Many insurance companies refuse to pay full value on cases involving soft-tissue or whiplash type injuries. Insurance companies are skeptical of people claiming soft-tissue injuries, so they minimize the value. However, soft tissue injuries can have an enormous impact on an injured person's life. The constant pain can become overwhelming and interfere with every aspect of a person's life.
I recently represented a client that was involved in a Portland Oregon car crash. The crash caused soft tissue injuries ("whiplash") to his neck. The client had pre-existing neck injuries, so that complicated the case. The insurance company stone-walled and would not tender the $50,000.00 policy limits. The adjuster asserted it was a "soft tissue" case, and discounted it on that basis.
I filed the case and and initiated discovery. In return, the defense sent my client to a Defense Medical Exam (aka IME). The Defense Medical Examiner gave his standard spiel relating to pre-existing condition and gave the insurance company the opinion they had paid for.
Despite these challenges, I continued to push the case forward and insist on the policy limits settlement. Eventually, the insurance company capitulated to our demands and tendered the policy limits.
Soft tissue cases can have an enormous impact on a person's life. These injuries should be compensated like any other injury, and can have significant value. If you have been injured in a crash and have suffered soft tissue injuries, please call Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658. The Personal Injury consultation is free, and there is not any obligation to you. Please remember that all cases are unique and results may vary. Your case may not have the same value.