If you are like me, you have probably hit your threshold of Covid-19 predictions and prognostications. I don’t have a crystal ball and I will openly admit I have no idea what the world will look like when we get through this difficult period (and we will get through it!). I can, however, make some observations about things I’ve seen in the area of personal injury – some beneficial, some not so much.
Interestingly, one of the good things I have noticed is existing cases are getting settled. Cases that are in litigation and nearing trial readiness have settled for very good amounts. Likewise, cases which are not yet in litigation, but are solid cases, are also settling. As hard as it is to believe, insurance adjusters are also human beings who are working from home and are likely just as bored as we are. They are looking to be productive at home which translates into trying to settle cases. This has been a short-term bonus for many of our clients. The fact that we have immediate access to the adjuster and avoid the inevitable “phone-tag” which normally occurs has facilitated shorter negotiation periods and much quicker settlements.
On the other side of this coin, there is clearly a dark cloud to go along with the silver-lining. No personal injury case is perfect. Some cases have a few more blemishes than others. For those cases, we have seen tactics by the insurance companies to present offers that fall well below what we commonly refer to as “low ball.” The insurance adjusters are clearly aware of the distressed financial situations of many people and they are attempting to capitalize on the desperation that many people feel hoping to get them to accept a ridiculously low offer.
Another by-product of this current situation brings to mind a famous legal maxim: “Justice delayed is justice denied.” The Covid-19 situation has delayed every single case and postponed every hearing and trial in most of the courts throughout this Country. The backlog will be made even worse by the pitiful offers being made by insurance companies for personal injury cases during this time. Personal injury claimants will have no choice but to file a lawsuit to obtain a reasonably settlement or verdict. The result of this will be an even bigger backlog of personal injury cases in the courts. The insurance companies will essentially be putting off paying legitimate claims by forcing claimants into filing lawsuit allowing them to hold onto their money for a much longer period of time than normal.
Will this all get worked out in the end? Absolutely. The days ahead are going to be interesting and challenging for personal injury claimants and attorneys. Our firm is preparing to go to battle to short-circuit this process as much as possible to obtain a fair settlement in a reasonable time. Jones Wilson is, and will be, here to help you in any way we can to deal with whatever comes our way.
Have You Been Injured In A Henderson Or Las Vegas Area Accident?
If you’ve been injured in an accident you need to speak with an experienced accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys.