workers Compensation Laws in Massachusetts
Workers compensation is a system of laws meant to protect injured and disabled workers. The goal is to make sure someone injured at their workplace gets adequate medical care, lost wages relating to the on-the-job injury, and, if necessary, any retraining necessary to restore them to the workforce.
When a worker is killed on the job, members of the workers' families are typically eligible for workers compensation benefits. Injured workers may want to consult an attorney for advice in protecting their benefits and defending against any attempt to prematurely terminate their benefits.
Workers Compensation is Compulsory in Massachusetts
Workers compensation is compulsory in Massachusetts - employers must provide workers compensation insurance for their employees. The insurance may be provided through a private insurance carrier, or employers may self-insure. Waivers are not permitted.
Only domestic workers who work less than 16 hours a week are exempt.
Medical Benefits and Physician Choice in Massachusetts
Employees are allowed to make the initial choice of physician and full benefits are provided with no time or monetary limits.
Disability Benefits Provided in Massachusetts
In the state of Massachusetts, temporary total disability payments are a percentage of the worker's wage and may continue for up to 156 weeks.
Permanent total disability payments are calculated as a percentage of the worker's wage and typically continue for the duration of the disability. Benefits are offset by Social Security benefit.
Permanent partial disability benefits are allotted based on a percentage of the worker's wage and typically continue for up to 260 weeks, but may continue for up to 520 weeks. These benefits are offset by unemployment insurance and Social Security benefits.
Court awards are paid in addition to benefits and are not reduced because of receipt of disability benefits.
Death Benefits Provided in Massachusetts
An employee's surviving spouse, or spouse and children may collect death benefits, based upon a percentage of the employee's wages and subject to a cap. A minimum benefit is provided regardless of the employee's earnings. A burial allowance is also available.
Limits on Attorney Fees
Massachusetts workers compensation laws stipulate that attorney fees for claimants are limited to twice the state average weekly wage. Otherwise, claimants' attorney fees are set by the agency depending upon the manner in which the case is resolved. In certain cases, the attorney fee may be added to the award.
Workers Compensation Laws in Massachusetts
Workers compensation is a system of laws meant to protect injured and disabled workers. The goal is to make sure someone injured at their workplace gets adequate medical care, lost wages relating to the on-the-job injury, and, if necessary, any retraining necessary to restore them to the workforce.
When a worker is killed on the job, members of the workers' families are typically eligible for workers compensation benefits. Injured workers may want to consult an attorney for advice in protecting their benefits and defending against any attempt to prematurely terminate their benefits.
Workers Compensation is Compulsory in Massachusetts
Workers compensation is compulsory in Massachusetts - employers must provide workers compensation insurance for their employees. The insurance may be provided through a private insurance carrier, or employers may self-insure. Waivers are not permitted.
Only domestic workers who work less than 16 hours a week are exempt.
Medical Benefits and Physician Choice in Massachusetts
Employees are allowed to make the initial choice of physician and full benefits are provided with no time or monetary limits.
Disability Benefits Provided in Massachusetts
In the state of Massachusetts, temporary total disability payments are a percentage of the worker's wage and may continue for up to 156 weeks.
Permanent total disability payments are calculated as a percentage of the worker's wage and typically continue for the duration of the disability. Benefits are offset by Social Security benefit.
Permanent partial disability benefits are allotted based on a percentage of the worker's wage and typically continue for up to 260 weeks, but may continue for up to 520 weeks. These benefits are offset by unemployment insurance and Social Security benefits.
Court awards are paid in addition to benefits and are not reduced because of receipt of disability benefits.
Death Benefits Provided in Massachusetts
An employee's surviving spouse, or spouse and children may collect death benefits, based upon a percentage of the employee's wages and subject to a cap. A minimum benefit is provided regardless of the employee's earnings. A burial allowance is also available.
Limits on Attorney Fees
Massachusetts workers compensation laws stipulate that attorney fees for claimants are limited to twice the state average weekly wage. Otherwise, claimants' attorney fees are set by the agency depending upon the manner in which the case is resolved. In certain cases, the attorney fee may be added to the award.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
AIA Supports Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Legislation
Written by: Brianne Mallaghan
The American Insurance Association (AIA) testified today in support of workers' compensation legislation in Massachusetts that would promote competitive insurance rating among carriers requiring them to operate more efficiently and become more customer-focused. The testimony was presented at a hearing before the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
The legislation, House Bill 1853 and House Bill 1864, Acts Relative to the Competitive Determination of Workers' Compensation Insurance Rates, is an important and necessary change to the state's workers' compensation system, according to AIA.
