5 Acts of Bad Faith Commonly Seen in Long-Term Insurance Claims

Long-term disability insurance exists to protect people when they cannot work due to serious health issues. But some insurance companies would rather protect their profits. The stakes are even higher in cities like San Diego, where medical care and living expenses can pile up quickly. Families depend on these benefits to survive.

Long-term disability claims are often mishandled, and not always by mistake. Sometimes it’s deliberate. That’s where a San Diego long-term disability lawyer steps in. They fight back when insurers play dirty. These lawyers help level the field when insurers act in bad faith. They ensure policyholders get what they were promised.

Delaying Claims for No Reason

Time is everything in a disability claim. People are trying to survive without their usual income. A delay can wreck someone’s stability. Some insurance companies know this, and they exploit it. They might “lose” documents or claim they need more time to review a file they’ve had for months. An insurer must act reasonably and promptly. Ignoring that can count as bad faith.

Denying Claims Without Legitimate Reason

Sometimes claims are denied with no real explanation. The policyholder did everything right—submitted medical records, followed up, and jumped through every hoop. Still, the answer comes back: “Denied.” There was no clear justification and chance to fix the issue. This is one of the most blatant signs of bad faith.

Insurance companies are required by law to explain denials and give a valid reason. If they don’t, they’re probably hiding something.

Cherry-Picking Medical Evidence

Here’s a dirty trick. The insurer looks through the medical file and picks out the one note from one doctor that downplays the issue—ignoring every other record that shows severe disability. It’s selective, dishonest, and common. They may even hire their own doctors to give a biased opinion. Paid opinions that benefit the insurer, not the patient. This kind of manipulation can be grounds for legal action.

Pressuring for Low Settlements

You’re behind on bills. You’re in pain. Then the insurance company calls and offers a small lump sum if you drop your claim. They make it sound like the only way forward. This is a pressure move. The insurer knows your situation is desperate. So, they make a bad offer, hoping you’ll take it just to stop the bleeding.

Cutting Off Benefits Without Warning

You’ve been receiving benefits for months or years. Then suddenly—gone. No letter. No notice. Just silence. Maybe they say you missed a form. Or that you didn’t respond to a call. Often, that’s not even true. Or if it is, the mistake was minor and fixable. But they don’t give you the chance. They just pull the plug. People have lost homes over this.

It’s one of the harshest tactics insurers use.

Final Thoughts

Insurance companies have power. But they don’t have the final word. If your long-term disability claim has been mishandled, a skilled attorney can fight back. Bad faith isn’t just bad business. It’s a legal issue. And in San Diego and beyond, people deserve better.