At The Callahan Law Firm, we understand the frustration and challenges policyholders face when contending with insurance companies. These companies often deploy the “delay, deny, and defend” strategy, making it difficult for individuals to claim the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Our firm represents policyholders in disputes against large insurance companies, focusing on personal insurance claims such as life and homeowners’ policies, as well as business insurance claims involving theft, fire, hurricanes, and other disasters.
If you are having problems dealing with an insurance adjuster or getting your claim accepted and paid out by the insurance company, contact a Houston insurance claim lawyer from The Callahan Law Firm today. During your initial consultation, we can discuss your case, and you can learn more about your legal rights and options.
When You Need a Lawyer for an Insurance Dispute in TX
Navigating the complexities of insurance disputes can be overwhelming and challenging. There are certain situations where enlisting the help of a lawyer becomes not just beneficial, but essential. Here are key scenarios where you should consider hiring a lawyer for an insurance dispute:
- Claim Denials: If your insurance claim has been unfairly denied, a lawyer can help you understand the reasons behind the denial and advise you of the steps to challenge it.
- Low Settlement Offers: When insurance carriers offer a settlement that doesn’t adequately cover your losses or expenses, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for a fairer amount.
- Complex Policy Interpretations: Insurance policies can be dense and difficult to interpret. A lawyer can clarify the terms and ensure your rights under the policy are fully exercised.
- Delays in Processing Claims: If an insurance company is unjustifiably delaying the processing of your claim, a lawyer can apply pressure and ensure timely action.
- Bad Faith Insurance Practices: In cases where an insurer is engaging in bad faith practices, such as not conducting a proper investigation or changing policy terms after a claim is made, a lawyer can help hold them accountable.
- Disputes Over Fault or Liability: If there’s a dispute over who is at fault or the extent of liability, a lawyer can help present evidence and argue your case.
Hiring a lawyer in these situations can help level the playing field against big insurance companies, providing you with the knowledge, negotiation skills, and legal leverage needed to resolve your dispute favorably. Let The Callahan Law Firm help; we are passionate about helping and fighting for the rights of those who are being treated unfairly.
Types of Claims Experienced Houston Insurance Lawyers Can Help With
Dealing with insurance disputes can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re recovering from a personal injury or are dealing with another type of accident, property damage, or the death of a loved one. It’s important to know when to seek professional help to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s an overview of some of the types of insurance coverage claims a lawyer handles:
Life Insurance Claims
Most people take out a life insurance policy to provide their loved ones with financial resources in the event of their passing. The policy is intended to help pay for funeral and burial expenses, assist with mortgage payments on the family home, or ensure debts are paid off and not left for the loved ones to deal with.
It may seem as though an insurance company has little basis to deny a valid claim on a life insurance policy, but insurers have many tactics they use to delay or deny life insurance claims. The insurance company may assert that:
- The circumstances of the insured’s death fall under an exclusion in the policy (such as suicide or a fatal accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or the insured otherwise recklessly or willfully contributed to his or her own death).
- The insured misrepresented or concealed health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, clinical depression, or alcohol or tobacco use.
- There is confusion about the identity of the proper beneficiary (especially if the insured failed to execute a designation of the beneficiary).
When life insurance companies deny or delay claims, families already dealing with the difficulties of losing a loved one face additional financial burdens that the life insurance policy was intended to solve. Let our Houston insurance claims lawyers fight to get you the compensation you and your family deserve under your loved one’s life insurance policy.
Bad Faith Insurance Claims
Understanding bad faith insurance claims is crucial for policyholders to ensure fair treatment by their insurance companies. A bad faith insurance claim arises in any situation where an insurance company fails to act reasonably in processing, investigating, or paying out a policy claim. This can occur in several ways, such as violating its common law duties of good faith and fair dealing, breaching contractual obligations under the policy, or violating state or federal laws governing the insurance industry.
These companies often attempt to justify its denial or delay by engaging in bad faith tactics such as:
- Misstating facts or insurance policy provisions to an insured or beneficiary
- Failing to acknowledge and act with reasonable promptness after receiving an insurance claim (especially where the policy language requires the insurance company to respond within a certain timeframe)
- Failing to adopt and implement standards for investigating and processing claims
- Failing to accept or deny claims within a reasonable time (or the time required by the insurance policy) after receiving the insured’s proof of loss
- Failing to provide a reasonable explanation for denying a claim
Dealing with insurance claims can be a complex process, and it’s essential to recognize when they’re acting in bad faith. Reach out to The Callahan Law Firm to speak with an insurance lawyer in Houston.
