Las Vegas might be known for its glitter and speed, but when it comes to dealing with insurance after a brain injury, everything slows down, except your expenses, of course.
If you’re trying to get your life back on track, this fight with insurance becomes a roadblock you weren’t prepared for. That’s exactly where a brain injury attorney in Las Vegas becomes crucial.
Insurance companies don’t like TBI claims because they’re expensive. Not just now, but also long-term. A mild concussion might mean a few doctor visits, but a moderate or severe TBI will include rehab, therapy, specialists, possible surgeries, and follow-ups for years.
If you’re recovering from a TBI, battling your insurance company should not be your full-time job. But for many victims, it turns into just that. Insurance companies don’t make it easy, and they’re not your friends, no matter how polite they sound on the phone.
You need someone in your corner who understands exactly how these systems work and won’t let them get away with undercutting your future. And that person is your lawyer.
The Insurance Company’s Playbook (And How to Counter It)
These are some of the challenges that ensue when you’re fighting with the insurance company for your max coverage/settlement after a TBI:
Lowball Offers and Quick Settlements
You’ll probably get an offer sooner than you expect. It might seem okay at first. But these offers usually only cover immediate expenses such as an ER visit, maybe a few scans.
What they don’t cover are the ripple effects: lost wages, future treatment, long-term therapy, or permanent damage to your ability to work or function.
Once you accept, it’s over. You can’t go back and ask for more when new symptoms show up.
That’s why a personal injury attorney is essential. They calculate not just what you need now, but what you’ll need in 5 or 10 years, and fight to get all of it included.
Blaming You or a Pre-Existing Condition
Another common insurance trick is shifting the blame. They might say your symptoms are due to a previous injury, an unrelated health issue, or even claim you’re faking it.
That’s where your lawyer steps in; they bring in expert testimony from neurologists or psychologists to show that your symptoms are consistent with new trauma, not something from your past. They connect the dots that the insurance company tries to erase.
Delay Tactics
Insurance companies know you’re desperate. Medical bills stack up. You might be out of work. So they delay. They’ll say:
- “We need more documents.”
- “We’re still reviewing.”
- “We’re waiting for a specialist’s opinion.”
All while you’re drowning in debt.
But when you have a lawyer, especially one who knows TBI law, they cut through that noise. They push for deadlines, take legal steps when necessary, and make sure your case doesn’t get ignored. The pressure shifts from you to the insurer.
What You Can Do (Even Before Hiring a Lawyer)
There are a few things you should start doing immediately:
Understanding Your Policy
Your insurance policy isn’t written for you. It’s written for the insurance company. Most people don’t fully understand what their policy covers until something goes wrong. Terms like deductibles, exclusions, coverage caps, and co-pays start popping up.
If your policy caps your coverage too low or excludes certain treatments, the insurance company will be quick to remind you.
But your attorney can review the fine print and find ways around those limitations or identify where your insurer may be violating your rights.
Document Everything
Every detail matters. Keep a journal. Record your symptoms. Save medical bills. If you miss work, document the lost wages. Even small things like trouble sleeping or concentration issues should be written down.
Never Talk to Insurance Alone
The insurance company may record your statements and use them to weaken your case. Don’t answer medical questions or give opinions. Let your lawyer do that.