"These bills would move Massachusetts to a 'loss cost' rate making system, similar to that used in 40 other jurisdictions, including all of the other New England states," said John Murphy, AIA Northeast Region vice president, noting that New York most recently passed legislation establishing a loss cost workers' compensation rating system in February 2008. "H. 1852 and H. 1864 do not affect or change the benefits injured workers receive or the process through which they receive them. The bills only change the way that rates for workers' compensation will be determined."
Murphy explained that under the loss cost approach, the commissioner would continue to review and approve the basic building blocks of the rates (known as the "loss costs") so that all companies share the common basis for making rates. The biggest difference from the current system is that under this legislation, companies would have to compete over the elembents within their individual control, such as administrative costs and profit, according to Murphy. The legislation also establishes ranges for the various components that go into making the final rate.
"Moving to a 'loss cost' or competitively rated system will promote stability and reliability for employers and insurers as the system will be de-politicized and based on the fundamental component of insurance pricing -- the actual loss costs," concluded Murphy.
AIA member companies write approximately 23% of the workers' compensation insurance coverage in Massachusetts.
The American Insurance Associaion represents approximately 350 major insurance companies that provide all lines of property and casualty insurance and write more than $123 billion annually in premiums. The association is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has representatives in every state. All AIA press releases are available at www.aiadc.org.
The American Insurance Association (AIA) testified today in support of workers' compensation legislation in Massachusetts that would promote competitive insurance rating among carriers requiring them to operate more efficiently and become more customer-focused. The testimony was presented at a hearing before the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
The legislation, House Bill 1853 and House Bill 1864, Acts Relative to the Competitive Determination of Workers' Compensation Insurance Rates, is an important and necessary change to the state's workers' compensation system, according to AIA.
"These bills would move Massachusetts to a 'loss cost' rate making system, similar to that used in 40 other jurisdictions, including all of the other New England states," said John Murphy, AIA Northeast Region vice president, noting that New York most recently passed legislation establishing a loss cost workers' compensation rating system in February 2008. "H. 1852 and H. 1864 do not affect or change the benefits injured workers receive or the process through which they receive them. The bills only change the way that rates for workers' compensation will be determined."
Murphy explained that under the loss cost approach, the commissioner would continue to review and approve the basic building blocks of the rates (known as the "loss costs") so that all companies share the common basis for making rates. The biggest difference from the current system is that under this legislation, companies would have to compete over the elembents within their individual control, such as administrative costs and profit, according to Murphy. The legislation also establishes ranges for the various components that go into making the final rate.
"Moving to a 'loss cost' or competitively rated system will promote stability and reliability for employers and insurers as the system will be de-politicized and based on the fundamental component of insurance pricing -- the actual loss costs," concluded Murphy.
AIA member companies write approximately 23% of the workers' compensation insurance coverage in Massachusetts.
The American Insurance Associaion represents approximately 350 major insurance companies that provide all lines of property and casualty insurance and write more than $123 billion annually in premiums. The association is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has representatives in every state. All AIA press releases are available at www.aiadc.org.
Report Shows Many Children Not Riding in Child Car Seats
Children are required by law to ride in child safety seats. A recent report found many people who drive children are violating the law and putting children at major risk of danger, including death.
The report - done by the U.S. Department of Transportation - found that half of all children between ages zero and seven, who were skilled in car accidents, were not in child safety seats.
Parents and others who drive yound children should be sure the children are in child safety seats and the seats are used properly. A good brochure from the government on child safety seats is on the Department of Transportation's website, www.dot.gov.
The report - done by the U.S. Department of Transportation - found that half of all children between ages zero and seven, who were skilled in car accidents, were not in child safety seats.
Parents and others who drive yound children should be sure the children are in child safety seats and the seats are used properly. A good brochure from the government on child safety seats is on the Department of Transportation's website, www.dot.gov.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Woman Recovers Damagers After Suffering Injuries From Dog Bite
Each year, over 5 million people suffer dog bite injuries. A recent case is a reminder that dog bite victims can make a claim to recover compensation for their injuries.
Janet H. was walking near her home when a pit bull left unattended by its owner bit her, causing severe injuries. Janet made a claim against the dog's owner, and a court awarded her damages. The court applied a rule most states follow: dog owners are liable for injuries their dog cases even if the dog hasn't hurt anyone before (provided the victim did not ignore warnings the dog might bite).