Commercial Insurance Claims
Commercial insurance claims are a critical aspect of protecting businesses against a range of risks and unforeseen events. These claims can arise from various situations, such as property damage due to natural disasters, theft, liability issues, or business interruption. When a business files a commercial insurance claim, it’s essential that the claim is handled fairly and promptly by the insurance company. However, there are instances where businesses face challenges in getting their claims processed and paid. Some of the challenges include:
- The insurance company might dispute the extent of damages or losses claimed by a business, leading to underpayment or denial of claims.
- Complex policy language can lead to misunderstandings or disputes over coverage specifics.
- Delays in claim processing can significantly impact a business’s operations, especially in cases of business interruption where timely payouts are crucial.
The successful handling of commercial insurance claims is essential for the financial stability and continuity of businesses. Recognizing and addressing challenges promptly can help ensure that businesses receive the help needed to recover and thrive. Don’t hesitate to contact our Houston insurance attorneys today if you need assistance.
Homeowners’ Insurance Claims
Has your homeowner’s insurance company denied your valid storm, fire, or theft claim? Are you dealing with intolerable delays, false claims on their part, or a settlement offer far below what you believe your coverage should provide? Our experience extends to cases arising from:
- Storms that cause extensive, costly damage to homes and businesses
- Burst pipes caused by a hard freeze resulting in water damage at South Texas homes
- Fires and explosions
- First-party construction defects
- Theft Insurance claims involving valuable items
If your home has suffered damage or loss due to storms, fires, or theft, you deserve to be made whole under your homeowners’ insurance policy. Let The Callahan Law Firm assist you. We are committed to fighting back against the insurance companies so you can receive fair compensation.
Long-Term Disability Claims
Long-term disability claims can give workers peace of mind, especially those not covered by workers’ compensation laws. Those workers know that they will continue to receive income in the event a long-term disability prevents them from working. Some of the common ways insurance companies make these claims difficult include the following:
- Limit their exposure or liability by asserting that a worker’s disability is not covered by the terms of a policy
- Force an insured to undergo multiple medical examinations in an effort to have them declared not disabled and capable of returning to work
- Include intentionally confusing language and jargon in the policy, making it difficult for the average person to understand the policy and what is covered, what isn’t covered, and what exceptions might exist
It’s easy to feel intimidated when speaking with an insurance claims adjuster or another insurance representative, especially when they tell you that your claim is not covered. The best way to combat this is to speak with an insurance claims attorney in Houston.
Insurance Agent Negligence
Most people secure insurance policies through an agent, whose role involves consulting with the person or company seeking insurance to determine their needs (i.e., what kind of coverage is needed and how large of a policy is needed). The agent then selects a policy that provides the scope of coverage that meets the customer’s needs.
If you need to file a claim with your insurance provider for any reason, you might discover that your agent made a crucial error, leaving you without the coverage you assumed you had. Whether the error was made intentionally or by accident, your coverage might be denied, or your policy might even be canceled.
Examples of insurance agent negligence include:
- Writing a policy that does not provide adequate coverage.
- Not explaining the terms of the policy completely and accurately to the policyholder.
- Failing to put accurate information on an insurance form.
- Failing to provide the necessary forms to the insurance company.
You rely on your insurance agent to procure a policy that protects you from certain losses. When the insurance company declines to pay compensation for that loss, it may be because of errors and negligence committed by your insurance agent.
How an Insurance Claims Lawyer Can Help
Insurance claim lawyers have experience in providing assistance to clients throughout the entire insurance claim process. With their guidance and insight, they play a crucial role in resolving insurance disputes.
Some of the ways they can help include:
Investigating the Insurance Dispute
Upon hiring a lawyer, they will thoroughly investigate your insurance dispute to determine if there has been any negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the insurance agent. This investigation may involve reviewing policy documents, looking at written communication between you and insurance agents, obtaining statements from any witnesses to the original incident, and analyzing any potential wrongdoings.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
In many cases involving insurance claims, insurance carriers may attempt to settle for less than what you’re entitled to receive. An experienced lawyer can help negotiate with the insurance company, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and any other damages arising from the incident.
