Ohio Personal Injury Claims: What To Do If Your Claim Is Rejected

If you’ve suffered serious injuries or property damage due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation in the form of a personal injury claim. Typically, personal injury claims involve car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, or product liability cases. Unfortunately, not all personal injury claims are accepted by insurance companies or parties responsible for your injury and property damage. When your claim is rejected, it’s essential to understand your rights and options.

Reasons Why Personal Injury Claims Get Rejected

Rejection of a personal injury claim can happen due to various reasons. Insurance companies or defense lawyers may argue that you were at fault or that your injuries and damages were not caused by the negligence of the defendant. Some common reasons why personal injury claims get rejected include:

Lack of Evidence

A personal injury claim must be backed up by evidence that supports your claim. Without sufficient evidence, it’s difficult to prove that the other party was at fault. Evidence can include police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and any other documentation that can support your case.

Delay in Reporting the Injury

Insurance companies require that you report your injury promptly to begin the claim process. Any delay in reporting the injury could be used against you as the insurance company may argue about the legitimacy of the injury, or that it occurred after the incident.

Inconsistencies in Your Statement

The other party’s insurance company will probe your personal life, medical records, social media profiles, and everything in between to look for any inconsistencies in your claim.

Coverage Exclusions

Insurers can exclude a claim on their policy if it is listed under their coverage exclusions. Examples of exclusions include purposely caused harm, war, intentional acts of nature, etc.

Steps To Take If Your Claim is Rejected

If you’ve received a denial of your injury claim, don’t lose hope. You have options to proceed with the case. The following are some steps you need to take if your claim is rejected:

1. Obtain a Reason for the Rejection

Ask the insurance company to provide you with a reason for the rejection in writing. The reason for the rejection can help you identify weak points in your claim.

2. Review the Policy

Review your insurance policy thoroughly to ensure that the claim is a formal exclusion before you start considering legal action.

3. Seek Legal Help

A qualified personal injury lawyer in Ohio can help you understand your rights and options. An attorney can review the circumstances surrounding your injury and determine if you have grounds for further legal action.

4. File a Complaint

In Ohio, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) if you believe your insurance claim was mishandled or unfairly denied. The ODI has the power to investigate grievances against insurance companies.

5. File a Lawsuit

If you decide to file a lawsuit, you must do so within the statute of limitations in Ohio laws. It’s essential to work with a skilled attorney to ensure that your lawsuit is filed on time.

Conclusion

Dealing with a rejected personal injury claim can be frustrating and overwhelming. However, you should not take rejection as a final verdict because you have options to proceed with your case. By seeking legal help, reviewing the policy, and filing a complaint, you can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Don’t go through the process alone. Work with qualified Ohio personal injury lawyers who have the experience and knowledge needed to fight for your rights.

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