Whiplash injury

Drogba_3

So what will they do with my medical records ??

Will they send them to their insurance company appointed gp who will then give an opinion ??

V_tricky

Hi,

Yeah the insurance company will establish whether you have any underlying medical condition, perhaps to help them to determine whether they want you seen by a GP or an orthopaedic surgeon. They'll then pass the records to the medical expert and ask them for a report.

You'll have to attend an appointment to tell the medical expert where it hurts, what activities are affected, what treatment you've had etc and then the medical expert will then write up a report based on the information you've given, and give any recommendations for further treatment, and your estimated prognosis. All this information will help the insurance company value your claim correctly.

MrsTee_2

If you're still not doing your normal work, you don't know how long you'll be like this. Don't settle for an amount yet, the amount should reflect the time period that you're suffering for and unable to do your normal job.

Drogba_3

MrsTee wrote: »

If you're still not doing your normal work, you don't know how long you'll be like this. Don't settle for an amount yet, the amount should reflect the time period that you're suffering for and unable to do your normal job.

I don't have a heavy job but it is a quite active job i've had several "back to work interviews" as now seems standard for periods of time off work.

I do feel under pressure as I work as part of a specialised team and when i'm off it puts extra pressure on the others.

If the symptoms last for around a year as the average whiplash injury does what should I be expecting to get offered roughly??

From the JJB guidelines it seems that back injury's pay more than neck injury's is that correct ? or should you look at all whiplash injurys the same ?

geri1965_2

Whiplash for a year is worth £2,250 - £2,500.

There is no right or wrong offer and pain & suffering is very subjective - ultimately if you feel you have recovered as much as you're going to and you're happy with the offer and would rather have the money now than to keep pushing and pushing for more, that's your decision.

Don'r forget you can see a solicitor at any time, even if it's just to ask for an opinion on an offer.

Drogba_3

Thanks Geri1965 after the insurance company come back to me I think I will offer to settle for £2500 and tell them that if they refuse at that point I will be appointing a solicitor.

This will cost them an extra £1200+VAT according to V_TRICKY so that will give them something to think about. Also letting them know that as soon as I appoint a solicitor the offer is removed from the table.

Of course I will put all of this to them in a nice polite manner :-)

V_tricky

Hi,

Make sure that on your letter at the top you put WITHOUT PREJUDICE, and made clear that this offer is open for either a specific time limit (21 or 28 days) before you will refer the matter to a solicitor and they must consider all previous offers withdrawn.

Drogba_3

V_tricky wrote: »

Hi,

Make sure that on your letter at the top you put WITHOUT PREJUDICE, and made clear that this offer is open for either a specific time limit (21 or 28 days) before you will refer the matter to a solicitor and they must consider all previous offers withdrawn.

sorry but could you explain why you put "WITHOUT PREJUDICE" at the top of the letter

thesecretpolicemansball

Drogba wrote: »

sorry but could you explain why you put "WITHOUT PREJUDICE" at the top of the letter

Without prejudice means anything you say cannot be used by the insurance company at a later stage. its like an immunity for what you say or do in letters. Also if your conducting any face to face discussions or on the telephone make sure you mention all negotiations/conversations are without prejudice.

Drogba_3

will make sure I add "WITHOUT PREJUDICE" to all my letters

Really hope they will go for the settlement as i don't want it to drag on and on

Thanks for the advice