Personal Injury Law Blogs

How Child Abuse Can Cause Brain Injury

Several studies demonstrate that child abuse can cause serious brain damage and lifelong suffering. A number of children and adults have undergone testing to show how people suffer from psychological problems related to childhood abuse, trauma, neglect and sexual assault. Child abuse is nothing new, and it, unfortunately, continues today. Small infants often receive abuse and suffer lifelong disabilities as a result. Others are not as fortunate and die from their injuries. Whatever the abuse, there are serious and tragic repercussions associated with it. Here’s how to identify the repercussions and take action to intervene.

Long-Term Head Injury Damage

Neurobiological findings indicate that trauma to a child (physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse) will lead to brain injuries. These findings conclude that the structure and chemistry of the brain will change. Children will exhibit behavioral and learning problems. In certain cases, early intervention can help decrease the amount of suffering and brain damage a child ensures.

The best intervention for certain abuse cases is to place the child in a loving environment. Some children are able to adapt, where others end up in the foster care system, unable to emotionally and psychologically cope with their abuse. Changes in the brain chemistry will impact the mood and behavior of an abused child. The majority of children that have been abused deal with depression, aggression and impulsive behavior as a result.

Head Injury Symptoms

If you suspect your child or a child you know has been abused, there are several traumatic brain injury symptoms to pay attention to:

Behavioral changes

Loss of consciousness

Seizures

Concussion

Scalp swelling

Headache

Vomiting

Unfortunately, infant child abuse is a serious problem that often leaves the child in a fatal situation. Shaken baby syndrome has devastating consequences, and many of the infants die as a direct result of the injuries sustained. Shaking a child back and forth will cause the brain to hit against the skull, leading to bleeding and swelling of the brain. If the child survives, they often suffer long-term brain injuries and may become disabled due to the abuse.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Head Injury

Take the child to a doctor immediately if you suspect abuse. The hospital staff will contact the police to report child abuse if they find injury symptoms consistent with child abuse. Contact the police, as well, if you suspect abuse. Removing the child from the household is important, as they need to be in a constructive environment where they will feel protected. Some children are able to flourish once they have been removed from the environment and given proper physiological counseling. Adults that have been abused as children often share their stories to help prevent this from happening to others.

Children require legal help if they have been abused. The individuals that hurt them should be punished for their actions and prevented from hurting others. Hiring an attorney is the best thing you can do to protect the child.

How to Seek Legal Action for Abuse

Each state has different laws pertaining to child abuse and neglect. If it is your child, and the other parent is the abuser, you have the right to ask the judge to appoint an attorney for your case. Some courts will appoint an attorney to the case even if both parties do not request one. This is done in the best interest of the child to help protect their legal rights.

To help prevent further abuse and to ameliorate the long-term consequences for the abused child, you must be stalwart in your resolve. If you suspect abuse even a little, look closely and constantly for signs of damage; contact a doctor or hospital; call the police, and request that an attorney be appointed, should a legal case ensue. The more that people follow these critical steps, the more likely it is that child abusers will be identified and brought to justice, and the effects on children will be lessened.

Genuine Whiplash Victims Should Be Given the Justice They Deserve Says Transport Select Committee

Whiplash injuries can arise from motor accidents and can have debilitating consequences for those who suffer them. It is appropriate that people injured in motor accidents through no fault of their own should be able to claim compensation from the party which caused the injury.

This is the conclusion from the Transport Select Committee released a report last week which discussed the ongoing issues with whiplash claims, and in particular the impact whiplash claims have on insurance premiums. This statement will be welcomed by people suffering from whiplash and injury lawyers fighting their cause.

The apparent rise in fraudulent whiplash claims has meant that people suffering from genuine neck and back injuries as the result of a motor accident have been made to feel vilified. Richard Meggitt from the personal injury claim specialists Accident Solicitors Direct says, “It’s important to remember that in all the discussion about fraudulent claims, that there are people who have sustained a genuine whiplash injury in an accident which wasn’t their fault and they deserve to be compensated.”

(more…) “Genuine Whiplash Victims Should Be Given the Justice They Deserve Says Transport Select Committee”

Look Both Ways: How and Why to Avoid a Pedestrian Accident at all Costs

Look Both Ways: How and Why to Avoid a Pedestrian Accident at all Costs

Being involved in a car accident can range from a minor annoyance to a tragic event. Most drivers think that they’re safe behind the wheel, but research from the insurance industry shows that the average driver will have to file an auto insurance claim once every 19 years. This means that, regardless of a person’s driving skill, they’re likely to be involved in some form of accident.
 
