By now, it's hard to think of an industry that hasn't been affected by COVID-19. From businesses across the country shutting their doors forever to large corporations requesting federal bailouts, many business owners find themselves unsure of what the future may bring. Insurance firms are no exception—which means individuals with personal injury cases may face new challenges when attempting to pursue their case. Today, we're exploring how the pandemic is changing the way insurance companies operate.
At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve if another person or entity's negligence injures you.
Contact us online or via phone at (423) 299-4489 to schedule a consultation with our team today.
Insurers Are Concerned About COVID-19-Related Claims
Business insurance providers have been concerned about business owners attempting to claim damages for a loss of business related to COVID-19 since the pandemic started. While pandemic coverage is typically excluded from insurance policies, US politicians have pushed insurers to accept claims related to COVID-19—a move insurers warn could bankrupt the insurance industry.
Personal injury insurers face similar fears. For one, many injury insurance providers also cover businesses. That could make them more resistant to paying out injury claims as they try and stockpile money in the event business owners can file claims related to the pandemic.
Personal injury insurers are also concerned that individuals may try and file personal injury claims against a business where they believe they contracted the coronavirus.
The long and short of it is that business will fight COVID-19-related claims tooth and nail. If you aim to file a personal injury claim related to the pandemic or coronavirus, be aware that you may be fighting an uphill battle. You should also check your insurance policy—many insurers have already included new clauses in their policies excluding coverage or compensation for COVID-19-related claims.
If You File a Case, You Should Be Ready for a Long Wait time
At this point in October, most courts that closed down at the start of the pandemic have started to reopen. However, the majority of courts are still struggling to cope with a backlog of cases that have steadily piled up throughout the course of stay-at-home orders.
Even if you file a personal injury claim unrelated to the pandemic, you should prepare to wait a long time for the court to process your claim and kick off your case.
Once the court does get around to your case, you should also expect to use different tools, such as videoconferencing applications, for your hearing (Microsoft Teams is a popular tool adopted by many courts during the pandemic for this task).
There is an upside, however—the pandemic has forced many courts to modernize their procedures. Offering important documents and hearings online makes it easier for individuals to file cases and attend hearings, but it can also be more awkward than attending court in person, depending on how tech-savvy you are. You should work closely with your lawyer throughout the process to ensure you make the right moves throughout your court case.
Getting Appropriate Treatment (& Collecting Medical Records) May Be More Difficult
Even in October, the number of daily cases of COVID-19 in the US is still climbing.
Detailed medical records play a vital role in any personal injury case. Meticulously documenting what lengths you go to for medical care and rehabilitation can help support your claim and ensure you receive a bigger payout at the end of your case.
Unfortunately, personal injury victims may find it more difficult to receive treatment in a hospital due to an influx of COVID-19 victims. For personal injury claimants who suffer from pre-existing conditions that could make them more susceptible to the virus, going to the hospital will be even more challenging.
If you're currently pursuing a personal injury case, consult your physician about how you can receive treatment for your injury and document that treatment. They may be able to refer you to a different medical practice that's less crowded or provide you with a detailed treatment plan you can use to support your case.
Now more than ever, having an experienced attorney beside you is crucial if you want to obtain the best outcome in your personal injury case. At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, our attorneys are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve in your personal injury case.
To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (423) 299-4489.