Janet H. was walking near her home when a pit bull left unattended by its owner bit her, causing severe injuries. Janet made a claim against the dog's owner, and a court awarded her damages. The court applied a rule most states follow: dog owners are liable for injuries their dog cases even if the dog hasn't hurt anyone before (provided the victim did not ignore warnings the dog might bite).
Obtaining Witness Information After an Accident
If you are in an accident, witnesses can be a big help, especially if there's a dispute over what happened.
At the scene of a car, slip and fall or other accident, get the names, addresses and work and home phone numbers of witnesses. Try to get this information from all witnesses. This includes workers, others at the scene, and people nearby. The reasons are that some people may move away or have trouble remembering details of the accident. Also, some witnesses see or hear things from different places, so it may be necessary to have information from several witnesses to fully piece together what happened. Questions may arise about conditions at the scene, like weather or lighting. So witnesses may be helpful even if they did not see everything.
After an accident, it may be hard to think clearly and you may just think other people will get witness information. But don't assume that other parties to the accident or the police (if they respond to the accident scene) will get witness information. Obtain this information yourself. It can go a long way to help you get the maximum compensation for your accident injuries and losses.
At the scene of a car, slip and fall or other accident, get the names, addresses and work and home phone numbers of witnesses. Try to get this information from all witnesses. This includes workers, others at the scene, and people nearby. The reasons are that some people may move away or have trouble remembering details of the accident. Also, some witnesses see or hear things from different places, so it may be necessary to have information from several witnesses to fully piece together what happened. Questions may arise about conditions at the scene, like weather or lighting. So witnesses may be helpful even if they did not see everything.
After an accident, it may be hard to think clearly and you may just think other people will get witness information. But don't assume that other parties to the accident or the police (if they respond to the accident scene) will get witness information. Obtain this information yourself. It can go a long way to help you get the maximum compensation for your accident injuries and losses.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Answers To Frequently Asked Personal Injury Questions
Many people who have been in an auto or other kind of accident call us with questions. Here are answers to some often-asked ones.
Q. I was hurt in an accident and want to make a claim, but I'm concerned about legal fees. How will I be charged?
A. Most personal injury claims are handled on a contingent fee basis. This means there's no fee unless there is a recovery (there may, however, be court and other costs). The fee is a portion of the recovery.
Q. If I make a claim, how long will my case take?
A. The answer depends on several factors, including your injuries and the other side's willingness to resolve the matter. Many claims are resolved fast, while others -- often because the person's damages are not known for a while -- take longer. Every effort will be made to resolve your claim quickly, with the goal being to get you the maximum compensation.
Q. I was hurt in an accident and want to make a claim, but I'm concerned about legal fees. How will I be charged?
A. Most personal injury claims are handled on a contingent fee basis. This means there's no fee unless there is a recovery (there may, however, be court and other costs). The fee is a portion of the recovery.
Q. If I make a claim, how long will my case take?
A. The answer depends on several factors, including your injuries and the other side's willingness to resolve the matter. Many claims are resolved fast, while others -- often because the person's damages are not known for a while -- take longer. Every effort will be made to resolve your claim quickly, with the goal being to get you the maximum compensation.
Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
If you are in a car, slip and fall or other kind of accident, one of the key decisions you will make is choosing the lawyer to represent you in your injury claim. Choosing the right attorney can impact whether you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses or bear some or even all of the damagers yourself. Here are some key factors to evaluate when selecting a personal injury lawyer after an accident.
- Experience. Successfully handling personal injury claims is complex, and it helps to have experience: hands-on dealing with insurance companies and their adjusters and knowledge of how insurance companies operate. A lawyer who has this experience and knows tactics insurance companies use to try to lower accident payouts is better able to guide you through the process and get you fair compensation.
- Skills. A lawyer with skills to negotiate your settlement and also courtroom skills in case the insurer won't settle fairly and your case must go to trial is a plus. Though most injury claims are settled without a trial, an attorney with trial skills won't be pushed around by a big insurer. This goes a long way to getting you the compensation you are entitled to obtain.
- Resources. Moving a claim forward can require significant resournces, including having the ability and finances to hire experts who can help reconstruct and present what happened. A personal injury lawyer with access to skilled experts - and who can help pay for these people while your claim is being pursued - is a valuable asset on your side.
- Representing your interests. A lawyer is sensitive to your needs and helpful to you in the process is a benefit. You and your lawyer are a team, and it is better to have a good working relationship.
