Safeco Insurance After accident is dragging out paying medical bills. Atlanta Georgia
I was in an accident in which a porch collapsed and fell 10 - 12 feet. I was tossed off the porch and ended up rolling down the embankment it overlooked and colliding with a tree. I smacked into it with my head...
I don't remember too much for a bit and then I remember someone who was there making me lay back down because I was kinda confused. After being taken to the hospital I was x-rayed and told that I probably had a concussion, but not too bad of one and that I could go home. As there were a few people hurt that day and were in much worse condition I counted my lucky stars and went to leave. My husband who rushed to the hospital when he found out what happened asked about my bill. I have medical insurance and had no problem using it, but, I was told that the landlord of the rental house had already called in with the home insurance information and that I could go.
Now, here is where the problems come in. First, they didn't pay my medical bills. None of them. They said it was the contractor who built the porch fault and that it was his problem. After speaking with some of the folks who were injured that day it turns out they were giving everyone the run around. I called a couple of times and have gotten no response and I wasn't sure what to do. I know in this country that people sue for this kinda stuff, but I don't. I even have a desk dropped on my back once when I was working on some wires under it, (it came unbolted from the cubicle wall), and ended up being hauled off to the hospital, and for that I didn't even sue. My employer paid my bills and was very apoligetic about the situation. They made things right so I didn't really have a complaint. But not these folks...
Here is the biggest problem though. Where I smacked my head on the tree a fatty lypoma, (benign tumor), has because to regrow from where I had it removed. Yeah, I hit it in the same spot, aren't I lucky? My back hasn't been the same since, (I rolled down a hill over a ankle high rock wall, BACKWARDS feet over head. To say that it was a terrifying experience is putting it mildly. And the fear has effected everything else. Heights? Forget it. Tall buildings? Panic attack. I live in the bottom level of an apartment building and everytime something squeaks upstairs I jump out of my skin. (The porch made this loud squeak and snapping noise just before it gave way.) My doctor told me I have Post Trumatic Stress disorder. You know what is funny? I never really bought into it for things like this, combat and the like yes, but not for an accident. Well, I do now.
Do you know how hard it is to find a job in a one story building? I used to work for large companies and now I can't even get near large buildings. Or for a doctor in a one story building?
I wasn't like this before. I was normal. I could work and travel, go places and not be terrified and I could sleep at night. Now I do none of those things unless forced.
I've called a lawyer, maybe that will get them to pay. BTW, the bills went on my credit because insurance didn't pay and they waited so long to tell me they wouldn't be paying them that my personal insurance says it has been to long and I can't file with them.
H.D.
Atlanta, Georgia
U.S.A.
8 Updates & Rebuttals
Paul
Tulsa,Oklahoma,
U.S.A.
safeco
#9Consumer Comment
Mon, June 16, 2008
first off... the first guy saying; use your own ..
In the case of a accident u never use your own in terms of who pays for the accident repairs (medical & car).
Yes, use your own to keep the bills from getting big.
I used Geico to keep my doctor current... I wasnt about to use either
my car insurance or my own medical isurance since the accident wasnt my fault.
Safeco finally paid up, when we decided after 9 months to file a complaint with the OKLAHOMA INSURANCE COMMISSION, who love to get complaints.
Immediately safeco gave us a offer to settle all things at more than what they owed.....
NOTE:, when insurance companies are slow, threaten the various commissions or agencies that oversee them.
I gave them 3 months after the final medical issue was resolved.
In reality they were waiting on that, but they also went thru 8 adjusters.
Don
Saint Helens,Oregon,
U.S.A.
SafeCo ?
#9Consumer Comment
Fri, March 03, 2006
Nothing is safe about these guys.
I had to sue them over a break-in at my business. Not going to bother with details, but I had every single phone call recorded and all paperwork,etc so when their 'Experts' and their agents and others got on the stand, they, of course, lied and the LOOK on their faces when they heard the calls played back.
I won 15 TIMES the amount they would have paid and they finally did pay, but the release I signed(gag order) saying I would not discuss the settlement had my name on it but I signed it 'Mickey Mouse' and they didn't even catch it.
Idiots.
Don
Saint Helens,Oregon,
U.S.A.
SafeCo ?
#9Consumer Comment
Fri, March 03, 2006
Nothing is safe about these guys.
