How Do Insurance Attorneys Win Cases for Their Clients?

Insurance companies are slick and will do almost anything to get out of paying a claim. That is when you need insurance lawyer Doug Terry who has the experience of going up against these big insurance companies who try to cut corners in paying their clients. 

Insurance lawyers do multiple things to fight for their clients. There are times when partial payments are made and other times flat-out denied. The three most common claims that are denied are:

• Health insurance;
• Homeowner’s insurance;
• Auto insurance. 

All three claims are critical when needed, and it is not only a betrayal on the insurance company’s part; it is stealing. The customers pay the premium expecting their claims to be met when something goes wrong, but it ends up being a legal battle to obtain the settlement. The attorney will first hear the client’s story and determine the best route to take. Depending on what type of insurance, the lawyer will follow a protocol that will either grant a settlement out of court or litigation will be the next step.

When a Health Insurance Claim is Denied 

Health insurance policies mainly cover the basics of doctor bills, hospital stays, emergency room visits, medication, X-rays, lab work, ambulance, first responders, and other critical medical services. The client must keep all medical records, receipts, and other forms of paperwork for the work performed while they were injured or ill. 

The insurance company will review the services, and the patient is responsible for the deductible. After the deductible is met, the insurance company may reject payments for some or all medical services provided. The attorney will review the policy, see what was underwritten, and review all paid and unpaid bills by the patient and the insurance company. Once the claim is denied, the attorney will draft a letter to appeal their decision. What happens next is in the insurance company’s court. 

When a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim is Denied

Mother Nature can cause havoc and destroy a person’s property and home. It is critical to know what the insurance company covers when storms arise, electrical fires, hurricanes, tornados, floods, pipes bursting, and so much more. The underwriting is so fine print that it will leave a window of opportunity for the insurance company to deny any claim. Some make bogus claims like they will cover if an airplane hits your home but not if a car goes through the walls of your house. 

Then there are parts of the property where they may not cover you in these events if something is damaged. When a rejection statement from the insurance company goes through, you should first seek out legal advice. 

The attorney will follow the same procedures and review the policy first. They will take a look at pictures and may visit the premises if it is nearby and send the documents, photographs, and an appeal letter to let the insurance company know you are seeking your compensation one way or another. The insurance company is usually given a time frame of ten to fourteen days to respond. Some are given up to thirty days.   

When an Auto Insurance Claim is Denied

Like the homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance has so many avenues that the insurance company can deny claims. Every policy has a deductible and falls into a category of one of the three insurance coverage options. 

• Liability: Everyone must have this coverage by law. It covers the other driver and their vehicle if you hit them and are at fault. It also covers if you hit someone’s property with your car. 
• Collision: This coverage will cover the cost to repair your vehicle if you are in the wrong. Most cars with a lean on them require this coverage if the vehicle is damaged or destroyed in an accident. The policyholder meets the deductible, and the remaining settlement goes to whatever company holds the title. 
• Comp: This coverage is for events of nature such as lightning hitting your car, if it is flooded, a tree branch falls on it, or a bird hits the windshield. The damages should see a settlement after the policyholder meets the deductible. All three together are known as full coverage, and this coverage is also required if the vehicle has a lean on it. 

If any one of these claims is denied, you can seek legal assistance. The measures are the same, and the lawyer will send a letter of appeal to the insurance company. They will dispute it until a fair agreement is made. The attorney will advise what is best, and it is up to the client if they wish to settle or fight it in court for more money. However, if it goes to court, and they lose, they also may lose more than what is offered in the settlement. It is a risky decision. 

The Other Options

It is strongly advised that the client does not sign anything without the attorney present and reviewing all paperwork from the insurance company. Once the party signs an agreement, the case is over. After the appeal letter is written and delivered to the insurance company, the attorneys will battle through negotiations. If the insurance company knows they are wrong, they are more likely to settle out of court. Otherwise, the case will go before a judge and jury. It is in their hands from there.