This is highly dependent on the type of claim at issue. In a vehicular crash, there is a type of insurance that Connecticut requires all of us to have and it is called “uninsured motorist coverage”. This is coverage that is required on all automobile insurance policies at a minimum of $25,000. So, if you were injured in a car crash and the person at fault does not have insurance, you can make a claim against your own auto policy. What we often see is that someone is seriously injured, and the minimum limit of $25,000 is not enough to cover their more significant losses. So buying more uninsured motorist coverage with your auto policy is a good rule to live by. Buy as much as you can comfortably afford. The protection is worth it. We highly recommend at least $300,000 and more if you are able.
For injuries resulting from medical negligence, the state of Connecticut requires all licensed doctors to have a minimum of $500,000. Often doctors carry higher limits, and hospitals usually have much higher limits. If a doctor causes serious injury and does not have enough insurance coverage, the doctor’s personal assets are at risk.
For injuries caused by dangerous products, the insurance varies by the size of the company manufacturing and selling the product. It is unusual for there to be no insurance, but if that happens, then there is no practical claim that can be brought unless the company has a lot of assets.
There are many different types of injury claims. We investigate each thoroughly and determine if there is insurance coverage and how much. If we do not believe the claim is practical because there is no insurance or not enough insurance or other assets to fairly compensate you for your injuries, we will tell you this and advise you not to waste your time and energy bringing a claim. As the old saying goes, “You cannot get blood out of a stone.”