Insurance coverage is something we are all too familiar with within our lives. According to Investopedia, everyone needs to have these four main types of insurance: Life, Health, Long-Term Disability, and Auto. Even though these are the four most common, many other insurance coverages are offered. 

To understand more of the different types of insurance coverage, here are several coverages listed below:

  • Health Insurance- a contract that requires a provider to cover a certain amount of the healthcare cost in exchange for a premium.
  • Life Insurance- a contract that in exchange for a premium, the insurance company will pay a lump sum to the beneficiary after your death.
  • Auto Insurance- the insurance company will protect you in financial loss in event of an accident or theft. 
  • Home/renters Insurance- homeowners insurance covers the home or apartment and it covers not only the individuals personal belongings but also the structure of the home. Renters insurance covers the personal items that are located in the property but does not cover the property itself. 
  • Long-term Disability- a contract that is in place to secure your income in the event of not being able to attend work due to injury or illness. 

Although insurance is supposed to help with the unexpected, insurance agencies often do not honor specific policies. That is why it is essential to have a skilled insurance lawyer to represent you when an insurance claim is not observed. 

How Do Insurance Companies Underpay on Their Claims?

Insurance firms might employ a variety of strategies to underpay or refuse claims in order to maximize profits. Among the strategies they employ are:

  • Using incorrect depreciation to assess the worth of an asset.
  • Using obsolete, erroneous pricing lists in areas where building costs have risen.
  • Failing to appropriately value speciality objects.
  • Claiming that the sort of damage is not covered by the policy.
  • Delaying the processing of a claim in the hopes of increasing the possibility that a policyholder will become desperate and accept a lower reimbursement.

If you or a loved one has encountered any of these issues, please contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Cochran Firm attorney. The Cochran Firm serves the entire country with offices in many prominent United States cities.

What Should You Expect?

When suing an insurance company, there are various things to expect. Expect insurance companies to decline your claim for a variety of reasons, some of which are genuine and some of which are not. Listed below are some of the reasons insurance companies may deny your claim:

  • Inadequate coverage
  • Errors in application
  • Claim mistakes, such as the notice time required 
  • Insurance fraud
  • Denial in bad faith

What's Next?

Once you hire your lawyer, they will begin to investigate the facts and history of the dispute with the insurance's lawyer. They will share this information through a process called discovery. Discovery is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they will present at trial. Be aware that you and the insurance company spend money on court costs, experts, discovery, and travel during this procedure. Your lawyer will also prepare you for a deposition during the litigation. When this occurs, you will pledge to answer questions truthfully. During the deposition, your attorney will protect you from unfair questions by raising objections. If you do not settle and your case goes to trial, you will be called as a witness and obliged to testify in court. Unfortunately, it can take years to resolve a lawsuit. You must be patient during this process, trust your insurance lawyer, and wait for the outcome. You should be able to rely on your lawyer to manage the matter with periodic "check-ins" to keep you updated.

What is a Claim?

Insurance claims are merely requests to your service provider when some sort of accident has occurred. When you file a claim, your property has been damaged, you have been harmed, or an event stated in the policy contract that would otherwise trigger a payout has occurred. You can only make a claim if it results from one of the stated risks listed in your policy. Your coverage protects and compensates you in the event of a loss or damage. A claim is a request for compensation after paying your portion of the costs if any.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can my Insurance Attorney assist me?

A: If your claim has already been refused, an expert attorney can examine it from all angles and determine whether there is a prospect of the insurance company changing its mind.

Q: How do I know when to bring a claim against my insurance carrier for bad faith?

A: If you're being sued by a third party, and your liability insurer fails to investigate the claim thoroughly.

Q: How should I handle claims adjusters?

A: Avoid admitting to any adjuster charges. You can request that all contact goes through your attorney if you work with a bad faith insurance counsel.

Q: Can I file a lawsuit against my insurance company?

A: Yes. If an insurance company acted in bad faith, legal recourse could be available against the insurance company.

Q: What does "Bad Faith" insurance mean?

A: A circumstance in which an insurance company breaches its obligation to properly defend and protect.

Filing Insurance Claims

If you are preparing to file an insurance claim due to a hurricane, wildfire, vehicle theft, health, or other reasons, there are several things you will need to keep in mind. It is good practice to maintain good notes as best as you can. By documenting all processes, being proactive in your note-taking will, in turn, allow for a more concise flow of information. The more information you have noted, the better your litigation lawyer can represent you if a dispute may arise.

In cases involving car accidents and home damage, photos and video footage are essential before and after the damage. You can also create an inventory of your home. Having a detailed list is an excellent tool for understanding what insurance benefits are eligible for you. Make sure you are being straightforward and honest. Your goal is to reclaim what is rightly yours in terms of property and assets. Keep in mind that you are against a for-profit company with an attorney and their team working on their behalf. If possible, consult your lawyer before signing any legal documents. 

The Cochran Firm is here to help with our 42 offices across more than 20 states. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Our 24/7 call center is here to assist you.

How Can I File a Life Insurance Claim?

Ramsey Solutions states there are four ways to claim your Life Insurance Policy.

