FAQ

QUESTION: How long does it take to resolve a claim or suit for injuries?

ANSWER: It varies considerably. It could be a few weeks to months. If a suit is filed, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

QUESTION: If I am injured, how long do I have to bring a claim?

ANSWER: The amount of time you are given to bring a claim is governed by the statute of limitations. Each type of claim has a different statute of limitations. Sometimes, there are other deadlines that must be met in order to bring a claim. You should retain counsel as early as possible to make sure you do not miss any of these important deadlines.

QUESTION: I was in a wreck and owe medical bills. The insurance company for the person that hit me tells me they will not pay each bill, but will write one check at the end of the case. Is that normal?

ANSWER: Yes. Insurance companies will almost always want to settle your entire personal injury claim at one time. Typically, they will not pay your medical bills now and pay you for the rest of your damages later. If possible, you should submit your medical bills to your med – pay carrier. If no med pay is available, you should submit your bills to your health insurance carrier. If you do not have health insurance, there are ways to secure medical treatment. Call us for help.

QUESTION: I had back problems before getting into an accident. The accident has made those problems worse. Do my prior problems prevent me from bringing a claim?

ANSWER: No. There is a valid claim for aggravation of a pre-existing condition. Basically, you are entitled to recover for the aggravation caused by the incident. Many times, a person with pre-existing conditions will be more susceptible to injury than another person who is perfectly healthy or who has no pre-existing conditions.

QUESTION: If I am injured on the job and am receiving worker’s compensation benefits, are those the only benefits I can receive?

ANSWER: Not necessarily. Any time you are injured on the job, there remains the possibility that your injury was due to the negligence of someone other than your employer, a co-employee or yourself. Many workers’ compensation claimants are entitled to bring a case against a third party for negligence and thereby secure many types of damages not provided for under workers’ compensation law.