How to Reduce Stress While Building a Case Against Your Insurer

When you think of a lawsuit, you probably picture suing a driver after an accident, or you might think of suing a doctor for malpractice. 

Did you know that you can sue your insurer as well? Of course, it all depends on the circumstances, but there are several reasons why you should sue an insurance company. 

However, the most important thing to remember is that you must know when to take legal action. And, you must prove cause-in-fact when suing an insurer. 

So, whatever your reason for considering filing a legal case, keep this in mind. 

When Can You Sue an Insurer?

Your insurance policy is essentially a contract. It outlines your rights and responsibilities and those of the insurance company. In Florida, you can sue your insurer if they breach the terms of the policy or act in bad faith. Common scenarios include: 

• Denying your claim without just cause. If your insurer wrongfully denies your claim (when it’s valid), you may have to find a way to recoup losses. This gives you grounds to sue for breach of contract. 
• Delaying your claim for no reason. Your insurer may keep delaying your payout without giving you a valid reason. If this results in additional expenses, you could take legal action. 
• Failing to defend. If your insurer does not provide a defense in a liability situation, you could also sue for any resulting damages. 
• Acting in bad faith. You can pursue a legal case if your insurer misleads you about your policy coverage or refuses to honor the policy terms. This is especially true if the evidence you collected supports your initial claim. 
• Offering lowball compensation. Your insurer may also send you a payout offer that doesn’t cover all your losses. You may have the right to sue if there is no valid reason for the shortfall. 

As mentioned, you must prove the link between your insurer’s actions and the harm you suffered. This means you need evidence that your insurer’s actions caused financial or emotional damage. 

If you consider suing your insurer, you should read through your entire policy. This will help you confirm a breach of contract. If you communicate with the insurer, document the date and time. 

At this point, you should also consult a local attorney who knows all there is to know about insurance law. Your lawyer can advise whether you have a valid claim and how to proceed.

Reducing Stress Throughout the Legal Process

You can build a strong case against your insurer with your lawyer. However, this might be a lot more stressful than you imagined. 

You must gather the necessary evidence, continue talking to the insurer, and calculate your damages. This process is not easy, especially if the insurer is determined to prove your claim wrong. 

It is important to try to stay calm and manage rising stress levels while taking legal action against an insurer. If you do not cut down on stress, it can affect your health. It could also result in you making poor decisions during the legal process. 

The best way to reduce stress includes:

Establishing a Routine

Creating a routine that does not revolve around your legal case is crucial. You can set time aside to review documents and talk to your lawyer. But this should not take up most of your day. 

Instead of brooding about the outcome, focus on the positive. Cook meals and go for walks. If you work full time, spend time completing important tasks while ensuring you take enough breaks. 

A solid routine helps keep you organized and your mind from wandering. If you think about the case too much, your stress levels will become difficult to manage. 

Practicing Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Even though you set up a routine, it is not always easy to stick to it. If you find that you are still stressed out, try mindfulness techniques. This includes meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. 

Mindfulness and relaxation practices keep you grounded in the present moment. This is incredibly important because it keeps your thoughts from spiraling into anxiety. Even if you spend only a few minutes a day meditating or practicing yoga, it can make a massive difference to your mental state. 

Making Time for Exercise

Exercise is proven to relieve stress. Whether you go for a jog or a full-on gym session, physical activity will reduce your stress hormones and lift your mood. It is important to make time for exercise if you are involved in a stressful legal case against an insurer. 

Getting Professional Counselling

Sometimes, exercise and meditation are not enough to keep you from being overwhelmed. If you can’t seem to get your stress in check, it is time to seek professional help. 

Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist. In most cases, mental health support will provide you with coping strategies and guidance. This can help sustain you throughout a legal case. 

Staying Close to Your Support Network

If you are in the middle of suing your insurer, lean on family and friends. This will give you an outlet to share your frustrations and challenges. Your support network can likely provide you with valuable outsider perspectives. Your loved ones will also make you feel less isolated. 

Being Realistic About Your Legal Case

It is also important to be realistic about the case. Legal proceedings usually take a long time and can be very unpredictable. Set realistic goals to better understand what to expect regarding the timeline and potential outcomes. You must also accept that some elements of the case will be out of your control. Try to focus on what you can control. 

Trusting a Lawyer to Assist You 

Once you hire a lawyer, you need to trust their skills and expertise. Allow them to handle your case to the best of their ability. Let them manage the legal aspects while you concentrate on self-care and take care of your mental health. 

Filing a case against an insurance company will always be a daunting or even scary prospect. But, if you are well-prepared and have a skilled lawyer, you can confidently work your way through the process. 

And, if you manage your physical and mental health well, you will also come out stronger on the other side, no matter the legal outcome.