The Impact of COVID-19 on Personal Injury Cases
Despite the shutdown raging across the country, many people will still sustain injuries that will require a personal injury claim. Whether a car accident, slip and fall or another ordinary event (we’re looking at you, novice lumberjacks), accident victims can still bring a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for their injuries. However, there may be some issues that could affect a claim. Here’s what you need to know.
The court systems have largely been shut down until this pandemic is over. That being said, your personal injury claim may not be resolved as quickly and efficiently as it would be under normal circumstances. Most personal injury claims settle eventually before going to trial, but some cases will go through with at least one courtroom hearing before a settlement can be reached. So some cases can and will be delayed in hearing their resolutions.=
Settling Your Personal Injury Case
Because many of us are dealing with unprecedented financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdowns, there is more financial stress that can motivate you to settle your case as soon as possible. You may urgently need the money from your settlement to provide food, pay your rent and bills or cover medical expenses. Unfortunately, some insurance companies know this and could try to exploit your situation by lowballing your settlement. If you have suffered an injury, you should talk with your Ohio personal injury lawyer before accepting an offer from the insurance company. We are here to help you understand what a reasonable settlement would be and what you can expect. We also will help you negotiate on your behalf so you get the settlement you deserve.
As a result of the economic downfall, the insurance industry will expect their profits to decline. This could mean that the insurers will want to minimize the value of a personal injury claim to protect their bottom line. Because of this, we could see more personal injury cases go to trial. More than ever, your lawyer will be there to help you determine how to proceed with your claim.
Many businesses are suffering from the stifled economy and if the business you are filing a claim against does not have insurance, they may not be able to pay. This makes collecting your compensation more challenging. If that business files for bankruptcy, your settlement may take a long time to be paid. It is an unfortunate situation for both the accident victim and the defendant.
Getting Medical Attention
Victims filing a personal injury claim will need to receive medical treatment to show the extent of the injuries sustained and the cost of the treatment. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, many victims will not feel comfortable going to a hospital or a doctor’s office for treatment over concerns of developing the virus. While these concerns are valid, you will unfortunately need to show the extent of your injury and how much it will cost to treat it. Many doctor’s offices will help you maintain social distancing practices and follow CDC recommendations to keep you safe. That being said, it may take you longer than usual to receive treatment. Many healthcare facilities are currently focusing on COVID-19 patients and are oversaturated with their needs.
Insurance Coverage
Because many are struggling to make ends meet, some people have let their auto insurance lapse. This could result in a loss of insurance coverage, however, many insurance companies are working with their customers to defer payments or give refunds to keep you insured despite your financial hardships. However, if you are a victim of an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you may not be able to be compensated by that driver. Your only option may be to pursue benefits from your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. Having an Ohio personal injury attorney can be critical in helping you get the compensation you need for these kinds of accidents.
We have said it before and we will say it again- we at Amourgis & Associates are here for you for your personal injury claims. We know it is a challenging time for everyone and adding on the stress of an accident will only make things more difficult. It doesn’t need to be as difficult as you think. We help hundreds of accident victims like you receive fair compensation for their Ohio personal injury claims. You can reach us by phone, email, and chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help you get the restitution you deserve.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