Representing You in Court
When negotiations fail to reach a satisfactory outcome, your lawyer can represent you in court and litigation if necessary. While most insurance disputes are resolved through negotiations, it’s essential to have a lawyer if your case goes to court.
Providing Emotional Support and Guidance
In addition to their legal experience, hiring a Houston insurance claims lawyer can provide you with much-needed emotional support during this difficult process. Through their understanding of the claims process and their empathy for your situation, they can provide guidance and assurance to keep fighting for the compensation you deserve.
When it comes to insurance disputes, the best course of action involves seeking professional help. An experienced and knowledgeable lawyer can help assess your case, provide guidance during the claims process, and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Role of The Texas Department of Insurance
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is a state government agency responsible for regulating the insurance industry in the state of Texas. When insurance agents and companies engage in unfair and unlawful practices, the TDI can impose fines or penalties. According to the agency, more than 30,000 TDI complaints get resolved each year.
The TDI maintains a helpline for consumers who have questions about insurance or who have potential complaints against insurance agents, adjusters, or insurance companies. Every year, the TDI regularly helps consumers recover millions of dollars in premium refunds and additional claim payments.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the TDI ultimately does not have the power to force an insurance company to pay a disputed claim. That’s when you need a qualified, experienced insurance attorney who can take on the insurance company and force them to pay the benefits owed.
Why Choose The Callahan Law Firm For Help With Your Insurance Claim?
Finding the right attorney for your insurance claim can be overwhelming and stressful, as there are many different choices out there. Here’s why you should work with The Callahan Law Firm:
25 Years of Experience
At The Callahan Law Firm, we have experience representing clients just like you for more than two decades, with a proven track record securing favorable verdicts and settlements. Our vast experience means that we have dealt with a wide range of insurance claims to help policyholders get what they deserve, so you can rest assured that we have the knowledge to handle your case skillfully.
We Intentionally Limit The Number of Clients We Take
At The Callahan Law Firm, we pride ourselves in giving each of our clients the focused attention they deserve. Unlike many larger law firms that take on as many cases as they can, we intentionally limit the number of claims we handle to ensure that every client gets our undivided attention and dedication.
Our client-focused approach leads to building strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients. You will be treated as an individual, not just a case number. This personalized approach enables us to fully understand your unique situation and needs, which is essential in creating an effective and tailored legal strategy for your case.
Unique Insight into the Insurance Industry
Our legal team includes an attorney who has represented insurance companies in the past, giving us unique insight into their strategies. He now stands up for the rights of policyholders who just want insurance companies to hold up their end of the bargain. With this knowledge, we can effectively negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Talk to a Houston Insurance Claim Attorney Now
If you are facing a dispute with your insurer or in dealing with an insurance adjuster, legal representation is essential; contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Houston, TX insurance claim attorney from The Callahan Law Firm.
We’ve been helping clients fight back and get results against these large corporations for decades and can discuss your legal rights and options. You owe us no fee unless we secure compensation for you, and we will explain how having our firm in your corner can give you the best chance at fighting back against the insurance companies.
Insurance Claim Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t I just negotiate with the insurance company on my own? Do I really need an insurance lawyer in Houston?
Technically, you could try negotiating with the insurance company by yourself, but it’s not the best idea. Insurance claims involve complex legal and contractual nuances, and without the proper knowledge and experience, you will find yourself at a disadvantage. Lawyers bring a deep understanding of insurance laws, extensive experience in negotiations, and the ability to fully assess and claim all entitled benefits.
Do insurance companies in Texas have a time limit for responding to claims?
Upon receiving your claim, the insurer must acknowledge it and request any additional information related to your claim within 15 calendar days. After receiving all the requested information, the insurance company has 15 more business days to either approve or deny your claim in writing. However, the law permits the insurer to extend this deadline by up to 45 days if they notify you of the need for more time and explain the reasons. Once your claim is approved, the insurance company must make the payout within 5 business days.
Can you sue the insurance company directly in Texas?
Yes, you can sue your insurance company directly in Texas if you believe the insurer is acting in bad faith or violating the terms of your policy. Examples of bad faith include unjustified claim denial or unnecessary delays in processing a claim.It’s recommended to seek legal advice to understand the specifics of your situation and the viability of a lawsuit.
If you have any questions or need help, don’t hesitate to contact our insurance attorneys today for help with claims in the Houston area and throughout Texas.
