Dealing with an insurance adjuster is a common part of the personal injury process Knowing what to expect will help you arrive better prepared for this phase of your claim.
Insurance Information for Personal Injury Cases
When filing a personal injury claim, it is helpful to know what to expect once an insurance adjusted becomes involved. At this stage, you will most likely be asked:
- What your typical day at work involves. Are you required to sit or stand for lengthy periods? Do you make repetitive body movements? Does your job require any heavy lifting, and if so, how many pounds must you be able to lift?
- Missed work. How many days of work have you missed so far? Were you on total disability during that entire time, or were you able to perform some activities? Does your employer offer a light-duty position or will you be required to remain off work until you have fully recuperated?
- Benefits. Did you use up any sick time or vacation pay during your time off work due to your injuries?
- Restrictions. What activities has your doctor prohibited you from doing?
- After the Injury. What is a typical day like for you since your accident?
Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Victims in Spokane, Wenatchee, and Everett, WA
In order to provide a strong case, you must be prepared to answer these questions as thoroughly as possible, and you must be able to back up your answers with documentation. Be ready to provide a list of medications you are taking for your injuries, a schedule of your doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions, and any correspondence you have from your doctor or health insurance company.
The insurance adjuster may ask for copies of all of these documents, and coming prepared with copies in triplicate is a good idea (one for you, one for your lawyer, and one for the insurance adjuster).
If your injuries resulted in a permanent reduction in or loss of your ability to earn wages at your pre-injury level, be sure to include this information in your interview.
Concrete Measurements
When dealing with adjusters, it is always best to provide concrete measurements of the impact your injuries have had on your life. Range of motion measurements, your endurance listed in feet walked, a list of activities of daily living you now require assistance with, wound measurements, and reports of pain levels on a 1-10 scale are all useful information. You can request documentation from your home health nurse, physical and occupational therapists, psychologist, or physician.
Basically, any documentation that shows a measurable difference in your abilities is excellent in helping you prove your case. This information helps support your claims and will help you recover more of a settlement. The adjuster understands all the medical jargon, and all the loopholes in the healthcare system. Concrete measurements helps you to keep him from using those things to lower your settlement.
Dealing with an insurance adjuster doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience if you know what to expect and come to the meeting prepared. Your lawyer can be an excellent source of assistance and support during this often trying process.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