According to augerlaw.com, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic accident every two hours. Sadly, auto accidents involving pedestrians can be especially traumatic, so it’s imperative for individuals to understand and avoid them at all costs. Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents

The consequences related to pedestrian accidents can be varied and severe. A pedestrian may obviously face substantial injuries due to the accident. These injuries can lead to excessively long term medical costs, and sadly, these incidents may even ultimately result in the death of a victim.

Drivers involved in pedestrian accidents also face consequences, and even though they usually aren’t as severe as those faced by the pedestrian, they may still be substantial. A negligent driver will usually be at fault for a person’s medical bills and even damages related to pain and suffering. These types of accidents can be disastrous for the victims, so the law usually protects these individuals.

Those who are injured in pedestrian accidents have the option of getting an attorney to help recover costs. Having legal help will increase an individual’s chances of receiving fair compensation, and since insurance companies like to avoid the courtroom, simply having an attorney may result in a fair settlement offer from the outset.

Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents

The best way to avoid the aforementioned consequences is to avoid a pedestrian accident altogether. Luckily, this isn’t a matter of luck; and those who take proactive measures can protect themselves and others on the road.

Driver Techniques

Check the Right: Too many people simply check their left side when turning right onto a perpendicular street. This is because any dangerous approaching traffic is likely coming from that direction. It’s important to note, however, that pedestrians often enter the crosswalk to the right of a car. An individual who doesn’t look to the right before turning can easily strike a pedestrian.

Avoid Distracted Driving: Distracted driving leads to a majority of auto accidents that occur. Sadly, an individual texting and driving can strike a pedestrian just as easily as they can rear end another vehicle. It’s imperative to always be vigilant when driving.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Use Sidewalks: Sidewalks are built specifically for pedestrian safety, so they should always be used. If there is no sidewalk, it’s imperative to walk on the side of the road that faces oncoming traffic.

Cross at Street Corners: If possible, a person should only cross at street corners. This will give them the ability to see all oncoming traffic. Crossing at corners with stop signs or traffic lights is ideal.

Be Aware of Drivers: It’s a driver’s responsibility to see pedestrians, but this simple fact won’t prevent a serious injury if a person is struck. Always take notice of whether a driver is paying attention or not, and it’s also a good idea to make eye contact with an oncoming driver before attempting to cross. This ensures that they see the pedestrian.

Thousands of pedestrians are killed every year in the United States. The sad fact is that many of these incidents could be avoided with just a little vigilance on the part of drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians who are injured due to a driver’s negligence should immediately seek legal help. This is less of a way to get money and more of a way to ensure that financial liabilities caused by the accident are handled. These types of injuries can become very expensive, and it’s not fair for an injured pedestrian to have to cover them on their own.


Melanie Fleury’s close family friend was killed in a car accident while waiting to cross the street. One attorney at www.augerlaw.com is an avid runner who sees firsthand the dangers that a pedestrian faces on the road. If you are injured by a car, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and lost wages.

Filing a Claim in a No Fault State: Know all your Options

Anyone who has bought any type of insurance likely knows that these policies can be quite complex. Between understanding what is covered and what isn’t, a person can end up completely confused by the time they purchase a policy. In some states, however, certain types of policies can be even more confounding to the typical person. “No fault” states, for instance, create an insurance atmosphere that most people in the country aren’t accustomed to. This is why everyone within these states needs to understand how these laws work.

What are No Fault States?

Most states have insurance laws that require the negligent party in an accident to cover all of the victim’s financial liabilities related to the accident. In no fault states, such as Michigan, however, the law is a bit different. No fault states shift the responsibility and risk of driving to each individual driver. In an effort to lessen the burden of accident claims on the court system and reduce insurance costs, these states have instituted rules that require a person’s own insurance company to cover their losses.

This isn’t to say that an insurance company will have to pay for all costs related to an accident. They are, however, required to cover their own policyholder’s financial losses. These losses can include medical bills, lost wages and even rehabilitation. When it comes to points like pain and suffering and other special damages, however, an injured party can still bring forward a personal injury claim.

Problems with No Fault Insurance

Though it seems as if no fault insurance would be a good way to ensure that all accident victims, regardless of who was at fault, would be taken care of, the laws do present a few difficulties for those who weren’t at fault for the accident. Many states have limits, for instance, on the amount of money that a person can recover for lost wages. This can cause problems for those who sustain injuries that prevent them from working.

