How Can an Insurance Company’s Actions Lead to Emotional Distress?
An insurance company’s actions can cause emotional distress when an injured person is already dealing with pain, medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. Delays, repeated claim denials, pressure to accept low settlements, and poor communication can add another layer of stress during an already difficult period.
When an insurer repeatedly ignores communications or makes an injured person fight for benefits that should be reasonably evaluated, the emotional impact can be significant. In some situations, a person may even wonder whether they have grounds to sue the company for emotional distress.
This is where a personal injury lawyer can make a meaningful difference. An attorney can review the insurer’s conduct and determine whether the emotional distress is part of the underlying personal injury claim.
Delaying a Legitimate Insurance Claim
Waiting for an insurance company to make a decision can become extremely stressful, particularly when medical bills and everyday expenses continue to arrive. If an insurer repeatedly delays investigating or resolving a claim, the injured person may worry about how they will pay for treatment and support their family.
That uncertainty can contribute to anxiety, frustration, and sleeplessness. For example, under California Insurance Code § 790.03(h), certain unfair claims settlement practices include failing to adopt reasonable standards for investigating claims and failing to conduct reasonable investigations.
Repeatedly Denying or Questioning the Claim
An insurance company may dispute the extent of an injury, question medical treatment, or deny parts of a claim. When an injured person has medical records and other evidence supporting the injury, repeatedly having to defend the claim can feel exhausting.
The person may begin to feel that their injuries are being ignored or that they must constantly prove what they have experienced. A personal injury lawyer can review the insurer's reasons for denying or reducing the claim and determine whether the decision can be challenged.
Pressuring Someone to Accept a Low Settlement
Financial pressure can make a quick settlement offer especially difficult to deal with. An injured person may feel forced to choose between accepting less compensation than they need or continuing a stressful dispute while medical expenses accumulate.
This pressure can increase feelings of anxiety and helplessness. An injury attorney can evaluate the available evidence and help an injured person understand whether a proposed settlement reasonably reflects their losses.
Poor Communication and Uncertainty
Repeatedly calling an insurer without receiving clear answers can add considerable stress. Conflicting information from different representatives, unanswered messages, or unexplained changes in the claim process can leave an injured person unsure about what will happen next.
Disputing Medical Treatment
Insurance disputes over medical treatment can be particularly upsetting. When an insurer questions whether certain treatment is necessary, an injured person may worry about continuing care or whether future medical expenses will be covered.
For someone recovering from a serious accident, this uncertainty can make the physical recovery even harder emotionally. A skilled lawyer can gather medical documentation and other evidence to present a clearer picture of the injuries and treatment needs.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Insurance problems can become emotionally draining when they continue for weeks or months. A personal injury lawyer can help by:
- Reviewing the insurer’s claim-handling conduct
- Gathering medical and financial evidence
- Communicating with the insurance company
- Negotiating for appropriate compensation
- Determining whether the insurer may have violated applicable laws
- Evaluating whether emotional distress may form part of the damages claimed
Key Takeaways
- Claim delays can create financial uncertainty and anxiety.
- Repeated denials can make an injured person feel ignored and overwhelmed.
- Low settlement offers can create pressure when medical bills and lost income are mounting.
- Poor communication can add frustration and uncertainty.
- Disputes over medical treatment can make recovery more stressful.
- A personal injury lawyer can help address the insurance dispute while protecting the injured person’s legal interests.
