Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence, you know that dealing with an insurance company, even your own insurance company, can be a nightmare. Receiving personal injury settlements from these companies can be a difficult and frustrating process. At Krupa & Clark we’ve been actively battling with insurance companies as well as government agencies for over ten years; getting our clients the settlements they deserve. In fact, we have also tried, mediated, and arbitrated these types cases since 1994. If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, please contact us for your free no obligation consultation. We’ll take the time to personally sit down with you and discuss your case and your options. Remember, our philosophy is that you deserve honest, efficient and aggressive service. Don’t let an insurance company or government agency add insult to injury. Contact us today for a consultation with a qualified personal injury attorney in the Tacoma, Fife, Lakewood, Olympia areas.
The following is a list of helpful terms and concepts about personal injury claims:
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Attorney Fees
Personal Injury cases work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney is paid a portion of the amount recovered. In most cases, if there is no recovery there is no fee. We handle all of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
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Arbitration
If a claim does not settle it may go to arbitration. This typically involves each side presenting the claim to a neutral third party arbitrator. The arbitrator serves as the judge and jury and makes the award based on the claim presented. Our office has extensive arbitration experience.
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Claims Adjuster
This person works for the insurance company. Their duty and their purpose are to limit their employer’s exposure. If you are considering hiring an attorney, do not give the negligent parties’ adjustor a statement; and do not provide them with your medical records.
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Government Agencies
If you have been injured as the result of the negligence of a Federal, State or Local government agency, you may be confused about your rights and the claims process. There are different rules and procedures involving such claims. We have handled these cases and we can explain the system to your satisfaction.
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Health Care Liens
Health care providers may provide care with the understanding that they will be paid for their services as part of the settlement. In some cases this may involve a lien. We will deal with these liens as part of our representation.
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Mediation
The concept of mediation is quite similar to arbitration. It differs in that it is usually not the result of the filing of a law suit. Mediation can be a very cost effective way to achieve a settlement. We have extensive mediation experience.
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Medical Records Release
As noted, a Claims Adjuster works for the insurance company. Their sole purpose is to limit their employer’s liability. Providing the negligent parties’ adjuster with your records can seriously prejudice your case. If you are considering hiring an attorney never give the other parties’ Adjuster a medical records release.
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Military Personnel
If your medical care was provided by the Military, there are important issues regarding medical opinions, records, and subrogation. We have extensive experience representing military personnel and dependents in these cases. We are familiar with the rules and the system and we can cut through the frustrating red tape that can hamper settlement of your claim.
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Minor Settlements
There are specific rules connected to the settlement of the claims of minor children. The rules typically involve such things as differences in the statute of limitations, restrictions on the availability of the settlement proceeds and court approval of the settlement itself. We have settled dozens of minor’s claims.
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PIP
Many people have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of their car insurance policy. PIP pays for medical expenses and wage loss for you and the other passengers in your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident. Some insurance companies attempt to limit the type of treatment people can get under PIP coverage. We will handle PIP issues as part of our representation.
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Statements
Typically, a Claims Adjuster will be assigned by the negligent parties’ insurer within days of the incident. As noted, this Adjuster works for the insurance company. Their sole purpose is to limit their employer’s liability. Providing them with a statement can seriously prejudice your case. If you are considering hiring an attorney never give the other parties’ Adjuster a statement.
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Statute of Limitations
The typical Statute of Limitation period in a personal injury case is three years from the date of the injury. However this period may vary depending on a number of factors. We will explain the applicable period to you in your consultation.
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Subrogation
If you have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or medical insurance, your insurance company may have paid your medical bills. Typically they are then entitled to be paid back directly from the settlement proceeds. This concept is known as Subrogation. We will handle all subrogation issues as part of our representation.
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Uninsured Motorist Claims
(UIM) – Although automobile insurance is mandatory in Washington, many people drive without any coverage at all or without enough coverage to compensate an injured person. You may have UIM insurance coverage to make up for this problem. UIM insurance covers you, members of your household, or other people riding in your car against damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured person. We have handled dozens of UIM claims.