Additionally, a problem arises when an individual is involved in accidents with out-of-state drivers who aren’t mandated to have no fault insurance. A Michigan driver who is involved in an accident with a Georgia driver, who isn’t required to have this special type of policy, may still be sued in a court of law. Retaining a Michigan car accident lawyer would be ideal when this situation occurs. Additionally, a lawsuit may be forthcoming if an insured driver is involved in an accident in another state.

The Different Types of Claims

No fault states create a third party system that most drivers would do well to learn. The policyholder in no fault states is known as the “first party.” Whenever an accident occurs and the insurance company, also known as the “second party,” must pay for their policyholder’s medical bills, this is known as a first party claim.

As mentioned earlier, there are some instances in which another driver’s insurance company may be liable for the other driver’s damages if their policyholder was at fault for an accident. In these cases, it’s a “third party” claim that must be brought forward. The third party is the other driver involved in an accident, and if any of the aforementioned special damage recoveries are forthcoming, their insurance company will be liable.

When to Retain a Lawyer
 
Retaining a lawyer, particularly if involved in one in a no fault state, is always a good consideration to be made. A car accident lawyer will be able to counsel you as to what kind of claim should be made based on the extent of injuries and damage that has occurred. They are knowledgeable about such claims and will make recommendations based on the evidence. They also will be able to counsel a car accident victim in regards to the states laws, including local if needed.

No fault states are a great way to reduce court costs and the costs faced by the state due to proceedings. Unfortunately, they do constitute a paradigm of the insurance model that’s a bit more difficult for people to understand. Just because the laws are more complex and shift more responsibility to the driver, however, doesn’t mean that fair compensation cannot be had. Finding the help of an experienced legal professional can do wonders after an accident in a no fault state.

Lisa Coleman shares what a no fault state is and how it can be difficult to file a claim within such a state, and encourages retaining a lawyer to help with the process. She recently viewed online how a dedicated Michigan car accident lawyer firm, The Stroble Law Firm, could represent and counsel a client who has been involved in a car accident in the state of Michigan, including counseling them to understand all their options when filing a claim in a no fault state.

Finding the right lawyer for you

Which are the best personal injury lawyers to choose?

You’ve searched on “accident claim” or a similar term, and you’ve had an avalanche of pages and sites returned. Where to start? How do you pick the right personal injury lawyers for a full service?

Top tips for finding the best personal injury lawyers

When you’re searching online, first gather information. Does your injury qualify for a claim?

  • Were you injured within the last three years?
  • Was it someone else’s fault?
  • Did you receive medical attention because of it?
  • What category does your injury fall into?

The best personal injury lawyers will ask you these questions.  Here are some major categories that they cover:

  • Clinical negligence
  • Injury from faulty products
  • Plastic surgery procedures gone wrong
  • Trips, slips and falls, on a wet floor, over a tipping pavement slap or a crooked kerb.
  • An accident from machinery or equipment at work
  • Falling from a height or being hit by moving plant
  • A debilitating condition resulting from long-standing conditions at work
  • Road traffic accidents for drivers, passengers or pedestrians
  • Accidents overseas or holiday mishaps, such as picking up food-poisoning in a hotel

These are just examples. The fact is anybody can be injured in almost any circumstance. The trigger for an accident claim is that it was somebody else’s fault, and under UK law the victim is entitled to seek compensation.

Check out the sites

You can establish these early facts for yourself on many personal injury compensation claim sites. Once you start your claim, however, things may change slightly. Although the majority of cases are dealt with by phone and settled, many cases are more complex. Personal injury lawyers will advise you on the complexities, should they arise. So for example, if the defendant refuses to settle, or if the offer is too low and there’s a possibility your case has to go to court, then you need one-on-one guidance to pursue it.

Terms of Business

Many sites offer a free initial consultation by phone, and the contact details will be easily found, if you don’t want to do it all through the website forms. You are under no obligation to start a claim, indeed, the decision is yours, but when you do, always ask the terms of business. Most personal injury lawyers in the UK offer a no win no fee service, and many of them are members of the Law Society.

The Most Common Injuries Suffered by NFL Players

While football may be a fun and exciting sport to watch, it can be a painful game to play. Most NFL players suffer bruises, concussions, and a variety of other injuries throughout the course of their careers, with each ailment bringing with it a host of other complications. Here are some of the most common injuries suffered by NFL players in the United States, and a few tips on how to stay safe in your future time on the gridiron.

