Is racial injustice in personal injury claims?

Published: 07/25/2023

With the Supreme Court decision rejecting affirmative action in selective higher education institutions, it is important to address the growing concern for racial injustice in the legal system in particular. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that racial injustice exists in personal injury claims. This injustice can manifest in several ways, including:

 

• • Lower settlement amounts: Studies have shown that people of color, particularly Black people, are more likely to receive lower settlement amounts in personal injury claims. For example, one study found that Black people were offered an average of $3,000 less than white people in car accident settlements.

• • Less favorable treatment by insurance companies: Insurance companies have been accused of discriminating against people of color in a number of ways, including denying claims, offering lower settlement amounts, and delaying payments. 

• Unconscious bias: Even when insurance companies and other entities are not intentionally discriminating, unconscious bias can still play a role in how personal injury claims are handled. 

Our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers have seen how a lack of compensation can affect our clients, which is why we are devoted to providing the most personal care to each case and making sure that we fight for the compensation they deserve. These disparities can have many negative consequences for people of color, including:

 

• • Financial hardship: Lower settlement amounts can make it difficult for people of color to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to their injuries.

• • Emotional distress: The experience of being discriminated against can be emotionally devastating, and it can make it difficult for people to heal from their injuries.

• • Distrust of the legal system: When people of color feel like they have been mistreated in the personal injury process, it can lead to skepticism of the legal system and a reluctance to seek justice.

With the Supreme Court decision on July 1, 2023, we need to put a greater communal effort toward achieving racial equality. Racial injustice in personal injury claims is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. By acknowledging the existence of racial bias, providing representation to those who need it, and empowering the community, we can work towards a more just legal system. Together, we can fight for the compensation and justice that everyone deserves.