Medical bills: Is my lowball offer illegal?
So, you filed a claim for your medical bill, but your insurance company offered you less than what you owe. A lowball offer is not always wrong. However, if your insurance company is acting in “bad faith” by delaying or denying your initial claim to get you to take the low offer, they may be using bad faith practices, which can give rise to a claim. If you feel like you may be a victim of bad faith practices, it’s time to call MGW to review your case. Even if your insurance provider is not acting in bad faith, here are a few questions you may be asking yourself.
What is a lowball offer?
A lowball offer on your insurance claim is any offer from your insurance company that does not reasonably compensate for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
What am I entitled to?
It’s important to understand what you are legally owed under your policy. When you purchase an insurance policy, you are purchasing an agreement under good faith that if you pay your premiums on time, your insurance company will deliver an appropriate payout if a legitimate claim is made. If your policy only pays up to $50,000, but you have $90,000 in damages, a $50,000 payout is not a lowball offer. It is the maximum amount you are owed under the policy you purchased. However, if you qualify for more money under your policy and are being denied, you may have a case for a lowball offer.
How do I know if it’s a lowball offer?
A lowball offer is made in bad faith by your insurance company, so you will never be told if it’s happening or not until you speak to an attorney who can review your case and help answer your questions. However, there are often red flags that could indicate if it’s a lowball offer to get you to accept, such as:
● The offer comes very quickly.
● They shift blame to you.
● Your condition is downplayed.
● They ignore or do not address the evidence you submitted.
● They take a long time to respond to your calls or emails after the offer is sent.
What do I do if I get a lowball offer?
An offer is not the end of your claims process. After an offer is made, it’s important to understand why. Ask your insurance company in writing why the amount is so low so that you can prepare a counteroffer. A counteroffer can be made if you feel like there has been an oversight or mistake and you wish to seek more money. For many, this is a critical point that you may not have experience with, and it may be a good idea to consult legal counsel. MGW Law helps Wisconsin residents and businesses at various stages in their claims process, from early consulting to litigation, to ensure you get the claim payment you deserve.
