Insurance Company Denied Your Injury Claim? Here’s What to Do Next
Getting a letter saying an insurance company has denied your injury claim can feel like the end of the road. You may already be dealing with medical bills, missed work, and the physical impact of an accident. Now the company you expected to cover the claim is telling you no.
But an insurance company’s denial does not necessarily mean your claim is over.
At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, we’ve handled personal injury cases where an insurance company initially denied a claim, but further investigation showed there was still a legitimate path forward.
Why Would an Insurance Company Deny an Injury Claim?
Insurance companies may deny claims for many different reasons. They may dispute who was at fault, question whether an injury was caused by the accident, argue that a policy doesn’t provide coverage, or interpret the facts or applicable law differently than you do.
Whatever reason is given, it’s important to understand that the insurance company’s decision is its position on the claim. It isn’t necessarily the final word.
Before assuming you have no other options, it may be worth having an experienced personal injury attorney review the circumstances surrounding the accident, the applicable insurance policies, and the reason for the denial.
A Denied Claim May Deserve a Second Look
We’ve seen firsthand why that second look can matter.
In one recent case, another law firm withdrew after an insurance company denied the client’s claim. The clients came to Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland to find out whether anything else could be done.
The case involved a commercial vehicle. After reviewing the facts and the federal law that applied to the situation, our attorneys disagreed with the insurance company’s position.
Our clients completed their medical treatment, and we presented the claim to the insurance company. After negotiations, the insurer ultimately paid the full claim our clients expected to recover.
Every case is different, and a result in one case never guarantees the outcome of another. But the case illustrates an important point: a denied insurance claim may still be worth investigating.
What Should You Do After an Insurance Claim Is Denied?
Start by finding out exactly why the insurance company denied the claim. Keep the denial letter, insurance information, accident report, medical records, correspondence with the insurer, and any other documents related to the accident.
Most importantly, don’t assume the denial is automatically correct or that you have no legal options.
An experienced personal injury attorney can review the facts, examine the applicable insurance coverage and law, and determine whether there is a legitimate basis to challenge the insurer’s position.
There are also legal deadlines that can affect personal injury claims in Georgia, so waiting too long to seek advice can create additional problems.
Don’t Assume a Denial Is the Final Answer
When an insurance company denies a claim, it can be discouraging. But before you walk away from a potentially valid personal injury claim, make sure you understand why it was denied and whether that decision should be challenged.
Sometimes the difference is simply having someone willing to look deeper into the facts and the law.
If your personal injury claim has been denied, the attorneys at Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland can help you better understand your options. Visit the Contact page on our website to get in touch with our team and request a consultation.
Written by Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland