COVID-19 has clearly heavily impacted all aspects of society and claims for damages arising from catastrophic personal injuries have not been exempt. However, has it—in certain ways—provided an opportunity to pause, put our foot on the ball and look at the claims process and how that could be improved? What are the practical outcomes for future claims costs, handling and behaviours in this area?
Naturally the pandemic has affected the progress of claims, with courts closing, evidence gathering stalling (or impossible), and rehabilitation curtailed.
Generally speaking, that would result in longer claims cycles and increases in damages and costs. However, is that the inevitable outcome or are we already seeing signs of progress, new thinking and innovation to adapt to the changing environment? While still early days, there are some interesting themes developing.
The most serious cases generally require early, intensive, and hands-on rehabilitation. In many cases that has not been possible.
Case managers and rehabilitation providers
