Archive for May, 2012

More Claims May Mean More Cases

In addition to the recent post on dog bites, another area that you may want to consider paying attention to is Veteran Disability cases. According to the Associated Press, 45 percent of veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are now seeking disability benefits. The different types of ailments are now up to eight to nine on average per afflicted veteran as compared to fewer than four for Vietnam vets.

This spike is due to many issues, including more soldiers surviving wounds due to better body armor and better field care, and more awareness of problems such as PTSD. The unemployment rate is not making matters any better, as returning veterans struggle to find employment. And as the population of veterans from these wars expands and ages, the spending will only rise. A recent article from CBS News reports that in 25 years the government expects to be spending $59 billion a year to compensate injured soldiers. What is the cost right now? Nearly the same as paying interest on the national debt.

Unfortunately, veterans have a long waiting time for their disability evaluation – more than a year on average. But when they are compensated, payments range from $127 per month for a 10 percent disability to $2,769 for a full one, according to the Washington Post.

Contact Market Masters-Legal if you are interested in adding Veteran Disability cases to your mix of TV commercials (See: TV commercials For Attorneys) or website content.

Biting Back

The question keeps coming up from licensees.  Is there anything else that we should consider pursuing in our advertising so as to diversify our “portfolio”.  Well, if you are not actively marketing for Dog Bite cases already, you may want to strongly consider doing so.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, almost $479 million in liability claims associated with dog bites was paid last year.  State Farm alone paid more than $109 million according to USA Today.

What is the average dog bite claim worth?  Just under $30K in 2011.  That’s up over 50% from 2004.  The Insurance Information Institute sites among the reasons that the sizes of settlements, judgments and jury awards has paced ahead of inflation.  The unfortunate reality is that kids are more often the victims.  It is not surprising that this would lead to juries more sympathetic to plaintiffs.

Market Masters-Legal licensees have access to powerful TV commercials and compelling website content targeting Dog Bite cases.  Contact us if interested in adding to your mix.