Insurance settlements

[Bri w]

A tough one.

There are two schools of thought, i.e. one that says we shouldn't become part of the claims culture, and another that says claim for anything and everything you can.

4 yrs ago I started with the premise that I only wanted costs covered and replacements bought. The first offer, after year one, covered the majority of the costs but fell short of the value for replacements by some tune - rejected.

Whilst the Solicitor went back to the insurers I continued with lots of physio, lots of pain relief and tried Surgeon no3 to see if he would be willing to operate on my neck and lower back - no operation.

By not accepting the first offer the continued costs of healthcare were covered. And by now there were MRI's, further X-rays and several more medicals.

The second offer comes through just before the end of yr3. Close, and the Solicitor got on the phone and got a bit more and all was signed sealed and delivered on the 3rd anniversary of the accident.

There's money in the bank. A VFR in the garage. A nice house, and nice holidays. So whats missing? Good health. The pain is worse than a year ago when the claim was settled. The mobility continues to deteriorate. The ability to do some simple, physical, things is waning. And following a recent medical I have the body/capability of your average 72yr old - no, I'm not that old really.

So the message is DON'T sign off on your claim till all your medical complaints have come to light. You may need to change the car for an automatic, and consider buying a bungalow.

That said I love a pint and a bit of craic with the lads - I'm alive.

[timwilky]

I agree people should not be too quick to settle. I was paid out about 5 years after I was knock off for about 6 times the initial settlement fee after I had told the 3rd party insurers that I would see them in court.

You know what, I would quite gladly give twice what I as paid not to have pain every day 9 years later.

oh and the initial doctors report said I would be ok in 6 months. When I showed the report to the second orthopaedic surgeon, his response was how does he know this? he is not an orthopaedics specialist, he did not arrange any scans or x rays etc. He must be superman with his x ray vision.

He was appointed by the 3rd parties insurance because he was cheap and local. After they got my man's report. I had to see a 3rd doctor who confirmed everything my man had said.

[454697819]

here here I regret settling on my whiplash as it is it still causing probs 4 yrs down the line, just had to replace my bed because of it at a cost of over a grand.

[thomascaelyn]

Hi to all..
Well I am a newbie here. Peeped into this discussion as it seems to be very interesting. But mates, Please would you say some detailed explanation about insurance settlements..Thanks in advance for any kind of reply..

[Bri w]

Hi to all..
Well I am a newbie here. Peeped into this discussion as it seems to be very interesting. But mates, Please would you say some detailed explanation about insurance settlements..Thanks in advance for any kind of reply..

Hi,

The size and scope of any payouts are based on nature of the injury, length of time to recover, any lasting damage, any costs involved, any damage to property and any loss of earnings.

The payout for the physical/mental aspects is based on a matrix, e.g. a broken shoulder is 'worth' between x and y '000 based on severity, treatment and ongoing mobility/pain. Medicals/MRI's/X-Rays/Reports etc.

Costs involved can include prescriptions, taxis to the Docs/hospital and even down to having to buy slip on shoes coz you can't do laces with one arm. Your partner's time to wash/dress/feed etc is costed as if you brought in a professional carer - the wash bit was fun:D

Damage to property is self explanitory but be prepared to argue coz you won't get the full value of the property, e.g. a week old jacket cost £249, and got paid £200.

Loss of earnings is also self explanitory, and supported by a letter from your employer is covered in full.

I was lucky in that liability was admitted by the insurers, so all medical bills were paid immediately, which meant I could go private for immediate treatment/MRI's etc. Also, having admitted liability I received interim payments till an agreement was reached.

As Tim sez, I'd give every penny back just to be fit again - now 4+ yrs without a full nights sleep coz of pain.

Get receipts for everything, and get a good solicitor.