Wednesday, January 7, 2015

They Aren't On Your Side

Let’s create a scenario. You are injured in an accident on the job. It’s unfortunate but these things happen. You are not sure how serious it is, but you are in a lot of pain  .   .   . much to your surprise everyone is being very nice to you.
The owner seems very concerned about your well-being, you talk to the insurance adjuster and she assures you that you will receive the best of care. You are told to go to a certain walk-in clinic, it seems odd because the location is some 30 minutes from where you work and you literally pass three other clinics on your way there. You complain but are told you have to go to their doctor and so you acquiesce. Your husband picks you up from work and drives you to the clinic. This bothers you as you know you are interrupting his work day but again the insurance company says this is the closest place in their network.
You go see the doctor in the clinic, his bedside manner is shall we say “limited” but after all this is not your regular doctor, he doesn’t know you. Still you are disturbed by the fact that he really does not listen to you and instead just prescribes a pain killer to get you through the night so you can sleep. However, despite the best intentions of the drug companies, you are still in pain and you don’t like the painkiller as it makes you feel loopy and your stomach turn. You call the insurance to let them know and again the adjuster lady seems very nice when you talk to her and appears to be listening to every word you say. You explain that the pain medicine is not working and you are having trouble walking. She sounds concerned and advises you to go back to the clinic. You again ask if you can go closer because your husband is missing work but again she says sorry and no.
Again, you call your husband from work and he drives you. He cusses wondering why you have to go so far. This time the doctor seems to be taking his own pain meds, he appears jumpy and says you should get an MRI. You do this and there is supposedly some inflammation in the area. He says you should rest and take your medicine. In the meantime the insurance adjuster calls and says that they want to settle with you so “you can get on with your life”. They suggest what seems like a modest allotment but you aren’t really sure and bottom-line you are still in pain. But you think if this is what the insurance company thinks is right it must be so.
Wrong! The insurance company is not your pal. The adjuster is not your buddy. They want to settle for the least amount possible and could not care anything about your condition let alone your future. I had to be the one to tell you this – the insurance company and its minions including doctors and lawyers are not there to see you get better. They are there to see that you are quiet and that they get out by paying as little as possible. Don’t be misled by their “buddying” up to you. You need an advocate, a champion, someone that will fight for your rights – that is the job of your attorney. Hire someone who actually knows what your case is worth and will go to bat for you.  
The insurance companies don’t like my reputation for fighting for my clients’ rights. Call me on my cell (727)793-7619. I will fight for you – I will protect your rights!
Note: All cases are different and results are case-specific, but we work diligently for each client we serve.

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