I was in an auto accident 6 months ago; the other driver completely at fault. The other driver’s auto insurance company has accepted full liability.
In the process of recovering, I had to use my sick time benefits from work in order to go to doctor appointments and 2 weeks of physical therapy. I am a salaried employee, and the sick time I used avoided my losing any pay for those medical visits.
Right now I am in the process of negotiating settlement with the other party’s insurance company. I initially thought I would be entitled to cash reimbursement for the sick time I had to use for the doctor visits and PT, since it was utilized as a result of the other party causing the accident.
However, the claims adjustor I am dealing with says I am not eligible for reimbursement since I am a salaried employee. They stated that because I didn’t lose any pay by going to the doctor and PT, that I am not entitled to reimbursement for the sick time used.
Is this true?
I guess my thoughts are that I had to use the sick time as a result of their policyholder’s actions. These were benefits I lost as a result of the acccident, and they could have been used in the future when I needed them. If I didn’t use the sick time, my salaried paycheck would have been reduced appropriately.
I have never been in an accident before, and have not involved an attorney at this point.
Are there any adjustors out there who can provide some feedback regarding this issue?
The accident occurred in southern Wisconsin, if that helps.
Bonnie
Tags : Cash Reimbursement, Insurance, Sick Time
Categories : Insurance & Registration
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Alex
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:05 am
Ana
Definately argue that point. Their driver caused you to lose sick days. The insurance company can’t provide you with sick days but they can provide you with what sick days are worth, one day’s pay. Plus if you get sick and run out of sick days then you will be out a days pay. I definately feel that is negotiable with the adjuster.
jum4321
July 25th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Martha
The adjuster is being less than accurate. That you had benefits from a third party does not lessen his clients responsibiity for your damages. Your employer may want to be reimbursed and you have used up some of your available sick pay so there are damages. You are entitled to the hours of lost time multiplied by your hourly salary. The adjuster may be new and not realize the error. I would suggest a call to the supervisor to get this straightened out.
UwishUknewMyName
July 25th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Joseph
I’m sorry but I agree with the adjuster. You are looking to be reimbursed for sick pay, which time obviously cannot be given back. However, that I am sure was considered in the offer presented to you for “pain and suffering”
I can see where if you actually lost wages those could be claimed and reimbursed, but that is not the case here.
And how much sick time was used? Just a few hours? Or did you take entire days? Why didn’t you schedule your therapy sessions around your work schedule?
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