There are dozens of insurance claims that can increase your settlement for personal injury. While some of these claims are not often made public, others do. These six are important to keep in mind as you prepare for war with Adjuster Henry Hard Nose about the loss. These are:
(1) EMOTORIC REACTIONS TO YOUR INJURY. When it comes time to assign a dollar value to an “Emotional Response” to an injury, most people, even legal beagles, are in a losing position.
There are four “Characteristic Signs” that are often overlooked: Depression, Anxiety and Denial. “Denial” refers to the inability to accept the severity of your injury or the constant pain that you are experiencing. It happens when someone refuses to accept that something is wrong and convinces themselves it will get better.
It is a good idea to consult a shrink if you experience any of the “Emotional Reactions”, which are directly related to “Characteristic Signs”, mentioned above. You might not immediately recognize this as something that you should be seeing, but your partner will. Listen up if she says you aren’t functioning (between your ears). You should listen to her and seek out an expert’s opinion if that’s what she says. Although you may think that you have the “Power To Be Reckoned With”, it’s not possible to be Superman. Talk to a specialist and explain what’s going on.
After you have been discharged, obtain the written Medical Report from that specialist and give it to Hard-Nose along with your medical bills. Is this true? Yes, it is! Is he able to refuse to accept them, and say they are of no value to you? No!
(2) EMOTIONAL DISTRESS – Emotional distress can be a legitimate “Pain” and should be compensated. You may have problems arising from an accident in your workplace or business. Or, perhaps, it could affect your sexual life. Seek out a specialist for whatever reason it’s causing problems. Continue to visit him until you feel your life is normal again. When he is finally discharged, request and receive his written report. This report should be presented to Adjuster Henry Hard Nose with the specialist’s invoice.
It is a valid expense that will positively increase the value of your personal injury.
(3) SECURING COMPENSATION for LIFE DISRUPTIONS. If you were injured and missed a training session, you will probably want to make up the time. Your settlement could be worth more if you have to make up the time lost or if you are unable to get it again. This can be achieved by presenting written proof to Adjuster Hard-Nose.
You should also consider a vacation that you were unable to take or any recreational events you missed, as well as missed special events like weddings or reunions. These are all examples of the discomfort and inconvenience you have suffered as a result of your injury, which can be documented.
(4) YOUR AGE. Age is an important factor in the assessment of a person’s “Pain” and “Suffering”. The longer you live, the more severe your Total or Partial Disability. This will impact the treatment and the time you have to take the pain killers. Example: A disability over 50 years old is 10% to 15% longer than a disability over 60 years old, and a disability over 70 years can take 35% to 45 percent longer. Disability over 75 can sometimes last 50% longer.
(5) PRE-EXISTING MEDICINE PROBLEMS: You should also consider pre-existing conditions.
No matter what your pre-existing condition may be, you should consult your physician. Talk to him about it. You should always ask your doctor to refer you for consultation if you have any doubts. Your doctor will agree if he is trustworthy. If he refuses, you can say “goodbye” to your goodie-two shoes and find a specialist yourself. It’s your body, and there’s only one customer.
(6) ONE THING YOU SHOULD NEVER FORGET IS THAT THE VISIBLE DAMAGES TO YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE CAN VERY OFTEN PROFOUNDLY AFFECT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU’RE EVENTUALLY PAID.
Your vehicle should be photographed if it was severely damaged. This will prove that you sustained severe and painful injuries. Photographs of your motor vehicle must be taken. You must take at least two rolls of both black and white photographs (black and white is because colored photos cannot be used in court). Take them from various angles and distances. For example, take them from 30 feet away and then 15 feet up.
Two sets are possible. Make one set for yourself and one for Hard-Nose. You can then blow them into glossies, 8X10 inches and give them to Hard-Nose. The size of your repair bill as well as the photos will prove two things: First, it will show that you are knowledgeable about what you are doing. Second, the extent of the injuries (and the prolonged period of pain, suffering, and discomfort) that you sustained from that terrible impact – if and whenever viewed by a judge/jury – will be proof that your body was hurt.