Instructions for Your Injury Claim Process

For years I’ve met with clients in my office and told them what the claims process would look like.  I’ve gone into as much detail as they like about what they should be doing during the claims process and their recovery.  I even give a written summary of the general claims process to clients, and I’ve filmed some videos for the those that don’t feel like reading!

And still, I sometimes get the question, “What am I supposed to be doing?”

I think, and I could be wrong, that if anything I’m guilty of providing too much information.  Some folks just see that memo and those videos and get overwhelmed.  Of course, some folks don’t bother reading the memo or watching the videos, but the result is the same.

So, I’m going to make a brief list of what you should be doing (and not doing) during your claims process:

• Get me everything you can that has to do with any insurance company involved:  The bad guy’s insurance info, claims adjuster info, your declarations page, anything you’ve got.
• Make sure your health insurance is paying/being billed by all health care providers! The one exception, generally, is chiropractors.  If you have questions about this, ask them sooner rather than later.
• If you are getting creditor letters from health care providers, get them to me.
• If you are mailed bills, get me copies; that doesn’t mean don’t pay them, it just means getting me copies helps me to know what’s out there.
• Lay off of social media re: your accident and injuries.  Generally, don’t talk about your accident or injuries except with health care providers and me.
• Your focus should be on getting better, so do that!  Go to the doc, follow orders, do your PT, and keep me posted as to any changes/developments.
• Write in your pain journal every day!  Each day write about what hurts, how badly, and how it affects you on a day-to-day basis.
• If you have missed time from work, talk to me about how best to document that loss.  Generally, it’s going to be a letter from your employer detailing the time lost and the value thereof.
• Respond to my emails/calls/letters. If you aren’t hearing from me every two or three weeks, then you should reach out because something has broken down.
• Ask questions immediately if you have them.  Don’t wait until later.

That’s a good start.  There may be more with particular cases, but in general, this should guide you well.  I hope that helps.  As always, if you have questions, reach out to me!