Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice tailored to your situation.
Detailed Answer
After you submit additional medical evidence to support your personal injury claim, timely and organized follow-up can accelerate review and resolution. Under Ohio law, you have the right to fair claims handling. The Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act, R.C. 3901.33, prohibits insurers from unreasonably delaying or denying a claim. Additionally, remember the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions in R.C. 2305.10.
Follow these steps to ensure effective communication:
- Wait a reasonable period. Allow the insurer 7–14 days to acknowledge receipt of your evidence. Many carriers list expected response times in their policy or claim handbook.
- Send a written follow-up. Draft a concise letter or email that includes:
- Your name and claim number
- Date you submitted the medical records
- A brief summary of the key documents (e.g., MRI report, surgical note)
- A request for confirmation that the insurer received and logged the evidence
Use certified mail with return receipt or request a read-receipt for email.
- Keep a communication log. Record dates, names of adjusters, and summaries of phone calls or messages. This log can support a bad-faith claim if the insurer unreasonably stalls.
- Escalate if needed. If you receive no response within two weeks:
- Contact the adjuster’s supervisor or the insurer’s customer service.
- Send a follow-up letter referencing R.C. 3901.33 and your communication log.
- File a complaint with the Ohio Department of Insurance: insurance.ohio.gov.
- Consult an attorney. If delays persist or coverage is denied, a personal injury attorney can assess potential bad-faith practices and guide next steps.
Helpful Hints
- Set calendar reminders for follow-up deadlines.
- Use clear, professional language in all correspondence.
- Attach only relevant pages of medical records to avoid overwhelm.
- Organize documents chronologically with cover sheets.
- Save copies of every letter, email, and certified mail receipt.
- Be polite but firm—admissions of fault can appear in your tone.