- Knowledge of the law. You need a lawyer who knows the law of recovering compensation for personal injuries. Rules of "negligence", "fault", and damages" are complex, as are court procedures and many other legal issues. You want a lawyer who knows all the rules.
After an accident, it is vital to choose the right lawyer to handle your claim. Our law firm has the skills, experience, resources, knowledge and commitment to our clients to effectively handle auto and other accident claims. Our goal is to help you get the most compensation the law entitles you to receive for your injuries.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Woman Injured On Unsafe Apartment Stairwell Recovers Damages
Owners of apartment buildings are required to keep their premises safe for tenants. A recent case is a reminder that accident victims can make a claim to recover compensation for their injuries.
Alicia V. slipped and fell walking down stairs at her apartment building. She suffered serious injuries, including broken bones. She made a claim against the building's owner, saying it failed to properly maintain the stairwell even though it knew the stairs were often slippery and dangerous. The parties settled out of court, with Alicia receiving a large amount of compensation.
Alicia V. slipped and fell walking down stairs at her apartment building. She suffered serious injuries, including broken bones. She made a claim against the building's owner, saying it failed to properly maintain the stairwell even though it knew the stairs were often slippery and dangerous. The parties settled out of court, with Alicia receiving a large amount of compensation.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Study Shows Top Risk For Senior Drivers
A new study by an insurance trade group is important for all motorists, and especially senior drivers. It showed that over 40% of fatal crashes involving senior drivers are at intersections. This is much higher than any other age group.
The study gave several reasons why seniors have so many intersection accidents. The key one is many seniors don't yield to oncoming cars when making turns, even though they see cars approaching. Many seniors simply misjudge if there's enough time to safely turn. Younger drivers often do not see vehicles coming because they are distracted.
This study is an important reminder for seniors to be extra cautious when driving.
The study gave several reasons why seniors have so many intersection accidents. The key one is many seniors don't yield to oncoming cars when making turns, even though they see cars approaching. Many seniors simply misjudge if there's enough time to safely turn. Younger drivers often do not see vehicles coming because they are distracted.
This study is an important reminder for seniors to be extra cautious when driving.
Man Injured By Air Conditioner Makes Product Liability Claim
Every year, thousands of people are injured by defective products. A recent case is a reminder that people injured by a defective product can make a claim to recover compensation for their injuries.
A man suffered severe injuries to his arm and wrist while moving an air conditioner. He made a claim against the manufacturer, saying the machine was not safely designed, since it had poorly-shielded sharp parts that caused his injury. The parties reached an out of court settlement, with the man receiving damages.
A man suffered severe injuries to his arm and wrist while moving an air conditioner. He made a claim against the manufacturer, saying the machine was not safely designed, since it had poorly-shielded sharp parts that caused his injury. The parties reached an out of court settlement, with the man receiving damages.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Personal Injury Q + A
Q. I was in an auto accident. Can any lawyer help with my insurance claim?
A. Though lawyers can handle different kinds of cases, after a car accident, it's usually best if your claim is handled by lawyers experienced in personal injury claims, such as our office. Accident claims are complex, and a lawyer's training, skills, experience and resources can pay off for you in the form of a higher financial recovery. Personal injury lawyers who have successfully handled many accident cases are often the best equipped to handle complicated issues, tough negotiations with insurance companies and, when necessary, trial of your case.
Q. How do I know how much to settle my accident for?
A. This is a crucial question, since after your claim is settled, you usually cannot get any more money. Your lawyer can be especially helpful with this question, since lawyers know the different types of damages you can receive after an accident. They also know what courts have awarded for accidents and injuries like yours, and can evaluate the strength of your case. By considering these and other factors, your lawyers can help estimate the value of your claim. You can then evaluate if a settlement is fair.
A. Though lawyers can handle different kinds of cases, after a car accident, it's usually best if your claim is handled by lawyers experienced in personal injury claims, such as our office. Accident claims are complex, and a lawyer's training, skills, experience and resources can pay off for you in the form of a higher financial recovery. Personal injury lawyers who have successfully handled many accident cases are often the best equipped to handle complicated issues, tough negotiations with insurance companies and, when necessary, trial of your case.
