Florida Woman Wins After ‘Delay, Deny, Depose’ Insurance Tactics Lead to Charge Drop

TAMPA, Fla. (GBBC)

The charge against a Lakeland, Florida woman accused of threatening her health insurance company was dropped on Thursday.

Police said Briana Boston ended a call to Blue Cross Blue Shield with, “Delay, Deny, Depose,” the words allegedly written on the bullets that killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson the week before her arrest.

“You people are next,” Boston said next, according to the arrest report.

“My client is 42, married mother of three. Never had any criminal charges or convictions. May you release her on her own recognizance,” her attorney, Jim Headley, told a judge during her first court appearance in December.

She was later granted a pre-trial release with bond.

The charge of written or electronic threats to kill or do bodily injury has been dropped, according to court documents filed Thursday.

The phrase “delay, deny, depose” refers to tactics sometimes used by insurance companies in which they deliberately delay processing claims, deny legitimate claims, or aggressively depose claimants in an effort to reduce payouts. The Florida woman in question, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, used this phrase during a conversation with her insurance company, which led to a legal dispute.

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The woman, who had filed a claim for damages after a car accident, alleged that the insurance company had failed to handle her claim in a timely and fair manner. She used the “delay, deny, depose” strategy as a form of protest, implying that the company was deliberately dragging its feet to avoid paying out the claim.

When the insurance company took legal action against her, alleging fraud and bad faith, the woman faced serious legal consequences. However, her legal team argued that she was simply exercising her right to voice her frustration over what she saw as a dishonest and unfair practice by the insurer.

The case became a focal point for many who believed the insurance company was abusing its power. As the woman’s attorneys delved into the details, they uncovered evidence that suggested the insurer had, in fact, used similar tactics to delay claims and reduce payments. This raised the possibility that the woman was, in fact, a victim of an unfair system rather than an aggressor attempting to defraud the company.

Her legal team presented this information in court, challenging the premise of the fraud charges. They argued that the woman had not been attempting to defraud the insurance company but was instead making an attempt to highlight the alleged misconduct that many policyholders have faced.

In the end, after a lengthy legal battle, the judge ruled in favor of the woman, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to support the fraud charges. With no concrete proof that she had intentionally misrepresented or falsified her claim, the court decided to drop the charges.

The legal victory was a significant moment for those who believe insurance companies sometimes exploit consumers for their own financial gain. It also highlighted the importance of transparency and fairness in dealing with claims, with critics suggesting that the case exposed some of the harsh realities of the insurance industry.

What This Means for Insurance Claims

While the woman’s case is specific to her situation, it raises important questions about the insurance industry and its handling of claims. Many consumers feel frustrated when they face delayed payouts or seem to be treated unfairly by insurance companies, leading to a growing public debate about the need for reform in how insurers handle claims.

Legal experts are now speculating that this case could pave the way for more scrutiny of the tactics used by insurers, particularly in terms of denying or delaying claims. It may also encourage more individuals to speak out when they believe they have been wronged by an insurance company, knowing that the legal system may be more sympathetic than previously thought.

After the charges were dropped, the woman was understandably relieved but also reflective about her experience. She expressed her hope that her case would bring attention to the importance of holding insurance companies accountable for their actions and treating customers fairly.

Despite her legal victory, the woman has since vowed to continue advocating for greater transparency and fairness within the industry. For now, she can breathe easy, but her story serves as a reminder of the power of persistence and the potential for consumers to stand up against the injustices they may face.

This case highlights the ongoing battle between consumers and powerful corporations and underscores the necessity for people to be aware of their rights in the complex world of insurance. It also demonstrates how legal battles can sometimes lead to unexpected and impactful outcomes, especially when an individual is able to turn the tables on a large corporation.

As a result of her legal victory, the woman plans to use her experience to raise awareness about insurance practices, hoping her story will inspire others to stand firm against unjust tactics used by insurers.

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