When an insurance company delays your claim, you may face long waits, slow answers, and rising costs. These delays occur across many insurance claim types, including auto, homeowners, and medical insurance. National reports show that many claims processing times exceed expected timelines, and some are stalled or denied.
These delays harm victims by creating high medical bills, car repairs, and stress during an already difficult time. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, we help people understand their legal rights and the steps they can take to advance their claim. We guide you through the claim process so you do not face these issues alone.
Why Insurance Companies Delay Claims
Insurance companies often use delay tactics during the claims process to protect their own profits. These actions can affect car accident, homeowners’, or life insurance claims. Some delays are caused by poor customer service, but others involve bad-faith practices under insurance law. We help you identify these tactics and protect your claim from further harm.
Adjusters Requesting Excessive Documentation
Some insurance adjusters ask for extra medical records, repair estimates, or video and photographic evidence that is not necessary for the claim. These requests may intentionally stall the investigation phase. Long requests can also overwhelm victims who already face pain and suffering or post-traumatic stress disorder after a car accident. This kind of delay counts as a bad-faith tactic under insurance code rules. We help you determine what claim documentation is actually required.
Slow Internal Review Processes
Many insurance companies slow the claims processing steps by dragging out internal reviews. They may “lose” claim submission files or move your case between departments to extend the payment timeline. These delays may violate claims settlement laws such as the Prompt Payment of Claims Act. A slow review can delay your ability to repair your car or get medical attention. Our team steps in to advance the claim.
Delays Aimed at Pressuring Low Settlements
Some insurers delay payment to force victims into accepting less than fair value. This is common in car accidents, personal injury, and residential insurance claims. When victims face financial pressure, an insurance payout that is too low may seem better than waiting longer. These bad-faith insurance practices may justify legal action such as a bad-faith lawsuit. We help you avoid accepting low offers during pre-suit negotiations.
How Claim Delays Affect Your Case
Insurance delays can cause serious trouble for you and your family. Medical expenses and medical errors may grow when bills pile up with no insurance payment to help. Property damage repairs for your car may stop, leaving you without transportation. These delays also increase the risk of missing the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim or a bad-faith insurance lawsuit.
You may also face claim denial if the insurer blames disputes over the cause of damage on a slow “investigation.” Many victims suffer stress, emotional trauma, and hardship as they wait. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, we guide you through dispute resolution and help you move your legal case forward.
Steps to Take When Your Claim Is Delayed
A claim delay can happen in car accident claims, homeowners’ insurance claims, medical malpractice cases, or even after natural disasters. These delays can create stress and payment delays, hurting your finances. Taking clear steps early helps protect your legal rights and prevent further payment delays. We guide you through each part of this process so you do not face the insurer alone.
Document Every Interaction With the Insurance Company
Write down every call, email, and message with the insurance company. List dates, names, and details about what was said. This record becomes important if the insurer engages in bad-faith business practices or later tries to deny claim approval. It can also help if your case enters the civil court system. We use this information to support your claim settlement.
Request Written Explanations for the Delay
Ask the insurer for written reasons behind the claim delay or extended claim processing times. This can reveal issues tied to policy exclusions, coverage details, or inspections. Written responses help us evaluate payment delays and spot delaying payment tactics. They also create a clear trail for a future demand letter. This step protects your claim.
Provide Only Necessary Information
You should give only what the insurer needs, such as police reports, witness statements, and basic claim documentation. Extra information may slow the claim process. Some insurers use broad requests to stall homeowners’ insurance claims or uninsured motorist cases. We help you understand what is required. This keeps your claim moving.
Avoid Recorded Statements Without Legal Guidance
Recorded statements can harm your case if you do not know your rights. Some for-profit organizations use these statements to reduce payouts. Always speak with an insurance attorney before agreeing to a recording. This step prevents mistakes during claim settlement. We protect your interests during these talks.
Oklahoma Insurance Laws That Protect You
Oklahoma insurance laws help protect victims from unfair claim handling. These laws apply to auto, life, and residential insurance claims. Understanding these rules helps you respond to delays and demand fair treatment. We explain each rule in simple terms so you feel confident and informed.
Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act
This law prohibits insurers from using unfair tactics, such as false reasons for delay or ignoring claim documentation. It also protects you from bad-faith business practices. We assess your case to determine whether the insurer violated these rules. Violations may result in an extra payment, including a prompt payment penalty. This law supports your rights.
