Most insurance providers are profitable because they collect regular premiums from customers while paying as little as possible for accident-related claims. Keeping this fact in mind, it is not difficult to see how an insurer may prioritize its interests above yours.
Insurance adjusters often ask injured individuals to complete blanket medical authorizations. While this request may seem like a standard one, agreeing to it may make matters worse for you. Here are three risks that often come with signing a BMA.
1. The risk of losing your medical privacy
Like your social security number and bank account information, you probably want to keep your medical information as private as possible.. Regrettably, if you sign a BMA, you effectively lose your medical privacy. That is, you give the insurance company the legal right to look at your medical records.
2. The risk of disclosing too much
A BMA covers your entire medical history. After you sign one, an insurer may look through every medical record you have ever had. The company’s review may include both records that directly relate to the crash and ones that have nothing to do with it. If you have discreet details in your medical records, this may make you exceedingly uncomfortable.
3. The risk of receiving a claim denial
When reviewing your complete medical files, an insurer may find something to use to the company’s advantage. For example, the adjuster may blame the crash on your medications, pre-existing conditions or mental or physical health. If so, you may receive a low settlement offer or an outright denial of your claim.
You typically have no obligation to talk to insurance companies or sign their forms. Ultimately, if an adjuster requests a BMA, it is advisable to seek a legal opinion before doing anything else.