Shoulder Injuries

This is the most common injury suffered by quarterbacks, with a variety of complications such as torn ligaments, broken bones, and partial or complete dislocations. Players in this position often experience problems due to overuse of the joint, and can fix issues through inflammation therapy, rehabilitation, and in worst cases, surgery.

If the injury is due to a blunt force trauma, such as a rough tackle, it is most likely that surgery is necessary, with the rehabilitation time often spanning whole seasons. While there are few preventions for this injury, it is wise for a quarterback to rest the arm if it feels especially fatigued, and to attempt to avoid falling on the throwing arm.

Ankle and Lower Leg Injuries

This is an extremely common injury for players of all positions. Because of the aggressive and often violent nature of football, players can fall in compromising positions that allow their ankles to twist or even snap. The tendons in the ankle are at a high risk of tearing, and the bones can even break if subjected to a hard fall on the turf below.

It is difficult to prevent this kind of injury, as it can happen at any time during a play. Strengthening the muscles in the calf, lower leg, and ankle would help protect the surrounding areas in the event of such a situation.

Head Injuries

This is a very common injury among NFL players, and can often have the most devastating effects on both players’ careers and lives as a whole. While the sturdy plastic helmets worn by these players are meant to protect individuals during aggressive play, they often fail, allowing concussions and other head trauma to occur frequently. Many NFL players suffer multiple concussions throughout their careers, and others fall prey to serious brain damage that has occasionally left players debilitated.

To prevent this, a football player must be extremely careful when tackling and being tackled. Always attempt to prevent your head from sustaining a direct blow, and when tackling, ensure that the head is directed outward in order to prevent direct contact with any hard surface. Also, before playing on the field, make sure that your helmet is made of the highest quality plastic and other materials, and that it conforms to the standards set forth by any governing bodies. By taking these simple precautions, you will be helping to maintain the health and safety of your body’s most precious organ.

Stay Safe on the Field

Football may be a national pastime, but it’s an extremely dangerous sport to play for the unprepared. Before hitting the field again, read over this quick list to prepare yourself and stay safe as you score the winning touchdown.

Byline

Vincent Harmon is a freelance writer focusing on health, medical science, the medical profession and other kindred topics. Those suffering from an injury such as a herniated disk should visit Gulf Coast Spine Care.

Lawsuits Involving Cell Phone Radiation

Technology has developed leaps and bounds over the decades. However, the elation can often be short lived as there can be consequences associated with the advancements in modern technology. Cell phone radiation has become a prominent legal study in the past few years as cases are being fought. The following will focus on lawsuits involving cell phone radiation and the effect they have had on the industry in general.

Illinois Man with Brain Tumor

In late 2012, an Illinois man filed a lawsuit alleging a number of cell phone manufacturers were responsible for his brain tumor. This was a unique case in the area and one that received much publicity as it progressed. The prosecutors representing the man from Illinois immediately sought to pinpoint radiation as the main cause for their client’s brain tumor based on reports that have shown cell phones as being large producers of harmful radiation.

Warning Legislation

As cases regarding the negative impacts of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phones on cell phone users began to increase, the government saw it was necessary to find a solution that would eliminate these cases. Cell phone manufacturers are being required to deliver on standards that are established by federal, local agencies and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

In 2010, San Francisco government officials began working on legislation related to cell phone warning labels. This process was deemed as a necessity with the ongoing research studies showing a growing link between cancer and cell phone usage. Regulations were being pondered in San Francisco as a means to fight against cell phone manufacturers and radiation. The idea is to provide warning labels for all cell phone users as a mean to ensure they understand the consequences of using cell phone devices regularly. This route serves to relinquish some responsibility from cell phone manufactures and place the liability back on cell phone users.

There is now an established radiation rate in place to take care of these matters. Any cell phone manufacturer exceeding these numbers will not be able to sell their product. The ratings are done through specific absorption rate (SAR) readings to further assess the effect of radiation on cell phone users.

FCC Update on Cell Phone Standards

Federal issues in 2012 began to find the necessity of updating standards for cell phone manufacturers. Most of the established standards were set during the initial years of cell phones being launched onto the market, some as early as the 1980s. Of course, the cell phone industry has revolutionized its methods of creating phones both in overall style and reception, and radiation levels are not nearly as high as they have been in the past. This change led to an inquiry during 2012 by the FCC to ensure their standards were set to meet the innovations of modern technology.

