Stopping Dishonesty in Its Tracks: 5 Ways How Certain Insurance Companies Play Games with Disability Claims

Long-term disability insurance is a crucial part of a person’s coverage portfolio, as it provides protection and peace of mind in the event of a debilitating mental condition, disease, or injury. However, this coverage will only help you if you’re able to file a successful claim, and some companies go to extraordinary lengths to minimize those payouts. Below, you will learn some of the insurance industry’s most common tricks and how to beat them at their own game.

Playing the Hand They’re Dealt

Disability insurers nearly always have an advantage over claimants because they have enough resources to obstruct and delay a case. In a situation where a claimant lacks legal representation, they’ll use the complexities of the claims process to their benefit. The result of these stall tactics: the insurance company saves money and the disabled person goes without important benefits.

Denying Everything

Denying an initial claim and questioning the legitimacy of a person’s disability is a common tactic among insurance companies. In fact, most disability claims are initially denied. Having a disability lawyer on your side will make a substantial difference when it’s time to pursue an appeal and get the long-term benefits you need.

Playing “Mr. Nice Guy”

While we’re not saying that there are no genuinely kind people working for insurance companies, most aren’t there to be nice; they’re there to do a job. It’s important to remember that, if the insurance company offers you a settlement, it probably won’t be in your best interest, but theirs. Insurance companies are in the business to make a profit, and they put the bottom line above ensuring that claimants have the ability to make ends meet.

Convincing Claimants to Give Recorded Statements

No matter what an insurance adjuster says, there’s no requirement for an official statement. In fact, you don’t have to discuss your disability claim outside of your attorney’s presence. Insurers often try to record interviews to get claimants to inadvertently give out damaging information. The circumstances of your claim are crucial, and the insurer may try to shift some of the blame onto you. Visit the website for more tips when suing insurance companies.

Putting Claimants Under Surveillance

It’s very common for long-term disability insurers to put claimants under surveillance, and in many cases, they get someone on your case immediately. The primary reason: long-term disability claims are expensive, and the only way they can save money is to prove that you’re not as disabled as you claim to be.

A private investigator or surveillance expert will hang around the same places you do, hoping to catch you doing something that limits or invalidates your disability claim. For instance, if your back injury keeps you from doing any heavy lifting, they may take videos or photos of you holding something that looks heavy. In some cases, they will even scan your social media profiles. If you posted pictures of the last family get-together, they may say that your activities exceeded a disabled person’s capabilities. They’re trying to trip you up, so be careful.

In Closing

Disability claims are complex enough without having to fight the insurance company and its stall tactics to get the compensation you deserve. By knowing how these companies manipulate the system, and by working with an experienced disability attorney, you’re more likely to get your claim approved the first time around. For more tips and advice, visit the website or consult a lawyer today.