Recent Bad Faith Cases Regarding Reasonableness of Medical Treatment

In two recent cases, the courts showed substantial deference to patients’ treating physicians in determining the reasonableness of medical treatment. This deference appears to reflect a reluctance of courts to decide what healthcare is appropriate for a patient. In Peterson v. Western National Mut. Ins. Co., 946 N.W.2d 903 (Minn. 2020), the policyholder was involved in a low-speed automobile accident. Following the accident, she sought treatment from a chiropractor for body aches and headaches. She entered into a settlement with the other driver and her insurer also paid her policy’s no-fault benefits. For two to three years following the accident, the insured underwent various treatments for her headaches. Eventually, she tried Botox injections, which she found effective. The insured’s treating…