Deadlines Insurance Companies Must Follow
Insurers must review claims within a set timeline. They must also give clear answers and avoid unreasonable delays. These deadlines protect victims facing medical bills, car repairs, or damage after natural disasters. We track these dates to hold the insurer accountable. This helps move your claim forward.
Your Right to File a Bad-Faith Claim
If the insurer delays, denies, or mishandles your claim without a valid reason, you may file a bad-faith claim. This can lead to compensation for losses, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages. It applies to auto insurance, homeowners’ insurance, and medical claims. We help you decide when legal action is needed. This ensures your rights stay protected.
How Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
We work to protect victims harmed by claim delay tactics. Our team understands insurance law, claims processes, and how insurers try to avoid paying. We guide you through each part of the claim to keep things moving. When delays continue, we take stronger steps to enforce your rights. Our goal is to secure fair value for your losses.
We help by:
- Reviewing delays and identifying violations linked to delaying payment.
- Communicating with insurers on your behalf so you do not face adjusters alone.
- Protecting your right to full compensation, including payment of all covered losses.
- Preparing your claim for litigation if necessary, including a bad-faith lawsuit.
How to Prevent Claim Delays From the Start
You can take steps early to reduce the risk of claim delay. These steps apply to car accidents, medical, homeowners’ insurance, and other insurance claims. By acting early, you improve your chance of fast claim approval. We guide you through each part so your claim stays on track.
Collect and Submit Strong Evidence Early
Strong proof helps move the claim process faster. Provide police reports, witness statements, repair estimates, and video and photographic evidence. This prevents disputes over the cause of damage. We help you organize all the evidence so nothing is missed. This step reduces delay.
Follow Medical Treatment Consistently
Stay consistent with all medical attention and treatment plans. Gaps in care raise questions about injuries and can slow claim processing. This applies to medical malpractice claims and car accident cases. We help you gather all records. This supports your case.
Respond Promptly to Insurance Requests
Reply promptly to insurer requests for documents or updates. Delayed responses can extend the payment timeline. We help you understand which requests are fair and which relate to bad faith. This improves your chance of a smooth settlement.
Signs the Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith
Some insurers use unfair tactics to avoid paying claims. These actions may appear in car accident, property, or other loss claims. Knowing these signs helps you respond early. We review your case to confirm whether bad faith is involved. These signs may justify legal help.
Watch for signs such as:
- Ignoring communication or refusing to answer questions.
- Misrepresenting policy language to limit your payout.
- Deliberate stalling tactics to avoid claim settlement.
- Incorrectly denying valid claims without clear reasons.
When You Should Hire a Lawyer for a Delayed Claim
Some delays reach a point where you need legal help to protect your rights. We step in to challenge bad-faith behavior, unfair review times, and low offers. You should not face the insurer alone. Our team helps you push the claim forward and prepare for stronger action if needed. A public adjuster can help with some issues, but we guide you when the law becomes involved.
You should contact us when:
- Delays exceed normal review times, and answers stop coming.
- The insurer gives inconsistent reasons, which are confusing.
- Medical bills grow, and no payment arrives.
- Settlement offers are extremely low, far below fair value.
We stand ready to help you move forward.
FAQs
How long can an insurance company legally delay a claim?
Insurers must follow prompt-payment rules. Long delays without valid reasons may violate the Prompt Payment of Claims Act and insurance code guidelines.
What documents do insurers need to process a claim?
Most insurers need police reports, witness statements, photos, repair estimates, and medical records. Extra requests may be a delay tactic.
Can I sue for unreasonable delays?
Yes. If the insurer uses bad-faith business practices or delays payment without cause, you may file a bad-faith lawsuit in the civil court system.
Will claim delays affect my final settlement amount?
Delays do not change the claim value, but they increase stress and may cause unpaid medical bills. We work to protect your full settlement amount.
How do I know if my claim is being handled in bad faith?
Signs include ignored calls, false reasons for delay, misused policy exclusions, and unfair claim denial. We review your case to confirm violations.
Should I keep calling the insurance adjuster during delays?
You should document all contacts, but constant calls may not help. We handle communication for you to reduce pressure and protect your claim.
Contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers for Help With a Delayed Claim
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers, we help people facing long claim delays and unfair insurance tactics. Our team explains your consumer protections and how insurance laws support your rights. We review your claim, check coverage details, and step in to stop delay tactics. Legal representation can speed up claim approval, improve communication, and prevent bad-faith actions. Early help also protects you from missing deadlines tied to the statute of limitations.
We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. You can speak with our team, learn your options, and get clear guidance on your next steps. Reach out today so we can help you move your claim forward.