While many leaps and bound are currently being made to improve the safety of cell phones, many of the legalities regarding electromagnetic radiation have dealt with improving standards in order to protect both cell phone manufacturers and users alike.

Byline

Ian Holland is a freelance writer specializing in cell phones, gadgets, gadget insurance, technology, computers and other related issues; those considering insurance for their iphone 5s should take a look at the iphone 5 insurance brand Protectyourbubble.com.

Tough Car Accident Scenarios that may require an Attorney

tough car accident

Being involved in a car accident is shocking. If you are injured, it can be devastating.  Amid the confusion in the immediate aftermath of an accident, it is often difficult to determine exactly what happened.  However, determining who was at fault in an auto accident is essential to determining who will pay for any damages related to the accident and in some instances, who may be subject to criminal prosecution. You might also want to read these Miami Car Accident Attorney Tips: What You Should Know About Car Accidents.

In many cases it is a relatively easy task to pinpoint who was at fault in a car accident.  Wisconsin, like all states, require drivers to drive in a prudent manner in order to avoid harming others.  There are specific laws that define the rules of the road.  Violating such rules can result in a ticket, fine, or conviction of a misdemeanor or felony, resulting in jail.  For example, Wisconsin drivers must drive in a way that is reasonable and prudent given the road conditions, as well as adhere to posted speed limits.  Driving too fast or too slowly is against the law.  It is also against the law to fail to stop at a red light, to fail to follow another vehicle at a safe distance, and to pass another vehicle in an unsafe manner.  Furthermore, inattentive driving such as  texting while driving in Wisconsin is against the law.  Driving while intoxicated is also a violation of the law.  If a driver is in an accident and receives a citation for violating a traffic law, that driver will likely be determined to be at fault for the accident and may be subject to civil liability and criminal penalties.  If you are injured in an auto accident where the driver of the other vehicle was negligent, you may be able to sue that driver in a personal injury action.

In other cases it may not be evident who was at fault.  For example, because of lack of third party witnesses or other evidence immediately available at the scene, the police may not issue any citations at the scene.  Furthermore, if there is significant damage to the vehicles and serious injuries to the drivers that requires hospitalization, it may be difficult to immediately determine fault or obtain evidence from the drivers.  Serious accidents often require the expertise of accident scene reconstruction specialists to determine the sequence of events that resulted in the car accident.

Whenever there is a car accident, even if you feel that fault is clear, there are certain steps that you should take when possible.  Make sure you get the names and contact information of the other driver involved as well as any witnesses.  Say as little as possible to the other driver as any statements that you make may be used as evidence to show that you were at fault.  Give the police a factual account of the accident for the police report.  Take pictures of the scene, including skid marks, if any.

Whether you feel that you were at fault or that another driver was at fault, proving fault in a car accident can be complicated.  Contact an attorney experienced with car accident and reckless driving cases to help you determine the best course of action under the circumstances.

For more information about your legal rights after a car accident or to get assistance with your car accident claim click here.

What to do if you suffer from a Brain Injury as a result of a Car Accident in Florida?

A brain injury is one of the most traumatic injuries one can suffer as a result of a car accident. The problem with these injuries is that at times, there are no outwards signs and people tend to ignore them. But, these injuries have a nasty habit of manifesting after some time has elapsed and when they do, they lead to some serious problems like coma, marked behavioral changes, loss of mobility, intense headaches etc. If you live in Florida and have suffered a brain injury because of a car accident, you must know about certain aspects of making insurance claims for getting compensation for your injury. Let’s take a closer look at some of these aspects.

You don’t have a lot of time to seek medical treatment

In Florida, you have just 14 days to seek medical treatment post the car accident. The strict personal injury protection laws means, you need to get medical treatment for your injury in double quick time. If you have been involved in a car collision and have suffered from an injury because of it, make your way to a doctor without wasting any time. If you don’t do this within 14 days, you might not get full medical benefit pay-outs even if you are have been diagnosed with a serious brain injury.

Don’t go to just any doctor

If you have been injured in a car accident you might be tempted to first go to your family doctor or consult a friend who is a doctor or to a clinic that is near your home. Just one word – Don’t. In order to take full advantage of your PIP insurance policy, the initial treatment must be received at the designated group of hospitals or licensed clinics or through a group of medical professional authorized to handle accident related cases in Florida.

