Question: Dear Luise: I fell over a piece of broken curbing in February and was hurt. It was at a ferry terminal so I initiated a liability claim. I am getting all kinds of advice from friends about how to get the most money possible. I do not agree with this. I think I should ask for my out of pocket expenses plus what I feel is right for what I have gone through over the last six months. My back and neck and facial injuries have healed well but I still have a swollen knee. I have asked for $3,000. over and above my costs while I have been recovering and adjusting to the residual. I do not feel that having a liability claim is the same as winning the lottery. Am I wrong? Thanks. William
Answer: Dear William: Well, aren’t you a breath of fresh air? Integrity is priceless and I bet you can sleep well at night. This is not a decision for your friends to make, it’s about you…not them. You are the one who knows what seems fair. The “winning the lottery” attitude that your friends espouse is what’s behind our ever-increasing insurance rates.
It seems to me that people sometimes run for legal advice when it isn’t necessary. They set up elaborate treatment programs and behave in ways that will “prove” they are much worst off than they are. And they prolong the whole thing as long as possible…going for the big bucks.
Conversely, there are times when a grave injustice has been done and the only fair defense and resolution is through the legal system. That’s what it’s for, in my book. Would that we could all be as levelheaded as you are in being able to tell the difference and having the courage to act on it. Blessings, Luise
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