5 Strategies Used by the Insurance Company to Devalue Your Claim
It is a scenario many have faced: after experiencing an accident, you believe you are finally on the path to resolution and recovery. You have filed your claim with the insurance company, expecting fair compensation. Yet, when the numbers come in, they are far lower than anticipated. How is this possible? You paid your premiums month after month, year after year. You know the benefits you are entitled to receive according to your policy, yet your insurance company’s settlement offer doesn’t even come close.
As it turns out, insurance companies have their playbook, and it often involves minimizing claim payouts to maximize their profits. Among these tactics are disputing medical expenses, claiming pre-existing conditions, and pointing fingers at victims. If these strategies sound unfair, it is because they are.
To level the playing field, partner with the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. to navigate challenges in recovering the compensation you deserve and stand up to insurance companies on your behalf.
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5 Strategies Used by the Insurance Company to Devalue Your Claim
The following are the most common strategies insurance companies use to devalue your claim:
1. Accepting No or Partial Liability
One of the strategies frequently employed by insurance companies to reduce the amount they pay out is to dispute liability. The following are tactics they may use:
- Shifting blame: Insurance companies may attempt to shift the blame for the accident onto you, even when evidence suggests otherwise.
- Seeking comparative negligence: Insurers may assert that you were partially responsible for the incident, hoping to reduce the amount they have to pay based on your level of fault.
To combat these tactics, your lawyer will connect and preserve evidence that supports your version of events, such as images and videos, witness statements, and police reports.
2. Lowball Settlement Offers
One of the most common strategies used by insurance companies is to present lowball settlement offers, often far below what is fair for your damages. They hope that claimants, eager to resolve financial difficulties, will accept these offers without negotiation.
3. Challenging the Extent of Your Damages
Insurers may challenge the severity of your injuries, implying they are not as serious as you claim. They will frequently scrutinize medical records and dispute the necessity of specific treatments, tests, or procedures. Additionally, they may attempt to blame pre-existing conditions as a cause of your current injuries.
4. Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies are well-versed in the art of delay, understanding that the longer they can drag out the claims process, the more likely claimants are to grow frustrated, financially strained, and eventually willing to settle for less than their claim is worth.
5. Pressuring You to Settle Quickly
Insurers may use various tactics to pressure claimants into accepting low settlements quickly. These can include threats of further delays, a sense of urgency, or implying it is the best offer you can get. Lowball offers fail to account for future losses associated with your injuries.
How the Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. Can Help You
The lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. combat unfair insurance company strategies in the following ways:
- Calculate the true value of your claim, considering present and future damages
- Identify any potential areas of omission that may increase the value of your claim
- Negotiate on your behalf to obtain the fair compensation you deserve
- Build a strong claim by gathering evidence of negligence
- Maintain detailed records of medical bills, treatments, invoices, doctor’s notes, and recommendations
- Ensure you receive the support and advocacy you need
Do not risk your compensation by dealing with insurance companies on your own. We advocate for your rights and interests during the legal process so you are able to focus on recovery.
Speak With the Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. Today
If your claim is delayed, denied, or lowballed, speak with the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. right away. We know how to fight against unjust tactics and level the playing field when your compensation is at stake. With over 30 years of experience and a track record of success, rest assured we will fight for you every step of the way.
Schedule a consultation by calling (916) 970-9100 or filling out a contact form.
