With the limited information we have the reality is that the refusal of Emirates and the travel insurer is not the end of it. Denial of liability is standard procedure. A claim needs to be initiated in a court within the strict two year time limit and the action will be against both Emirates and the travel insurer who will in time work it out between themselves. Just seeing a lawyer is not enough, the action must have been commenced or the claim is extinguished. I understand lawyer knocking is a national sport but remember if the case has all the necessary merits to proceed, any settlement will involve a contribution towards the costs by the defendants, which is in the interests of the lawyers to maximise.
I wonder if "A Current Affair" would be interested in shaking things up? They are always looking for a cause to pursue.