How Do Insurance Companies Typically Handle Claims Involving Catastrophic Injuries?

Personal injury claims that involve catastrophic injuries have life-altering consequences that come with immense physical, financial, and emotional losses and that affect not only the victims but also their loved ones. This puts catastrophic injury claims in a class all their own, and because obtaining fair compensation is key to reaching your fullest recovery possible, having an experienced South Carolina catastrophic injury attorney on your side from the outset is paramount.

Are Your Injuries Catastrophic?

Catastrophic injuries are very serious injuries that can lead to all the following:

• A substantial change in lifestyle
• Ongoing support that may require assistance with the activities of daily living
• Ongoing medical care that includes specialized medical treatments and procedures
• The need for rehabilitation and various therapies

Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries that include paralysis
• Broken bones
• Severe burns
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that are classified as moderate to severe
• Limb loss and injuries that require amputation
• Injuries to internal organs
• Serious burns

A catastrophic injury that you suffer as a result of someone else’s negligence can alter the course of your life and requires careful legal attention.

Legal Challenges Commonly Associated with Catastrophic Injury Claims

Because the damages are so high when catastrophic injuries are involved, you can expect the insurance company handling your claim to do everything they can to minimize your settlement. Common examples include:

• Disputing the cost or the necessity of specific medical expenses
• Disputing the severity of your injuries
• Disputing the enormity of your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can overshadow your other losses combined
• Employing common tactics, such as denying their policyholder’s negligence, offering a lowball but early settlement in the hope that you’ll accept out of desperation, and prolonging or overly complicating the process

Claims that involve catastrophic injuries tend to require more extensive and more complex evidence, including medical information that can be challenging to comprehend. This often comes with additional expenses, such as the need for expert testimony and for carefully detailed exhibits.

Navigating the Path Forward

While your claim is utterly unique to the circumstances involved, there are several universally beneficial steps everyone in your position should take, including:

• Don’t wait to seek the medical attention you need.
• Consult with a savvy catastrophic injury attorney as soon as you’re able to do so.
• Carefully follow your medical team’s advice and instructions.
• Attend all follow-up medical appointments.
• Take a pass on the insurance company’s request that you make a statement and leave it to your dedicated attorney.
• Don’t post on social media while your claim is pending – the insurance company is very eager to twist your words into something that is claim-damaging if they possibly can.

Reach Out to an Experienced South Carolina Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

The determined catastrophic injury attorneys at The Law Office of Mark C. Tanenbaum, P.A., faithfully serve Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Buford, and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and we dedicate our imposing practice to helping clients like you recover compensation for their losses – in support of their improved health outcomes. We’re well prepared to skillfully advocate for your rightful compensation, so please don’t delay contacting us online or calling us at 843-577-5100 today.