What to Do If an Insurance Company Denies Your Injury Claim

Imagine being hurt in an accident, doing everything right by filing a claim, only to get a letter in the mail saying it has been denied. For many people, that single envelope feels like a door slamming shut. Insurance companies deny claims every day, sometimes for technical reasons, sometimes for lack of paperwork, and other times because they hope you will give up. A denial does not always mean the fight is over, but it does mean you need to know your options.

Attorney Michael J. Brennan has helped countless clients challenge unfair claim denials. If your case was rejected, reach out today for a free consultation to learn what steps you can take next.

Why Insurance Companies Deny Injury Claims

When a claim gets rejected, the explanation usually comes in a letter. The language may feel formal and filled with jargon, but the reasoning often falls into a few common categories.

• Missed deadlines. Many policies require claims to be reported within a set period. If you did not submit the paperwork in time, the insurer may use that as grounds to deny it.
  
• Not enough medical proof. If your records are incomplete or the insurer believes your treatment was not tied to the accident, they may refuse coverage.
  
• Disputes about responsibility. Car accidents and other injury cases often involve disagreements over who caused the event. The company may claim their policyholder was not at fault.
  
• Preexisting conditions. If you had an old injury or health problem, insurers may argue your current condition is unrelated.
  

A denial can feel final, but it is often just the first move in a longer process. Insurance companies expect many people to stop here. Those who push back often find there is still room to fight.

Steps to Take After Receiving a Denial

The first step is not to panic. A denial does not mean your case is finished. It means you need to regroup.

1. Read the denial letter carefully. Look for the exact reason the claim was rejected. Sometimes it is as simple as missing paperwork.
   
2. Collect all documents. Keep accident reports, hospital bills, medical notes, photos, and correspondence with the insurance company in one place.
   
3. Contact the claims adjuster. Ask questions if the denial is unclear. Always keep notes and whenever possible request answers in writing.
   
4. Consider an appeal. Many companies allow you to file an internal appeal. Adding new evidence, like medical records or witness statements, may shift the outcome.
   

These steps show the insurer you are serious and willing to defend your rights.

Recognizing Bad Faith Insurance Practices

Not every denial is made in good faith. Sometimes insurance companies cross the line and violate their duty to policyholders. This is known as acting in bad faith. Examples include ignoring clear evidence of injury, delaying a claim without reason, or misrepresenting the coverage in your policy.

If an insurer denies your claim in bad faith, the consequences can go beyond your original damages. Courts may award additional compensation to punish the company and discourage similar behavior in the future. Recognizing these tactics is not always easy, which is why consulting an attorney is critical. A lawyer can identify when a denial crosses the line from a disagreement into misconduct.

How an Attorney Can Help You Challenge a Denial

Dealing with an insurance company on your own can feel like running uphill. These companies process thousands of claims every year and employ teams of lawyers whose job is to save the company money. That imbalance is why many people turn to accident attorneys when their claim is denied.

A skilled personal injury lawyer knows how to read a denial letter, identify weaknesses in the insurer’s argument, and gather the records needed to counter it. Attorneys can also negotiate directly with the company and, if necessary, file a lawsuit. In cases where insurers act in bad faith by stalling, misrepresenting coverage, or refusing valid claims, legal action may even lead to additional damages.

Attorney Michael J. Brennan has built his career helping clients push back against powerful insurance companies. Having an experienced advocate on your side ensures that your case is presented fully and fairly.

Do Not Accept a Denial Without a Fight

Getting a claim denial letter can feel like the end, but in reality it is often the beginning of a longer process. Insurance companies count on people walking away, yet those who take the time to appeal, gather evidence, and work with a lawyer often see very different results.

If your injury claim has been denied, you still have options. Attorney Michael J. Brennan is ready to review your case and guide you through the next steps. Contact his office today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding the insurance company accountable.