How Can Insurers Try to Cheat on Catastrophic Injury Claims?

 Posted on February 10, 2025 in Catastrophic Injuries

From workplace accidents and motor vehicle collisions to slip-and-fall accidents and assaults due to negligent security, catastrophic injuries can happen due to multiple causes. When someone else is responsible for causing these injuries, the victim could be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, the liable insurance company is unlikely to offer a fair amount. In fact, you will probably receive an intentionally low offer.

What are catastrophic injuries? Why would insurers try to cheat you? With over 45 years of experience, our knowledgeable Santa Clara County, CA personal injury attorney knows how to spot these underhanded tactics and will fight for the full amount you deserve.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

While there are not any good injuries, some are worse than others. Catastrophic injuries typically cause severe or permanent damage, and victims may not ever recover completely. Catastrophic injuries include:

• Vision impairments or blindness

• Amputations

• Burns

• Spinal and traumatic brain injuries

• Nerve and organ damage

Although partial recovery is possible for some victims after extensive medical treatments and rehabilitation, others could face the rest of their lives without sight or a limb, as a paraplegic or quadriplegic, or with chronic pain.

What is Maximum Medical Improvement?

Improvements can take a great deal of time and include significant pain. Once the victim’s condition is stabilized and no longer expected to improve, they reach what is called maximum medical improvement. At that time, you can have a better idea of what future medical treatments and care will be required, along with whether the victim will be able to return to work and earn an income. You can also estimate what effect the catastrophic injury is likely to have on the victim’s quality of life going forward.

Knowing what your future accident-related expenses are likely to be is an important part of calculating your eligible damages in a personal injury claim. This is where the liable insurer may try to cheat you.

How Do Insurance Companies Process Catastrophic Injury Claims?

If you suffered catastrophic injuries, your medical and other expenses are likely to be astronomical. This is especially true if you need ongoing care and are unable to work.

Insurers assess your claim and know how much your case is worth, but they hope you are more focused on short-term financial strain instead of long-term financial obligations. By offering a low settlement amount quickly, before you reach maximum medical improvement, the insurance company is trying to avoid liability for your future losses. After accepting a settlement offer, you cannot ask for more money later, when you realize the full scope of your future losses.

If you hope to get the full amount of damages you are entitled to, you need to let an experienced attorney handle your claim. We know how to calculate your damages accurately, and we will work diligently to keep the insurer from cheating you.

Consult a Dedicated San Jose, CA Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

You deserve compensation for your catastrophic injury, not to be cheated by the liable insurance company. Arrange your free case review with our skilled Santa Clara County, CA personal injury attorney from Law Office of John J. Garvey, III today. You can make your request online or call us at 408-293-7777.