After a personal injury, returning to normal takes time, which is why so many people resume their regular lives before they are 100% recovered. Sadly, you risk making your situation worse by returning to "normal" too soon. It can have an effect on your recovery and even your ability to file a personal injury lawsuit and collect compensation.
Continue reading this article for information about how to protect your rights and your personal injury claim. However, we highly encourage you to seek legal help if you've been injured due to someone else's negligence. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has decades of experience and can help you navigate a personal injury case in Connecticut.
Insurance Companies Will Attempt To Reduce or Reject Your Claim
When someone else is responsible for your injuries, their insurance company is who handles your claim. This is beneficial since an insurance company will have the funds available to pay you compensation. However, the downside is that since insurance companies are not in the business of losing money, they will attempt to reduce your claim's value or deny it altogether.
Following an injury, the insurance company will likely scrutinize everything you do. Since this will allow them to reject a settlement offer or reduce the amount they will pay, they are looking for any indication that you are not as hurt as you say they are.
This also applies to your duties at work. They can object compensation for lost pay, medical expenses, and pain and suffering if you return to work weeks earlier than anticipated.
Going Back To Work Too Soon
If you return to work earlier than your doctor advises, this becomes even more important. It's not only an indication that your injury is healing faster than your doctor estimated. The insurance company will argue that since you are endangering your health, they shouldn't be responsible for paying for your medical bills and expenses. This is a symptom that you don't take your rehab seriously.
Of course, this is a biased opinion; many arrive to work earlier than is ideal because they have bills to pay and other responsibilities. The insurance provider will, however, assess your return to work in that manner.
Impact on Your Finances and Long-Term Health
Returning to work too soon can have a negative impact on your settlement as well as your health. Physically, you might feel fine and in good health when you first get back to work. However, in reality, you could make your current injury worse or delay the healing process. Although you might be able to return to work right away, the long-term health problems you create greatly impact time away from work.
Furthermore, it could impact your personal injury claim as well. The insurance provider might argue that your early return has hindered your recovery. They may question whether employment would be detrimental to your prospects of recovery and, if so, decline to pay for additional care. They can argue that they are only liable for paying damages for injuries brought on by their client and not by your insistence on reporting to work earlier than usual.
You Should Assume That You Are Being Investigated
Although you are the victim, the insurance company does not want to pay more than they absolutely have to, and if they are able, will decline to pay. It is your right to receive a fair settlement for your injuries. Their goal is to provide the least amount of money while shielding themselves from legal action.
You will probably be the subject of an investigation when making your claim as a result. They are looking for any indications that your injury is fabricated, exaggerated, or prolonged. Consider how it will appear to the insurance company whenever you make a choice, whether it's disobeying your doctor's orders or taking up a new sport while you're recovering from a leg injury.
Demonstrate That You're Committed to Healing
It demonstrates your dedication to recovery when you follow your doctor's instructions. You must demonstrate to the insurance provider that you are an accident victim who wants to resume their normal lives as soon as you can in order to support your claim. A red flag to the insurance provider is if you miss doctor's appointments or disregard their treatment advice. It can appear that you are purposely delaying your recovery in order to miss more time from work or receive more reimbursement from the insurance provider.
Your objectives are to recover, get back to your normal life, and hold the responsible party accountable. Reaching each of these objectives requires adhering to your doctor's recommendations.
Remember: The Action You Take Can Reduce the Value of Your Claim
Following your doctor's recommendations is important for the healing process as well as the compensation you receive. Keep in mind that the insurance provider will take all reasonable steps to reduce its offer to you. Consider the following: your doctor advises scheduling weekly physical therapy sessions to promote healing. In order to manage your pain, they also prescribe medication. You must follow all the doctor's orders to maximize the value of your claim.
Speak with a CT Personal Injury Attorney For Help After You Suffer an Injury
You deserve to fully heal after an accident that wasn't your fault. Our CT personal injury attorneys can help you get the justice you are entitled to. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has a wealth of experience that can greatly benefit your case and situation. Let us help you.
All you have to do is give us a call. We offer free consultations. Call us today to discuss your case.