Dealing with insurance companies during a wrongful death case

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. When their death is due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, it can become more challenging.

In such cases, you might seek compensation to cover expenses and losses. Therefore, you should know how to deal with insurance companies during a wrongful death case.

Understand your policy

Learn about the insurance policies involved, including the policy of the person or entity responsible for the wrongful death. Gather all relevant policy details, including policy numbers and the company’s contact information. Understand the limits and coverages to help during discussions with the insurance company.

Notify the insurance company promptly

Notify the insurance company about the wrongful death immediately. These policies have deadlines for reporting claims, and failing to meet them could jeopardize your ability to seek compensation.

Document everything

Maintain a meticulous record of all communication with the insurance company. This includes written correspondence, phone conversations and emails. Document dates, times, and names of the representatives you speak with and what you discussed. Having a detailed record can protect you if there are disputes or misunderstandings down the road.

Provide necessary documentation

The insurance company needs documentation to process your claim. This can include death certificates, medical records, police reports and other relevant evidence. Provide all requested documents in a timely manner to avoid delays in the claims process.

Beware of settlement offers

In 2021, 224,935 individuals died in unintentional accidents according to the CDC. These statistics encourage insurance companies to settle these cases. However, the full extent of damages and losses might not be immediately apparent. Accepting a premature settlement could result in receiving less than you deserve.

Dealing with insurance companies in a wrongful death case is never easy. Therefore, do your due diligence and protect yourself during the process.