A seasoned lawyer considers what kind of doctor to use for treatment. Obviously an MD is better than a Chiro, and a specialist (Ortho, Neuro) is better than a GP. It should be obvious that $10,000 in Ortho and/or Neuro treatment bills is worth more than an imaging bills of $10,000. Likewise, $10,000 in prescribed Physical Therapy by an MD is worth more than neuro or ortho office visit bills.
Common sense would dictate that a lawyer needs to know how bad the injuries were and how long a victim has treated with medical providers. That can’t be determined with the first phone call. Some medical providers have greater importance and credibility than others, and some medical bills are more important than others.
As of February 2022, during the Age of Covid, it is harder to find doctors in their offices for exams, and Eisenhower and Desert Regional are filled with Covid patients in the ER. This will no doubt cause the case values to be challenging.
Many years ago, the insurance company on a soft tissue case, would just multiply the medical bills by 3 or 4 …and offer that amount to settle. After that period, the insurance companies decided a bill of $5,000 for x-rays etc. is not worth as much as $5,000 for physical therapy.
Today all insurance companies use a computer program called “Colossus”. The injuries and bills are plugged in and Colossus spits out an amount the adjuster can offer.
Because of this Colossus program, it is more important than ever before that you hire a lawyer who focuses on accident cases… to guide you and your medical providers. An accident victim also needs a doctor who specializes in Treating AND Writing a Medical/Legal report.
Though it does not seem right, there is often a difference between a doctor who says there is a 50% chance of a full recovery, or saying a 50% chance the patient will not make a full recovery. For years I was on the faculty and lectured annually to the International College of Surgeons at their annual seminar. I taught the Doctors “How to Write a Medical/Legal Report.”
A patient needs a doctor who does not say, “go home and soak in a hot bath and call back in a month and to take two aspirins for pain.” When you call the doctor back in a month, it takes another 2-3 weeks to get a doctor’s appointment. Thus, after a few months there is very little in medical bills. As a result, the insurance company argues that if the patient was really injured they would have treated on a regular basis.
When a new client comes into the office, I explain a lawyer can no more tell you what your case is worth when s/he meets you, any more than a doctor can diagnose you without treatment, tests and knowing how well you will heal and how long it will take etc.
A good lawyer will not even begin to evaluate your case until your treatment has concluded. The lawyer needs to know not only what the total amount of the bills are but also what your med condition had been in the past and what it will be like in the future. Even then it is not a precise formula or process as we have to look at whether our client was partially at fault.
You are an individual and your injuries are as unique and as individual as are you. We can only assure you that our office will obtain the maximum amount of settlement possible, given the individual facts of your personal case.
Sooooo, what should you do? Do you know today, which lawyer you would call if you were in an accident? When I lecture to groups and ask this question, most people can’t answer this simple question…Who is your Accident Injury Lawyer? Most people can name their mechanic, plumber, electrician. However, they don’t know the name of an accident lawyer….which probably means they have not consulted with one recently.
People don’t plan to fail they fail to plan! What are you waiting for? Finding a lawyer is not something you want to put off until you urgently need them. Wouldn’t it make more sense to plan now BEFORE the need arises. Plan before you are stressed and have to make a decision RIGHT AWAY after having been in an accident or arrested for a DUI. Doesn’t it make sense to think about it now?
Research a competent lawyer now and put the name into your smart phone and computer contact base. My office focuses on representing clients for Accidents, DUI’s and suing Drunk Driving Drivers who injure our clients. We would be happy to provide a free consultation when the need arises.
“DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT… CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”
DALE GRIBOW
Representing the Injured and Criminally Accused
“TOP LAWYER” – California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-22
“TOP LAWYER” – Inland Empire Magazine
PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating
“DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT… CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”
For questions or suggestions for future columns contact dale@dalegribowlaw.com or 760-837-7500
