Farmers Insurance has reached a settlement to resolve a nationwide class action lawsuit. Although Farmers denies any wrongdoing, the insurer agreed to the terms of the settlement in order to “avoid ongoing litigation” and the significant time and monetary resources associated with that path.
In Re Farmers Med-Pay Litigation (CJ-2004-559), plaintiffs charged that Farmers failed to pay—either in whole or in part—“reasonable” expenses for necessary medical services under the medical payments (Med-pay) and/or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage outlined in their automobile policies. This alleged inadequate distribution of benefits was based on Farmers' use of certain systems and procedures for adjusting claims for paying medical expenses incurred as a result of an auto accident.
The District Court of Canadian County, Oklahoma entered a final order approving the settlement on Nov. 29.
“We are pleased to have been able to resolve this matter with the plaintiffs,” a spokesman for Farmers stated.
According to Farmers website, comprising the Settlement Class are those who submitted claims for payment of medical bills related to an automobile accident under Med-pay or PIP coverage if (a) the claim was adjusted from January 1, 2001 to February 9, 2009 based upon a recommended reduction from Zurich Services Corporation; (b) the claim was paid at less than the amount billed; and (c) total Med-pay or PIP payments were less than the respective limits of coverage. The Class also includes medical providers who were assigned the right to assert these claims.
Under the terms of the settlement, Class Members who submit a valid claim form postmarked no later than December 29 may be eligible to receive 60 percent of the difference between the amount of the bills submitted to Farmers for Med-pay and/or PIP claims and the improperly reduced amount paid by Farmers.
Collectively, Farmers is the third largest U.S. insurer of both personal lines passenger automobile and homeowners' insurance. The settlement includes Farmers Insurance Company, Inc., Farmers Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Group, Inc., Illinois Farmers Insurance Company, and certain related entities.
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