If you have suffered a catastrophic injury that required hospitalization, you also have probably experienced some sticker shock. After all, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of a three-day hospital stay is approximately $30,000.
If you stayed longer, required surgical procedures or needed rehabilitation, you may have paid tens of thousands of dollars more to receive medical care. Consequently, convincing an insurance company to quickly process your injury claim is likely to be high on your priority list.
Your interactions with the insurer
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to look for reasons to deny personal injury claims. When you interact with the insurer, it is critical to remember the agent may not have your legal or financial interests in mind. Therefore, before making any statements or signing any forms, it is advisable to understand all possible consequences of your actions.
A seemingly simple request
Often, insurers ask injured individuals to sign blanket medical authorizations. These seemingly simple insurance forms typically do more harm than good. Remember, your BMA allows the insurer to take a deep dive into your entire medical history. If you have anything in your medical file the insurer can use against you, you may not receive the financial settlement you deserve. The insurer may even find a reason to deny your claim altogether.
You have the right to talk to a lawyer before signing a BMA or any other insurance form. Ultimately, exercising this right is important, as it may prevent you from making critical errors during the complicated claims process.