I had to sue them over a break-in at my business. Not going to bother with details, but I had every single phone call recorded and all paperwork,etc so when their 'Experts' and their agents and others got on the stand, they, of course, lied and the LOOK on their faces when they heard the calls played back.
I won 15 TIMES the amount they would have paid and they finally did pay, but the release I signed(gag order) saying I would not discuss the settlement had my name on it but I signed it 'Mickey Mouse' and they didn't even catch it.
Idiots.
Don
Saint Helens,Oregon,
U.S.A.
SafeCo ?
#9Consumer Comment
Fri, March 03, 2006
Nothing is safe about these guys.
I had to sue them over a break-in at my business. Not going to bother with details, but I had every single phone call recorded and all paperwork,etc so when their 'Experts' and their agents and others got on the stand, they, of course, lied and the LOOK on their faces when they heard the calls played back.
I won 15 TIMES the amount they would have paid and they finally did pay, but the release I signed(gag order) saying I would not discuss the settlement had my name on it but I signed it 'Mickey Mouse' and they didn't even catch it.
Idiots.
Don
Saint Helens,Oregon,
U.S.A.
SafeCo ?
#9Consumer Comment
Fri, March 03, 2006
Nothing is safe about these guys.
I had to sue them over a break-in at my business. Not going to bother with details, but I had every single phone call recorded and all paperwork,etc so when their 'Experts' and their agents and others got on the stand, they, of course, lied and the LOOK on their faces when they heard the calls played back.
I won 15 TIMES the amount they would have paid and they finally did pay, but the release I signed(gag order) saying I would not discuss the settlement had my name on it but I signed it 'Mickey Mouse' and they didn't even catch it.
Idiots.
Chris
Cooper,Texas,
U.S.A.
Safeco what a joke, and they are MY insurance
#9Consumer Suggestion
Wed, October 19, 2005
IN november 2003, I was hit by a drunk driver, she was arrested and Plead guilty. I have since had neck surgery twice the last one 3 weeks ago they put a plate into my neck with screws (cervicle fusion)
Now the womens Insurance paid her policy limits, WOW 25.000, My medical alone was 100.000.00 at that time, We had UIM coverage with safeco so a claim was filed.
Safeco has taken the defense that I could have never been hurt in this accident and they have refused to pay my medical exp, They did offer me 50.000.00 Pain and suffering/lost wages however that was not to cover medical so i refused.
What gets me is safeco's mannerism, I have seen approx 8 doctors, 4 of my own, and 4 Independant Medical Exams, ALL have concluded that i was indeed Injured as i said i was, and was in need of these operations, safeco is just mad now because to date my medical exp have now reached 200.000.00.
If i was looking for insurance, I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM SAFECO OF SEATTLE AND SAFECO IN GENERAL.
IF IT WILL HELP, The writers above, Last week my attorney took action against safeco to move my case to court, Say a prayer and I hope i can make everyone happy with a better outcome against SAFECO.
Pat
Woodland Hills,California,
U.S.A.
I have a similar story about Safeco. Don't even try to sue them, because they have expert witnesses who will lie in front of a jury and you will lose your case
#9Consumer Comment
Fri, July 29, 2005
Safeco will never pay your medical bills...EVER! I have the same complaint about them. Don't even try to sue them, because they have expert witnesses who will lie in front of a jury and you will lose your case. They have the worst, bottom feeder attorneys that work for them. Your best bet is to get a really good lawyer to force them to pay your bills.
Safeco is a very corrupt company in their practices. I'd like to see someone call them on the carpet for what they do.
SAFECO is DISGUSTING in their practices.
You're not alone in your complaint.
Tim
Phoenix,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Always use your own insurance -- that's what it's there for
#9Consumer Suggestion
Wed, June 09, 2004
How terrible... I'm sorry you're experiencing that kind of fallout with your accident. Hopefully your legal representation can begin to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
My constructive commentary is this: Personally, I would never rely on the insurance of someone else, regardless of fault - this includes medical, auto and homeowners.
My opinion is (and my Farmers agent made this clear, too, when signing up for Auto), that *I* am protected by *them*. And whenever *I* need *them*, I am to call, regardless of the details. THEY make it clear that THEY will hammer out fighting for reiumbursement with that "other insurance" if I am not at fault in the issue.
And medical??? The kind of financial ruin THAT can cause??? OH HELL NO would I ever leave a hospital under the guise that someone else's insurance will pay the bills.