When an insurance company denies your claim or gives you an unfair settlement, your attorney becomes your most valuable resource. You should have your own legal counsel, as insurance companies have legal personnel to protect their interests. You engage your insurance attorney to ensure that your rights are defended, your claim is managed, and you are compensated fairly.
Why You Need Your Insurance Attorney?
Any insurance policy is a legal document. It contains complex language, and the average reader, no matter how careful, is bound to miss critical provisions, especially when the language is designed to confuse. Disputes arise, and the insurance company usually benefits when:
- Claims are delayed or denied without a valid reason.
- Claims are mispriced.
- Insurer[policy is misinterpreted]
- Claimants are pressured to accept a settlement that is unreasonably low.
Your insurance attorney is there to protect your legal rights, to help you interpret your policy, and to help you recover what you are legally entitled to.
Functions of an Insurance Attorney
The assistance that an experienced insurance attorney can provide clients and businesses that have issues with claims is value-laden. The following are these value-added functions:
Policy Review and Legal Advice
Your attorney will examine your policy and determine your coverage and exclusions with the policy(s) and your rights. A claims attorney will determine the claims you can legally make and ensure your claims adjuster legally fulfills his/her obligations.
Claims Submission and Confirmation of Legal Documentation
To submit claims to an insurer entails submissions, anticipation of relevant documents that will evidence a claim and observance of time limits. Your attorney will ensure that the claim is complete, precise and will prevent submission errors that will trigger claims denial.
Negotiation of Settlement
Insurers will typically offer settlements that are much lower than the amount you are entitled to and deserve. Your attorney will directly negotiate with the claims adjuster(s) and ensure that your losses are compensated, at the very least, at the amount you are entitled to.
Handling Claims Denials
Your attorney will examine the circumstances surrounding the denial, gather evidence that supports the overturned claim, and present a persuasive legal argument to the claims department to have the denial reversed.
Representation
Your attorney will draft your pleadings and represent you at the trial. Your insurance attorney is a professional who will ensure your interests are protected at every step of the claims process from the initial claim to the trial in court.
Cases Handled by Your Insurance Attorney
Legal professionals commonly handle disputes involving:
Auto Insurance: Incidents, injury, and damage disputes to vehicles.
Home Insurance: Claims regarding property loss, fire, and natural disaster.
Health Insurance: Claims disputes regarding coverage and denial for treatment.
Life Insurance: Claims regarding disputed beneficiaries and delays.
Business Insurance: Issues with coverage for commercial property, liability, and interruptions.
Reasons for Hiring Your Insurance Attorney
Reasons Why Hiring Your Insurance Attorney Is the Most Rational Way to Approach and Settle an Insurance Dispute Is:
- Proposal, Business, And Insurance Dispute Experience.
- Eliminating Emotional Involvement In Making Business Proposals.
- Having Negotiating Proposal Skills.
- In Most Cases There Are No Upfront Payments.
- Extremely Rational Approach.
Qualities Your Insurance Attorney Should Have
The Difference Between A Good Attorney And A Poor Attorney Is:
Experience In The Insurance Industry
Powerful Negotiation Techniques
A Good Image/ Testimonials
Communication
No Upfront Payments
When to Reach Out to Your Insurance Attorney?
You should consider speaking to a legal professional if:
- Your as your claim is denied without any reasonable explanation.
- You receive a settlement offer that is unreasonably low.
- The insurance company engages in unnecessary delays when it comes to payment.
- You feel undue pressure to accept ambiguous or unfavorable terms.
- You wish to receive professional advice before filing a claim.
When you take action faster, your attorney is able to gather more evidence to help build a stronger case.
How to Get Ready Before Meeting Your Insurance Attorney?
Prior to your first consultation, it is advisable to gather the following;
Your insurance policy
Any claim correspondence with your insurance company
Photos or videos showing damages (if any)
Receipts or estimates for repairs
Medical reports (in the case of injury claims)
Providing this documentation informs your insurance attorney about your case situation so that they can determine your best legal options.
What You Will Get from Your Insurance Attorney?
When you engage your insurance attorney you can expect;
Your attorney will analyze your case and get back to you with a comprehensive legal plan.
You will always receive updates regarding any developments in your case.
Your attorney will advocate for you a fiercely.
Improved settlements are a result of negotiating experience. This will increase the chances of a larger payout.
The Cost of Engaging Your Insurance Attorney
Many insurance attorneys operate on a contingency fee model which means:
- There are no upfront payments from you.
- They are paid only when your case is won.
- They are paid a percentage of your settlement.
This system ensures that everyone, no matter their financial situation, has access to legal services.
FAQs
What does your insurance attorney do?
Your insurance attorney assists you in managing claim dispute negotiations, settling claims, appealing denials, and filing a lawsuit to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
When should I contact a lawyer?
Engage your insurance attorney when your claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, or when you suspect your insurer is dealing with you unfairly.
How much do insurance attorneys charge?
Most operate on a contingency fee basis no fees are owed unless your case is successful.
Do insurance attorneys manage all types of insurance claims?
Yes, your insurance attorney will manage claims for auto, homeowners, health, life, and business insurance.
What is the average length of time for settlement of an insurance case?
Your case’s complexity, the cooperation level of the insurance firm, the potential need for a lawsuit, and the insurance attorney’s consultation will generally provide the settling time.