When insurance companies are faced with a wrongful death claim, their priority is almost always minimizing the payout, not fully compensating the grieving family.
Even when responsibility seems clear, insurers use trained adjusters and lawyers to investigate every angle, looking for ways to deny coverage, shift blame, or dispute the extent of losses.
Understanding how they do this and what tactics they use is helpful for victims so they know how to fight back and get what they truly deserve. For help navigating the legal process during the difficult time, reach out to our experienced Washington DC wrongful death lawyers for a free consultation.
Insurance Companies Often Try to Reduce or Deny The Claim
Insurance companies rely on a variety of tactics to limit payouts in wrongful death cases, making it much harder for families to receive the compensation they deserve. Being aware of these methods can help you recognize when your family’s interests may not truly be at the forefront. Common tactics include:
Quick, Lowball Settlement Offers Before the Family Has Legal Counsel
Insurers often present an early settlement check for far less than the claim is worth, hoping families will accept quickly before talking to an experienced personal injury lawyer or understanding the long-term impact. This tactic is designed to close your claim fast and prevent you from discovering the full value of your loss.
Blaming the Decedent or Third Parties to Reduce Liability
Insurance adjusters will examine the accident closely, searching for evidence they can use to argue the deceased or others are to blame for the fatal incident, potentially reducing or eliminating their client’s responsibility.
Shifting blame onto someone else can drastically lower or even erase the payment an insurer is obligated to provide.
Minimizing Non-Economic Damages and the Family’s Emotional Loss
Insurance companies often minimize the emotional loss that families suffer after these devastating events. Because these damages are intangible and difficult to calculate, these companies often see this as a good place to try to cut your compensation.
Requesting Broad Authorizations to Medical and Mental Health Records
Insurance companies often try to get broad access to the decedent’s medical and mental health records. They do this to look for past problems that they’ll argue could have been at least a partial cause of their death, giving them a way to reduce the payout.
Using Delays, Repeated Document Requests, and “Waiting Out” the Family’s Financial Stress
Insurance companies may request documents they already have or even ones they don’t need. They’re also slow to respond to any of your requests or questions. They sometimes do this hoping that families will get frustrated with the process and either abandon their claim altogether or accept a low settlement just to get the process over with.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Levels the Playing Field
A wrongful death lawyer makes a significant difference when dealing with insurance companies determined to put their interests ahead of your family’s needs. With a legal advocate on your side, the process becomes fairer and often more successful. Here’s what they can do to assist:
Taking Over All Communication with the Insurance Company
Your accident attorney in Washington, DC handles every call, email, and written request so the insurance adjuster talks to an experienced professional instead of pressuring grieving family members directly.
Protecting Your Family from Recorded Statements and Damaging Paperwork
Lawyers know which questions are designed to trap you and will keep you from making statements or signing anything that could weaken your claim.
Identifying Every Available Insurance Policy and Liable Party
Your lawyer will look at the incident to determine every person or entity that could be responsible for your loved one’s death and then review that insurance policy to see what you’re entitled to and how to get it.
Working with Experts to Fully Quantify the Economic and Human Loss
Attorneys consult economists, vocational experts, and even grief counselors to properly value both direct financial damages and deeper personal impacts like lost companionship or parental guidance.
Preparing the Claim as If It Will Go to Trial to Increase Settlement Leverage
From day one, your lawyer builds and documents a case as though it will eventually see a courtroom, which makes insurers more likely to offer a fair settlement in order to avoid costly litigation.
Dealing with insurance companies and their tactics after losing a loved one is overwhelming, to say the least. You should be focusing on your grief and your family during this difficult time.
If you have any questions or are ready to get started with your claim, our legal team is here to help you with every aspect of the legal claim so you can heal. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.