You need to turn first to your insurance

Florida is a No-Fault car insurance State. This means in order to get the compensation for your brain injury you must first target your own insurance coverage. But don’t worry; you can get out of the ‘No-Fault’ zone if you have suffered permanent injuries as a result of the negligence of the driver who was at fault for the accident. In this case, you don’t have to look to your own car insurance coverage to get compensation but can file a claim that demands the ‘at-fault’ driver’s insurance company settle the claim.

Time limit to file a case

If you think the seriousness of your personal injury claim allows you to file a claim against the errant driver, you have to do this within 4 years from the date of the car accident. If you don’t do this within the required time frame, you cannot recover damages from the at-fault driver. This is why you need to get started on the process of getting medical treatment, and filing an insurance claim as quickly as possible. This becomes of significant importance in case you have suffered a brain injury and it’s of a debilitating nature. You don’t want to lose out on compensation that you can rightfully claim. So, make sure you start the proceedings as quickly as you can.

Editor’s information – you can also read about some of the Best Accident Injury Lawyers in Florida in Jacksonville  for more information on relevant attorneys you may want to consider.

The Importance of hiring a car accident attorney

One of the simplest ways of getting your hands on the settlement amount that you think is appropriate for all the trauma that you have suffered because of your brain injury is to contact an injury lawyer in indianapolis. Think about it for a second. If you are suffering from a brain injury, would you like going through the long drawn out process of working out a claim, filing a claim, getting supporting documentation and a whole lot else, without any expert help. You will just be burdening yourself with a lot of extra work and associated pressure, when there is no need to. What’s more, you don’t want to be taking any wrong steps while filing a claim. You need to have an assurance that you are doing the right thing. This assurance comes in the form an expert lawyer specializing in personal injuries especially brain injuries. Think of your lawyer as your friend, philosopher and guide who will help you get the settlement amount you are looking for.

When you are involved in a car accident in Florida, the first thing you must do is not panic. Call the police to the scene of the accident, and then make your way to the authorized clinic, hospital or health professional. After that hire an attorney and begin the process of filing a claim. If you play it cool, you will be able take the right steps towards a satisfying compensation.

How Does Personal Injury Affect Your Insurance Rate?

Does filing a claim for a personal injury mean that you will have to pay a higher premium from now on? Not all the time, no. There are several factors an insurance company considers before deciding that you are a high risk to the company and slapping you with a higher premium.

Insurance Rates After an Accident

If you suffer an accident that was not your fault, your insurance carrier has no grounds to increase your insurance premium. If, however, you caused the accident in which you were injured, you will have to pay a higher premium from now on. This is the reason why several people choose not to file an insurance claim, especially if the injury is relatively minor

Some insurance companies also look at whether the accident was the first on your record. If you have had the same insurance policy for a long time and have had a clean record, your company may forgive the first accident and decide to keep your premium stable.

Insurance Rates After a Personal Injury

In general, the same principal applies if you suffer a personal injury. If the injury was not your fault, you may be spared an insurance hike. If it was your fault, a decision which is up to the insurance company, you will probably be facing an insurance hike.

The higher the claim you make on your personal injury, the higher the likelihood that you will have to pay an increased premium in the future. You probably won’t have to worry about an increase in your insurance premium if you suffer a minor sprain, but if you suffer multiple fractures you might see your insurance rates climb. In some cases, minor injuries attract a much smaller increase in premium than if they had been major. If you are injured at work, you will probably be covered under the employer’s insurance policy.

Insurance Rates and Number of Claims

If you claim insurance too many times, you will be considered a high-risk person and you may be forced to buy an insurance policy with extremely high premiums. In general, the larger the number of claims you file, the higher the insurance premium you will end up paying. It’s common to see insurance rates being raised significantly after a couple of claims have been filed. Usually, the jump in the insurance rates stays in effect for several years, depending on the company in question.

How to Save on Your Insurance Policy

If you, like countless others, are willing to forego claims on minor policies, you should buy insurance with higher deductibles and lower premiums. The deductible is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket when you claim your insurance. Higher deductibles generally mean a reduced premium per month. You can save hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars in the long run if you buy a policy with higher deductibles, especially if you have few to no accidents, or if you pay for the accidents out of your own pocket and save the insurance policy for a major emergency. As always, drive safe and take every precaution when attempting something dangerous. The best insurance claim is the one you don’t have to file.

Byline: George Dehrkoop has dedicated the past 10 years of his life to preventing healthcare fraud and to helping folks navigate the difficult ins and outs of health insurance.