Personal Injury

January 12, 2025

Tricks Insurance Companies Use to Deny Your Personal Injury Claim

When you file a personal injury claim, you expect the insurance company to fairly compensate you for your losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies often prioritize protecting their bottom line over fairly compensating accident victims. However, knowing the tactics they use to deny or undervalue claims can help you safeguard your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Strategies Insurance Companies Use to Undermine Claims

Delaying the Claims Process

One common tactic is to delay processing your claim, hoping you’ll become frustrated and accept a low settlement. Prolonged delays can create financial strain, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills or lost wages. Some claimants may even abandon their claim altogether due to frustration with the drawn-out process.

Questioning the Severity of Your Injuries

Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. They could request excessive documentation or use independent medical exams (IMEs) to challenge your medical diagnosis and treatment. By minimizing the impact of your injuries, they attempt to reduce the amount they owe you.

November 6, 2024

Independent Contractors and Work Injuries in Massachusetts, What Are Your Rights?

by Altman & Altman

The gig economy is booming, with more people working as independent contractors than ever before. While this employment model offers flexibility, it also raises questions about workers’ rights, especially regarding injuries sustained on the job. Unlike traditional employees, independent contractors often face challenges when seeking compensation for work-related injuries. Consider the following facts and figures:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2020, approximately 16 million people in the U.S. were classified as independent contractors.
Studies indicate that independent contractors may face higher injury rates compared to traditional employees due to less regulatory oversight and fewer safety resources.

June 5, 2024

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Dog bites can result in serious injuries and emotional trauma for victims. In Massachusetts, understanding the laws and regulations surrounding dog bites is important for both dog owners and those who have been injured. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States.
Nearly 1 in 5 dog bite victims requires medical attention.

March 5, 2024

Types of Premises Liability Cases in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Premises liability cases arise when individuals suffer injuries due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. These cases can encompass various scenarios, from slip and fall accidents to dog bites and beyond.

Read on to explore some common types of premises liability cases and learn how victims can seek compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been injured by another’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help.

Slip and Fall Accidents

February 21, 2024

Biggest Mistakes People Make Following a Car Accident

by Altman & Altman

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In the chaos that follows, it’s easy to make mistakes that can negatively impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Fortunately, by familiarizing yourself with the most common mistakes people make following a car accident, you can avoid making the same costly errors.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention and legal counsel. At Altman & Altman, LLP, our skilled and compassionate car accident team will review your case, determine fault, calculate damages, and negotiate for the maximum settlement available to you.

Mistake #1 — Failing to Seek Medical Attention Immediately

February 13, 2024

Common Injuries in Car Accidents and Their Long-Term Effects

by Altman & Altman

Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injury and death in the United States. In 2020 alone, injuries occurred in 1,593,390 crashes and 35,766 crashes resulted in fatalities. These accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but speeding and drunk driving rank high on the list of causes.

Motor vehicle accidents can lead to a range of injuries that vary in severity, having a significant impact on the lives of those involved. Serious and chronic injuries often lead to physical pain, costly medical bills, a decrease in the enjoyment of life, and emotional trauma.

Understanding the potential long-term effects of common car accident injuries emphasizes the importance of obtaining comprehensive medical care and legal assistance. Read on to explore some of the most common injuries in car accidents and their long-term effects, and if you’ve been injured, seek immediate legal counsel to ensure that your medical and financial needs are met.

December 14, 2023

Injured in an Accident? Types of Compensation Available When Filing a Massachusetts Personal Injury Claim

by Altman & Altman

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Massachusetts, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for any resulting damages. Understanding the types of compensation available in a personal injury claim can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the full amount you deserve.

Medical Expenses

One of the primary types of compensation available in a Massachusetts personal injury claim is reimbursement for medical expenses. This includes current medical bills, as well as future medical costs such as ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. It’s important to keep detailed records of all medical expenses related to your injury, including hospital visits, surgeries, medication, and any assistive devices or modifications to your home that may be necessary for your recovery.

December 8, 2023

Uber / Lyft Sexual Assault Claims On The Rise In Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

Ride-sharing services have revolutionized transportation, offering convenience and accessibility. However, Uber and other ride-sharing companies have been sued countless times in recent years by passengers alleging sexual assault. In fact, data from Uber’s 2020 safety report showed a total of 9,805 sexual assault reports between 2017 and 2020. Even more disturbing, 852 of those incident included reports of rape.

Incidents of sexual assault or harassment during Uber rides, which involved everything from groping and kidnapping to rape, are deeply concerning. It’s important for individuals to understand their rights and options in such distressing situations.

What Constitutes Sexual Assault?

November 18, 2023

Salem Hospital May Have Exposed Hundreds of Patients to Hepatitis and HIV

by Altman & Altman

Following a disturbing discovery, Salem Hospital notified approximately 450 patients of potential exposure to hepatitis and HIV. According to a spokesperson for the hospital, the potentially life-altering error was due to a lapse in the administration of intravenous medication during endoscopy procedures.

The magnitude of this oversight, which went on for a full two years before being addressed, raises serious concerns about patient safety and standard of care. As affected individuals deal with the uncertainty of their health, legal guidance and advocacy are critical in determining the role and scope of medical negligence.

Although the current situation at Salem Hospital is particularly unsettling, medical errors are unfortunately quite common. According to a study by Johns Hopkins, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 250,000 deaths per year attributed to medical errors.

November 16, 2023

Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Winter

by Altman & Altman

The winter season brings with it holiday festivities, cozy moments by the fireplace, and the magic of snow-covered streets. Amidst the beauty of the season, however, there are hidden dangers that can turn Massachusetts’s winter wonderland into an accident scene. Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence during the winter months, and understanding the factors that contribute to these incidents is critical to staying safe.

The Cold Reality of Slip and Fall Statistics:

According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slip and fall accidents account for over one million emergency room visits each year. While not all of these are winter-related, a substantial percentage occur when icy and slippery conditions are present. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further reports that one out of five falls results in a serious injury, such as a head injury or bone fractures. Although slip and fall accidents affect all age groups and demographics, the risk of serious injury and death rises dramatically with age.