Important Resources for Handling Insurance & Personal Injury Claims
As a result of the limitations in the 2003 Health care tort reform, many who have been injured as a result of medical error may find their only recourse for justice is to file a complaint through the physician or nurse’s state licensing agency. Many types of medical malpractice claims have become unfeasible to pursue due to the changes and limitations in available damages. Primarily, the cost of pursuing a case is more expensive than the potential recovery. A complaint with the licensing agency does not provide any recovery or assistance for the injured. However, a complaint with the licensing agency may provide the only means to address the continued needs for improvement in those areas discriminated against by the 2003 “Tort Reform.”
For physicians: you can call 1-800-201-9353 or visit the Texas Board of Medical Examiners’ website to print off or submit a complaint form here.
For nurses: you can call 1-800-821-3205 or visit the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners’ website at http://www.bne.state.tx.us/about/complaint.html.
Both agencies for physicians and nurses request that you review their statutory or codified rules of practice to identify how the provider fell below the standard of care. However, in a civil case, expert review and opinion by another physician or nurse in the same subject area must be provided.
More Important Information
Opposition From Insurance Companies
When you have a claim for your injuries from an auto or truck accident, you are typically battling the liability insurance company. The liability insurance company and their adjusters and attorneys will go through your case to build a way to limit their liability or avoid it altogether. You need to make sure that you have an experienced Texas car accident lawyer on your side who will protect your rights and diligently prosecute your case. At Reynolds & Reynolds, we have the experience that can help you claim your damages in an effort to recover for your injuries or loss.
Liability Coverage for Texas Motorists
For motor vehicle liability policies renewed or issued on or after January 1, 2011, the Texas Legislature increased the liability coverage required for Texas motorists to $30,000 for bodily injury or death for one person and $60,000 for two or more persons subject the $30,000 limit for one person.
The reality is that those who are seriously injured incur far greater damages than $30,000, especially with healthcare cost inflation increasing annually by double digits. Most motorists opt for the least amount of coverage with the motive for the cheapest price. However, approximately one in five owners go without insurance in Texas, while in Dallas, the Texas Department of Insurance shows that one in four auto owners go without any insurance to cover personal injuries.
Uninsured Motorist (UIM)
When dealing with an uninsured negligent driver or with damages that exceed the negligent driver’s liability coverage, your uninsured motorists (UIM) coverage comes into play. UIM coverage is insurance that Texas requires insurance carriers to provide (unless you reject it) for a premium to the limit that you carry in liability coverage. The purpose is to deal with the lack of financial responsibility of drivers to cover catastrophic personal injuries and losses from an auto collision. UIM covers the same elements of damages that the negligent motorist would be liable (except punitive or exemplary). Although you pay the premiums for UIM coverage, your carrier has the same defenses (and incentives) to avoid paying your claim, which is why you need an experienced legal team like The Law Offices of Reynolds & Reynolds, PLLC.
Business Auto Policy (Liability or UIM)
A business auto policy for liability or UIM may come into play, as well – depending on whether you or the negligent driver were driving a covered vehicle. Our attorneys will take a comprehensive approach in evaluating your case in an effort to recover for your injuries or loss.
An Important Note
One important note, another personal coverage benefit (if you did not reject it in writing) that you may have purchased is personal injury protection (PIP). Personal injury protection, is essentially no-fault insurance to cover out-of-pocket expenses including medical expenses and lost wages. This usually can be claimed and paid to the insured with proof of expenses such as a hospital or doctor bill or lost time from work.