The problem with being injured is that the injuries cost money! Whether it’s because you’re out of work, or because you’re now forced to pay for something you didn’t do, injuries cost money, and lots of it! Additionally, sometimes the only way to get the money you need to pay your bills is to initiate a lawsuit against the person who caused your injuries. However, the problem with lawsuits is that they take too much time to resolve!
A lot of people become frustrated because their option to file the lawsuit results in a prolonged, and seeming stalled, resolution of the matter. Sometimes a person feels as though they could resolve and settle their case faster than the attorney they’ve hired. In these situations it’s important to take a step back and review your position.
Your attorney is seeking to make sure you’re adequately compensated for the injuries you received. More importantly though, your attorney is seeking to make sure you receive the treatment (all of it) that will "make your whole" (or nearly so).
Lawsuits take time because of all the steps involved. If you’re injured, your attorney needs to contact a number of parties, obtain your medical records, conduct discovery proceedings (finding out more information), and continue to find and treat your injuries. Never settle your claim before your doctor determines there’s nothing left to complete. If you elect to settle your claim before the appropriate time (i.e. before your doctor says you’re "whole") you’re throwing money and quite possibly your health away.
While it’s certainly frustrating to hear your attorney say, "we’re still working on it," it’ll be even more frustrating to have continued pain if surgery/additional treatment could help.
P.S.: remember, it works the other way too. If your attorney’s trying to talk you into settlement before you’re cured (and especially if he/she won’t explain why), it’s a good indication that your attorney is committing malpractice. Speak with your attorney about these issues.
Absolute Legal Services, LLC, can help you navigate the injury/insurance minefield. If you’re having trouble getting the treatment or settlement you deserve, give us a call: (405) 748-0318. Our consultations are free, and we’ll come to you, if necessary.