Q. How do I know how much to settle my accident for?
A. This is a crucial question, since after your claim is settled, you usually cannot get any more money. Your lawyer can be especially helpful with this question, since lawyers know the different types of damages you can receive after an accident. They also know what courts have awarded for accidents and injuries like yours, and can evaluate the strength of your case. By considering these and other factors, your lawyers can help estimate the value of your claim. You can then evaluate if a settlement is fair.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
CNN Investigation Exposes How Insurers Mistreat Accident Victims
Two CNN reporters did an 18-month investigation of how insurers handle car accident claims. Their findings were troubling, but no surprise to anyone who has been victimized by insurance industry tactics.
The report focused on common types of car accidents -- fender benders that cause moderate damage and injuries to the victim's soft tissue, which are hard to see and hard to show by medical examination or x-ray. The report found that insurance companies often:
The report focused on common types of car accidents -- fender benders that cause moderate damage and injuries to the victim's soft tissue, which are hard to see and hard to show by medical examination or x-ray. The report found that insurance companies often:
- delay handling your claim,
- deny that you were hurt, or
- cost you money by forcing you to go to court.
The reporters even obtained an insurance company's training manual which told claims adjusters to try to force small settlements.
A former adjuster told CNN she used these tactics, sometimes offering poor victims as little as just $50. The adjuster knew poor people would take small settlements, fearing that otherwise they would get nothing. An insurance company lawyer admitted the company's strategy was to make fighting the company so costly and time-consuming that even lawyers would not be willing to fight for clients.
According to the CNN report, these tactics have forced accident victims to settle and walk away from billions of dollars, letting insurers keep these amounts for themselves.
Another former employee told the CNN reporters that insurance companies profit from using these practices; that the profits are good and as long as the public lets this occur, insurance companies will get richer and people will not get fair and reasonable settlements.
Insurance companies naturally deny using these tactics. But many people feel they have been victimized twice. First in a car or other accident. Then when a claim is submitted and the insurer wrongly delays and denies the claim, offers only low-ball settlements, and runs up the victim's cost by forcing the claim to court. CNN's investigative report tends to show this is true.
Don't be a victim of unfair insurance company practices. after a car accident, consult your lawyer about your rights to make a claim, and about fair value of your claim. Getting a lawyer's help with your insurance claim can help you get a larger and faster settlement. If the insurance company won't make a fair settlement, your lawyer can advise you on your rights to pursue a claim.
Read the full article at CNN.com: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/09/insurance.hardball/index.html
Study: Many Truck and Bus Drivers Have Serious Medical Conditions
A recent study by the U.S. government is a reminder to be extra careful when driving near large trucks and buses.
The study showed that over 500,000 people licensed to drive commercial vehicles like trucks and buses are eligible for government disability benefits due to serious medical conditions. This is around 5% of licensed commercial drivers.
To help increase your safety when driving near trucks and buses, never cut in front of them, since they take longer to stop than smaller vehicles. Also, stay out of their blind spots. As a general rule, if you can't see the truck driver's face in his or her mirror, then he or she can't see you.
Read this article at http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2008/07/22/92082.htm
The study showed that over 500,000 people licensed to drive commercial vehicles like trucks and buses are eligible for government disability benefits due to serious medical conditions. This is around 5% of licensed commercial drivers.
To help increase your safety when driving near trucks and buses, never cut in front of them, since they take longer to stop than smaller vehicles. Also, stay out of their blind spots. As a general rule, if you can't see the truck driver's face in his or her mirror, then he or she can't see you.
Read this article at http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2008/07/22/92082.htm
Friday, August 5, 2011
Woman Hurt By Falling Merchandise at Store Receives Damages
Many injuries occur in large warehouse stores, where merchandise is often displayed very high, increasing the risk items will fall. As a recent case shows, people hurt by falling merchandise can make a claim to recover compensation for their injuries.
A woman shopping at a national chain store suffered severe injuries after several boxes of detergent fell from a shelf onto her head, neck, and back. Because of her injuries, the woman had to stop working. She made a claim against the store, which argued she wasn't hurt as badly as she said. But a court ruled for the woman, awarding her a substantial amount of compensation.
A woman shopping at a national chain store suffered severe injuries after several boxes of detergent fell from a shelf onto her head, neck, and back. Because of her injuries, the woman had to stop working. She made a claim against the store, which argued she wasn't hurt as badly as she said. But a court ruled for the woman, awarding her a substantial amount of compensation.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Making An Injury Claim Doesn't Automatically Mean Going To Court
Many accident victims think that if they make a claim to recover compensation for their injuries, the procedure will involve many court hearings and they will have to go to court. As such, one of the first things most accident victims want to know is whether their claim will be settled or there will be a lawsuit.
