Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Deny or Reduce Injury Claims

Insurance companies often employ a range of tactics to deny or reduce injury claims. Understanding these strategies can help you better navigate the claims process and protect your rights. Here are some common tactics that our Seattle injury lawyers often see:

1. Delaying the Claims Process

Insurance companies may delay the investigation process, hoping you’ll become frustrated and accept a lower settlement or drop the claim altogether. They might also repeatedly ask for additional or irrelevant documentation to delay the claim.

2. Disputing Liability

The insurer might dispute who is at fault in the accident, shifting blame onto you or suggesting shared responsibility, which can reduce the settlement amount. Adjusters may take statements out of context or manipulate words to imply that you admitted fault or downplayed your injuries.

3. Minimizing Injuries

Insurers often question the extent of the injuries, suggesting they are less severe than claimed or that they were pre-existing conditions. They may require an independent medical evaluation (IME) by a doctor chosen by the insurance company, who might downplay the injuries to reduce the claim value.

4. Offering Lowball Settlements

Insurers may offer a quick, low settlement soon after the injury, hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries or damages. Knowing that you may be under financial stress, insurers might use this to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement.

5. Misrepresenting Policy Terms

Insurers may misinterpret or misrepresent the policy terms to suggest certain damages or injuries are not covered. They might argue that certain benefits or coverages do not apply, even if they do, according to the policy terms.

6. Disputing Treatment Costs

Insurance companies may argue that medical treatments were unnecessary or overpriced, and refuse to cover the full cost. They might base reimbursements on what they claim are “usual and customary” charges for medical services in a particular area, which could be lower than the actual costs.

7. Surveillance and Investigation

Insurance companies sometimes use surveillance to monitor your activities, looking for evidence that contradicts their injury claims. Insurers may scrutinize your social media accounts for posts or photos that they can use to argue the injury is not as severe as claimed.

8. Disputing Wage Loss Claims

Insurers might dispute wage loss claims by questioning your employment status or arguing that you could return to work sooner than claimed. They may minimize your reported lost earnings, particularly if you’re self-employed or have irregular income.

9. Technical Denials

Insurance companies may deny claims for failing to meet deadlines, such as not reporting the injury promptly or not filing the claim within the statute of limitations. Denials might occur due to technicalities in paperwork, such as incomplete forms or minor errors in documentation.

10. Pressuring to Settle Before Legal Consultation

Insurers might discourage you from seeking legal advice, suggesting it will complicate the process or result in less money. They may push for a quick settlement before you’ve had time to consult with an attorney or fully assess your injuries.

Contact Brumley Law Firm

If you’ve been injured and are facing the daunting task of dealing with an insurance claim, don’t go through it alone. At Brumley Law Firm, we’re here to protect your rights and ensure you get the full compensation you deserve. Our experienced team knows how to navigate the complexities of injury claims and will stand by your side every step of the way.

Don’t risk having your claim undervalued or denied. Contact Brumley Law Firm today by calling (833) 832-2727 or using our online form for a free consultation, and let us fight for you. Your recovery is our priority – let us handle the rest.