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by The Stoddard Firm - January 23rd, 2025
A severe burn injury significantly affects a victim’s quality of life. From the immediate aftermath to their future, victims suffer physically, emotionally, and financially.
Burn victims know best the actual impact such an injury can have on their careers, relationships, and daily existence. Plastic surgery targets reconstruction and function, which are elements critical to improving a burn victim’s quality of life. A burn injury is traumatic enough. Discovering your insurance company seeks to deny coverage or underpay for plastic surgery is an additional and unfair stress. No burn victim should pay out of pocket for exorbitant medical expenses associated with plastic surgery.
A compelling narrative and proof of the effects of a burn injury and how plastic surgery can improve patient function are crucial to negotiations. Victims can manage negotiations, but must never settle for less than they deserve regarding coverage or compensation.
This blog covers tips on the why and how of insurance company policies and negotiations. These tips can guide you on best practices and knowing when to contact an Atlanta burn injury attorney.
Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often intertwined terms. When an insurance company views the two procedures as similar, it generally declines coverage.
The reality is that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are different procedures, each with its own specific outcome goals. It is essential for victims and insurance companies to understand the meaning of each type of surgery:
Confusion about the type of surgery is one reason insurance companies deny or minimize coverage. Other reasons commonly found in denial or minimization for insurance companies are:
Learning why your claim was denied or minimalized is vital in the negotiation process. If your insurance company is unresponsive, unhelpful, and denying or minimizing your burn injury claim, you may want to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Many policyholders take the terms of an insurance policy for granted until they file a claim. As businesses, insurance companies are reluctant to part with profits. Documentation and communication are among the crucial elements of effective insurance negotiation. Evidence supporting your claim and the necessity of plastic surgery helps make your case for coverage.
The details of how your accident occurred can determine the approach of your negotiations. For example, a burn injury without negligence places reliance on your insurance policy for coverage. An accident involving negligence may make the responsible person – and their insurer – accountable for your plastic surgery costs.
Burn victims in need of plastic surgery but facing pushback from insurance companies should gather the following:
If you find the negotiation process too taxing on your emotional health, an Atlanta burn injury lawyer can help. By entrusting your legal issue to them, you can rest easier knowing someone is protecting your best interests.
An Atlanta burn injury lawyer understands how insurance companies operate and knows Georgia civil laws. A free consultation helps you and a lawyer understand if and how they can help you secure coverage or compensation for your medical needs.
An attorney gets to work for you by:
Insurance companies have an advantage over burn victims unfamiliar with the negotiation process. The unevenness of this advantage places victims at risk of not securing the plastic surgery they so desperately need.
The expense of plastic surgery is a medical cost necessary for improving your ability to function. If you find the insurance approval process difficult and frustrating, consider contacting an Atlanta burn injury lawyer immediately.
A traumatic event resulting in severe burns turns your world upside down. The chaos and disruption to your daily routines and the pain of your injury leave little time for insurance negotiations. At The Stoddard Firm, we understand how confusing and complex the insurance and legal process is for burn victims. We take pride in fighting for victims and the coverage they need and deserve.
The Stoddard Firm advocates for the rights of Atlanta burn victims by firmly negotiation for coverage or a fair settlement. Our free consultation allows potential clients to learn more about us and their legal options.
Time can pass in a blur following your accident. If a civil lawsuit is an option for your case, it must reach the court before the statute of limitations expires. The Georgia statute of limitations is generally two years. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin working for you. Do not let an insurance company deny or minimize your need for plastic surgery. Instead, get help from The Stoddard Firm today.
Call our friendly office today to schedule your free consultation: (470) 467-2200.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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