How Long does an Insurance Company Have to Pay a Claim?

How Long does an Insurance Company Have to Pay a Claim? The amount of time that an insurance company has to pay your claim will often vary based on the state. While some regions provide a definitive deadline, others give an ambiguous amount of time. This aspect means companies sometimes do not have a specific period for dealing with claims. In this post, we will discuss how long an insurance company has to pay a claim. We will also briefly explain the various damages you may be able to recover.

Can You Follow up on Your Claim if the Insurer Takes Too Long?

If you live in a state with no specific duration to pay insurance claims, you may wonder if it is appropriate or legal to follow up on your case. However, the law does not prohibit you from contacting an insurer to inquire about your claim. Therefore, you may contact their office if your request exceeds a reasonable duration with no communication. After that, you can request periodic updates regarding your case's progress. You may also ask for a copy of your claim file from insurance adjusters. This measure will help you evaluate how the company is handling your claim.

What to Do If an Insurer Offers a Meager Settlement?

If an insurance company offers a meager settlement after analyzing your case, you have to option to reject it. If you do, you can try to negotiate a better offer by presenting additional proof that your damages exceed the provided amount.  However, if the company refuses to increase the reimbursement, you may have the option to pursue other legal options. For example, you can file a lawsuit against the firm or the liable party. In this instance, you can ask the insurer why they lowered the claim and possibly use their feedback to appeal the decision.

Can an Insurer Deliberately Delay a Claim?

Each accident or malpractice case differs based on the cause and the involved parties. Hence, some matters may need more investigation time. An insurer may also require more days to confirm damages if you did not present evidence, such as a police report. An insurance firm will notify you if it needs more time to work on your case before offering compensation. The company will likely explain why your case is pending and the duration needed for completion. It may also state if they need more evidence to confirm each damage you claim. However, sometimes insurance companies delay cases. This measure may be to influence claimants to accept a lower settlement offer. Though it is tempting to take any compensation when experiencing financial challenges, it is best to wait until the insurer offers a fair settlement. You can consult an attorney to determine how to deal with the delay.

Can an Insurer Deny Compensation After Receiving Your Claim?

Yes. An insurance company may deny your claim for various reasons. For example, they may argue you did not sustain the damages you seek. The party liable for the injuries may also deny fault. If you encounter such issues, determine why the company rejected the claim. After that, gather enough evidence to establish fault and prove your injuries. You can also present documents like accident reports and medical files to prove all damages.

Which Damages Can Insurance Companies Compensate?

Insurers can compensate for a broad range of damages based on how the accident affected you. For example, you may recover the cost of repairing your vehicle when you file an auto insurance claim. Besides, the company may reimburse the medical expenses you incurred due to sustained physical harm.  Another damage an insurer may pay is lost income. However, you must present proof of employment and documents indicating you failed to make a specific amount due to injuries and their secondary effects. Pain and suffering are common damages recoverable from insurance companies. These injuries refer to anguish, distress, and discomfort caused by incidents like a job or car accident, such as PTSD. If you file a wrongful death case, an insurance company may reimburse various damages related to the fatality. For example, they may cover medical expenses if the deceased received treatment before passing. The company can also refund burial and funeral costs. The damages you can claim often vary by state. You can review your state's laws to determine what you can claim.

Consult an Attorney to Follow up on a Claim

A personal injury lawyer can follow up on your claim to avoid unnecessary delays. At Dolman Law Group, we can help you file a comprehensive case against the party liable for damages.  They can also help you take appropriate legal actions if the firm exceeds the provided duration without communication. Call today to schedule a consultation.