When accidents happen, insurance companies often rush to offer quick settlements. But according to personal injury attorney Chris Mova, these swift payouts can actually be devastating to family finances.
“In diverse communities like Canarsie, families might not be familiar with the US legal system,” explains Mova, the founder of Mova Law Group Personal Injury Attorneys.
As the child of immigrants, it was a lesson Mova learned firsthand. At age seven, Mova suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. His parents accepted a quick $2,000 settlement, unaware they were signing away rights to future medical care. Shortly after, Mova developed a stutter requiring years of therapy — treatment the insurance wouldn’t cover because of the signed release.
For families, particularly those juggling multiple jobs and family responsibilities, the pressure to accept a quick settlement can be intense. But Mova warns that rushing into these agreements can have long-lasting consequences.
His message for Canarsie families? “Take time to understand your rights. What seems like a generous offer today might not cover tomorrow’s medical bills.”
For free legal resources and assistance, Brooklyn residents can contact the NYC Bar Association’s Legal Referral Service or local community organizations that provide guidance in multiple languages.
If you have an accident, be that on the roads or at the workplace, Mova recommends doing the following:
- Document all injuries, even minor ones;
- Get evaluated at nearby hospitals like Brookdale or Kings County;
- Keep records of all missed work days;
- Consider future medical needs;
- Don’t sign anything without professional review.