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.
