QuestionHello,
I was in an automobile accident a year ago and I have not yet closed my case. After the accident my lower back and lower abdominal area were really hurting me. This pain persisted for two months after the accident and I went to the emergency room because it just got worse. The doctors could not find where the pain was coming from. So they sent me home witha guess and a hefty bill. A few months later, after my leg beginning to feel numb, the pain decided to radiate not just in my lower back and abdominal area but in my leg continuing to my foot. The chiropracter could not understand what was going on since the company that did my MRI read it as being fine with some slight arthritis. So my doctor sent me to an orthopeodic surgeon. The orthopeodic surgeon read the MRI, without the report that came with it and said that I had other minor disc protrosion, and radiating down the leg, and some annular tears. Because I was breastfeeding I really did not want to do the whole drug thing, and I couldn't take anything right after the accident because my son was only four months. The pain was ridiculous and the insuarnce adjuster told me that they just don't see how the accident I was in would cause this kind of pain, so they are not going to cover certain medical bills. Now, I did not make up any of my pain and it did not start until after my accident. I don't want a lawyer because so many of them have been in the news out here for being in various insurance scams. So I am leary to say the least. And I don't know at this point how to handle it. I am still having to be treated, and the doctor I am seeing now showed me on the MRI where I have three discs that are protruding, on three different nerves.
How can I get the insurance company to just deal ethically and honestly about this?
AnswerHi Latasha,
I rarely recommend an attorney, but I feel that you have no choice since the Insurance Company has already stated that they are not going to deal with you in a fair manner. Please call your County Attorney Referral Service (it's free) and they will not refer you to an attorney with a 'cloud' over his head. Ask to be referred to 3 personal injury attorneys with TRIAL experience. The referral service will ask for your name and phone number because they get a small referral fee if you choose an attorney that they recommend.
In most states the first consultation is free, in others, there is a minimal $20 charge for the first 30 minutes.
Every state has a statue of limitations in which a personal injury claim must be settled or a law suit filed. In Tennessee and Kentucky it is 1 year. The majority of other states allow 2 years and a few allow 3 or more.
You need to get this started right away.
I hope this has been of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 12-22-07 11:40 PM PST