Though no one knows what will happen in a specific case, most personal injury claims -- over 80% according to several studies -- are settled out of court.
Even though most injury claims are settled, a small percentage result in lawsuits. An insurance company may dispute aspects of a claim, so a lawsuit is needed to get what the accident victim is entitled to receive. Even if a lawsuit is filed, there likely won't be a full trial, as cases can settle at any time. According to several studies, only about 3% of cases had a trial.
If you are in an accident, don't let the fear of going to court stop you from making a claim. You could be giving up a valid claim that lets you recover compensation for your injuries. Also, if your injury claim is like most others, it will be resolved without you going to court.
Though no one knows what will happen in a specific case, most personal injury claims -- over 80% according to several studies -- are settled out of court.
Even though most injury claims are settled, a small percentage result in lawsuits. An insurance company may dispute aspects of a claim, so a lawsuit is needed to get what the accident victim is entitled to receive. Even if a lawsuit is filed, there likely won't be a full trial, as cases can settle at any time. According to several studies, only about 3% of cases had a trial.
If you are in an accident, don't let the fear of going to court stop you from making a claim. You could be giving up a valid claim that lets you recover compensation for your injuries. Also, if your injury claim is like most others, it will be resolved without you going to court.
Monday, August 1, 2011
After An Accident: Don't Make These Mistakes!
If you have been in an accident, what you say and do after it can affect your compensation. Here are some common mistakes accident victims make, and how to avoid them.
Handling a personal injury claim without a lawyer's help.
After an accident, an insurance adjuster will likely try to convince you not to use a lawyer, saying a lawyer won't get you more money. But handling your claim alone can be a big mistake. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not you, and they say this so the company can pay you less money. Studies show accident victims receive more with a lawyer's help. So don't make the mistake of believing adjusters who say a lawyer won't increase your compensation.
Giving statements to adjusters without consulting a lawyer.
After an accident, an adjuster may try to get taped statements from you. Adjusters are trained to get people to make damaging statements, and anything you say will be used to lower your compensation. So don't make the mistake of giving a statement to an adjuster without consulting your lawyer.
Signing insurance company documents without legal advice.
Just as adjusters try to get you to make damaging statements, they may also try to get you to sign documents that help the insurance company. These documents could effectively end your claim for little money. Don't make the mistake of signing documents without consulting your lawyer.
Waiting to seek legal help.
The longer you wait to get legal help after an accident, the harder it can be to find evidence and witnesses. If you wait, you also risk losing your claim because the deadline for making claims may expire.
Settling too fast, before all your injuries are known.
Many accident victims think they suffered only minor injuries and accept a fast settlement. Later, they discover their injuries are worse than they thought, but they can't get more money. Since many injuries take time to develop, don't make the mistake of settling your claim before knowing the extent of your injuries.
These are some mistakes accident victims make that hurt their case. If you have questions about what to do after an accident, call us at 1-800-339-3332. Seeking legal help promptly will help you avoid these and other mistakes.
Handling a personal injury claim without a lawyer's help.
After an accident, an insurance adjuster will likely try to convince you not to use a lawyer, saying a lawyer won't get you more money. But handling your claim alone can be a big mistake. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not you, and they say this so the company can pay you less money. Studies show accident victims receive more with a lawyer's help. So don't make the mistake of believing adjusters who say a lawyer won't increase your compensation.
Giving statements to adjusters without consulting a lawyer.
After an accident, an adjuster may try to get taped statements from you. Adjusters are trained to get people to make damaging statements, and anything you say will be used to lower your compensation. So don't make the mistake of giving a statement to an adjuster without consulting your lawyer.
Signing insurance company documents without legal advice.
Just as adjusters try to get you to make damaging statements, they may also try to get you to sign documents that help the insurance company. These documents could effectively end your claim for little money. Don't make the mistake of signing documents without consulting your lawyer.
Waiting to seek legal help.
The longer you wait to get legal help after an accident, the harder it can be to find evidence and witnesses. If you wait, you also risk losing your claim because the deadline for making claims may expire.
Settling too fast, before all your injuries are known.
Many accident victims think they suffered only minor injuries and accept a fast settlement. Later, they discover their injuries are worse than they thought, but they can't get more money. Since many injuries take time to develop, don't make the mistake of settling your claim before knowing the extent of your injuries.
These are some mistakes accident victims make that hurt their case. If you have questions about what to do after an accident, call us at 1-800-339-3332. Seeking legal help promptly will help you avoid these and other mistakes.
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