Ways Insurance Companies May Devalue or Deny Claims
Insurance companies often use various tactics to devalue or deny valid claims, prioritizing their bottom line over fair compensation. It is important to understand these methods so you can protect your rights and only accept a fair settlement.
If you or a loved one have sustained serious injuries, contact our Paducah personal injury attorneys at Bryant Law Center today. Schedule your free consultation.
1. Fast and Low Settlement Offers
Following an accident, insurance companies often present a settlement offer quickly, sometimes before you fully grasp the extent of your personal injuries or property damage. While these offers might be appealing—particularly when expenses start piling up—they frequently fall short of covering the full amount you deserve. Accepting an early settlement could mean giving up your right to seek additional compensation in the future.
2. Disputing Liability to Shift Blame
Even when clear evidence indicates their policyholder was responsible, insurance companies often challenge liability. By attributing some or all of the blame to the claimant, they can minimize their payout or reject claims entirely. Without strong supporting proof, claimants may find it difficult to counter these strategies.
3. Delaying the Claims Process
Some insurance companies deliberately slow down the claims process to pressure claimants into accepting reduced settlements out of financial desperation. Common delay tactics include repeatedly asking for more paperwork, extending so-called investigations, and citing staff shortages or overwhelming claim volumes.
4. Requesting Excessive Documentation
Insurers may also try to slow down the claims process by demanding an excessive amount of documentation, such as extensive medical records, receipts, or paperwork unrelated to the incident. These requests can serve as a delay tactic or a way to uncover discrepancies that allow them to reduce or deny compensation.
5. Arguing Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance companies frequently attempt to link injuries to pre-existing conditions, arguing that the accident did not actually cause them. For instance, if you have a prior history of back issues, the insurer may claim that your current pain stems from that condition rather than the accident. Without strong medical documentation directly connecting your injuries to the incident, they can use this approach to undervalue or deny your claim.
6. Using Statements Against You
Shortly after an accident, insurance adjusters may request a recorded statement, claiming they need to “clarify details.” In reality, they are often searching for anything that could be used to reduce your payout. Even a simple comment like, “I feel fine,” might be twisted to suggest your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
7. Downplaying Medical Treatment Needs
Insurance companies often challenge the necessity or length of your medical treatment, claiming that certain procedures, such as physical therapy, are excessive or unwarranted. In some cases, they may deny coverage for specific treatments altogether. To further reduce payouts, insurers sometimes require “independent” medical exams conducted by doctors who tend to align with their interests, ultimately downplaying the severity of your injuries.
How a Kentucky Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
To protect yourself against these strategies, collect extensive evidence from the accident scene, such as photographs, witness details, and medical records. Keep a record of all communications with the insurance company, including emails and phone conversations. Additionally, refrain from providing a recorded statement or agreeing to any settlement before speaking with a knowledgeable Kentucky Personal Injury Lawyer. Our lawyers can protect your claim by gathering strong evidence for you, handling communications with the insurance company, and ensuring you do not fall victim to bad-faith tactics. They can challenge unfair liability disputes, counter low settlement offers with solid legal arguments, and, if necessary, take the case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.