In the evolving landscape of personal injury and workers' compensation claims, injured individuals are facing new challenges—and new sources of support. From Virginia to Florida, the rise of artificial intelligence in insurance claims processing is reshaping how cases are evaluated, while seasoned attorneys across the country emphasize the importance of legal guidance to navigate these complexities.
Corey Pollard, a leading Virginia workers’ compensation attorney with over a decade of experience, is stepping up to help injured workers understand their rights and maximize benefits. His firm, based in Richmond, offers free consultations to those hurt on the job, aiming to demystify a process that can often feel overwhelming and hostile. "Too many workers in Virginia don’t realize what they’re entitled to," Pollard said. "Insurance companies often push back, delay, or underpay claims—and without proper legal support, workers can be left without the benefits they need to recover and provide for their families." His firm assists with everything from denied claims to settlement negotiations, representing clients in hearings before the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission and guiding them through evaluations like maximum medical improvement (MMI) and functional capacity evaluations (FCEs).
Pollard’s firm has helped hundreds of Virginians recover benefits after suffering from a wide range of injuries, including back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and repetitive stress injuries. His services span multiple industries such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, underscoring the broad impact of workplace injuries across the state.
Meanwhile, across the country, the personal injury arena is undergoing a quieter but equally significant transformation: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into insurance claims evaluation. In 2025, insurance carriers increasingly rely on AI algorithms to assess claims, detect fraud, and assign settlement values. These systems analyze a variety of factors—medical billing codes, treatment history, claimant demographics, geographic data, and injury severity—to determine what insurers consider the "optimal" payout.
On paper, this data-driven approach promises speed and consistency. But, as experts warn, it also raises serious fairness concerns. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has highlighted the lack of transparency in these AI tools, which often operate as black boxes inaccessible to claimants and their attorneys. This opacity can lead to undervaluing non-economic damages such as emotional distress or pain and suffering, and geographic discrimination where certain zip codes with historically low payouts skew results downward.
Florida has become a focal point in addressing these challenges. In March 2025, the state passed Senate Bill 794, mandating that all AI-generated claim denials be reviewed by a licensed human professional before becoming final. This move aims to preserve accountability and reduce tech-driven bias. Additionally, Florida has tightened its legal framework by shortening the statute of limitations for negligence cases from four years to two and adopting a modified comparative negligence rule, barring recovery if a claimant is found more than 50% at fault. These changes make timely expert legal representation more critical than ever.
Other states, including California and New York, are exploring similar legislation to enhance transparency and consumer protection regarding AI use in insurance. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is also developing best practices to ensure ethical AI deployment. Yet, the pace of AI adoption still outstrips regulatory oversight, leaving many claimants vulnerable to decisions made by opaque algorithms.
Attorneys nationwide are adapting their strategies to this new reality. Some demand algorithmic transparency during discovery, while others enlist forensic experts to scrutinize how AI systems calculate settlement offers. The modern legal advocate must blend courtroom savvy with technological fluency to effectively challenge AI-driven outcomes.
For individuals facing personal injury claims, experienced legal counsel remains invaluable. Craig Swapp and Ryan Swapp of Craig Swapp & Associates emphasize that personal injury attorneys are not just motivated by money but are allies during some of the hardest moments in a person’s life. "We meet people after serious accidents, dealing with pain, lost work, and fear about the future," Craig Swapp explained. Their firm helps clients recover compensation for medical expenses and lost income, ensuring fair treatment against powerful insurance companies. They also dismantle the myth that only major accidents warrant legal help, noting that even minor incidents—like a fender bender causing whiplash or emergency room visits—can have significant consequences. Their message, "One Call, That's All," reflects a streamlined process where one call initiates comprehensive support, with most cases settling quickly and privately.
Similarly, the Burton Law Firm in Raleigh, North Carolina, advises caution when dealing directly with insurance adjusters. They stress that claimants are not obligated to provide recorded statements immediately after an accident and should avoid detailed discussions about the cause or severity of injuries without legal counsel. "What you say can affect the outcome of your claim," the firm warns. They recommend sticking to basic facts, avoiding speculation, and being wary of quick settlement offers, which often undervalue the claim and waive future rights. Their 24/7 live call answering and free consultations aim to empower injured individuals to make informed decisions and navigate the insurance labyrinth with confidence.
As the personal injury and workers’ compensation fields evolve, the intersection of technology, law, and human experience becomes ever more complex. AI offers undeniable efficiencies but also risks reducing deeply personal injuries to cold calculations. Meanwhile, dedicated attorneys like Corey Pollard, the Swapp brothers, and the Burton Law Firm remain steadfast advocates, ensuring that behind every claim is a real person whose pain and story deserve full recognition and fair treatment.
Whether dealing with workplace injuries in Virginia, AI-driven claim evaluations in Florida, or the intricacies of insurance negotiations elsewhere, one truth remains clear: informed, timely legal support can make all the difference in securing justice and financial recovery.