  • You will need to contact your insurance company. Their name should be on the insurance policy, and it helps if you have remembered the name of the agent you spoke with concerning the policy. 
  • You need to obtain copies of the death certificate. Make sure you have the copies certified by the funeral home director. Unfortunately, Life Insurance Companies do not take photocopies. As a side note, it is also good to have at least ten certified copies to help you cancel subscriptions, close accounts, access financial records, file income taxes, etc. 
  • You will need to fill out the appropriate forms and submit them to the insurance company. Most of these forms are readily available online. They might also ask you to send the death certificate in the mail along with the paperwork. 
  • You will need to specify how you would like to be paid. Some offer a lump sum, but there are several options. You will need to let the company know your preference.    

Health Insurance Claims

According to The United States Census Bureau 2020 census, 91.4% of the population had coverage with health insurance for all or part of 2020. While insurance is a must-have for companies and employees, insurance companies often do not honor specific policies.

Your medical practitioner will frequently submit insurance claims on your behalf. When you arrive for your appointment, most physicians' offices and hospitals ask you to show your insurance card. Your insurance company will compare your coverage to the services provided and reimburse your provider accordingly once billed. If any portion of your claim is not covered, you will be liable for the difference, as detailed in your explanation of benefits.

Some insurance companies will require claims to be filed before services are rendered. This is known as preauthorization, and skipping this step may result in denial of some or your entire claim. Before going through any major medical procedure or incurring an expense, check with your insurance company to verify whether prior authorization is necessary.

How Do I Sue a Health Insurance Company For Bad Faith?

Health insurance companies may engage in a range of bad faith methods, which may either directly or implicitly violate a pledge of good faith. Examples of insurers' bad faith behavior include:

  • Misinterpretation of policy terms on purpose.
  • Failure to communicate with policyholders about a claim.
  • Delaying an investigation without justification.
  • Failure to offer a proper justification for a claim denial.
  • Using stalling techniques such as limiting contact or making unreasonable requests for papers and proof.
  • Delaying payments on a valid claim.
  • Customers are misled about policy coverage before they acquire a policy.
  • Misinterpreting a form of treatment as experimental, cosmetic, or medically unnecessary.

A bad faith insurance claim is a separate legal action. To be able to sue an insurance provider in the appropriate court for bad faith. One of the things you must do is specify in the complaint what the insurance agency did or did not do that demonstrated good faith. You must show proof that the insurance company acted in bad faith in processing your claim and adhering to the conditions of your policy. You must describe how the insurance company's actions cost you money.

Life Insurance Claims 

With life insurance, there are two types of claims: Maturity Claims and Death Claims. Maturity Claims are claims that emerge when the policy ages. Maturity Claims are the simplest of all since the life insured only needs to fill out a policy discharge form. After the policy discharge form is completed, the maturity sum is paid quickly. The money is typically paid out before the maturity date if the policy discharge paper is completed correctly and filed well before the maturity date. Usually, the insurance company would send you the claim form well ahead of the policy's expiration date. According to current income tax legislation, money received from a Maturity Claim is tax-free. Death Claims are a request to grant the life insurance benefits due under the policy to the designated beneficiaries after the death of the insured. 

How can my attorney help me with my Life Insurance Claim? 

Generally, Life Insurance Claims run smoothly with little to no trouble. Of course, there are times when you will have a problem with your Life Insurance settlement. As a client, you might set aside finding an attorney for various reasons. Fortunately, a knowledgeable lawyer, such as an insurance lawyer, can assist you in reviewing the terms of your policy to establish your legal alternatives. In addition, an attorney will assist you in gathering evidence to support your claim and will be able to represent you in court if necessary. A common reason someone does not seek help is when they don’t know an attorney who focuses on this area. Luckily, at The Cochran Firm, we have attorneys ready to help you. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, please contact The Cochran Firm by calling 1-800-The-Firm or visiting us online at The Cochran Firm's national website.

Auto Insurance

When you buy or lease a car, you should protect your investment. Purchasing auto insurance can provide peace of mind in an accident, theft, vandalism, or natural disaster damage to your vehicle. People pay annual payments to an auto insurance company instead of paying out of pocket for auto accidents; the company subsequently pays all or most of the costs connected with an auto accident or other vehicle damage.

Who Can I Sue After an Accident? 

After seeking medical attention, and completing all the necessary documentation while at the scene of the accident, your next question may be “who do I sue after a car accident?” 

Many injured drivers simply submit a claim with the opposing party's insurance carrier. However, car accidents might result in litigation, especially if the insurance company refuses to pay you the total amount you are entitled to. If the at-fault driver does not have insurance coverage, you have two options:

  • You have the option of suing the driver personally. Keep in mind that drivers who do not have insurance may not have many assets to draw from in order to pay for a lawsuit. As a result, even if you win a lawsuit against the driver, you may not be able to recover.
  • If you have it, file a claim with your own insurance company for uninsured motorist coverage. One thing to keep in mind is that your uninsured motorist benefits cannot exceed the amount of your primary coverage.

If you are experiencing any of these difficulties and wish to pursue legal action as a result of the insurance company's rejection, contact an insurance attorney at The Cochran Firm today by calling 1-800-The-Firm or visiting us online at The Cochran Firm's national website.

Homeowners/Renters Claims

Owning a home can entail coping with the unexpected, which might range from a tree falling on your roof to a pipe bursting in your bathroom. Natural disasters are one of the most challenging issues to deal with as a homeowner. As defined by the Department of Homeland Security, natural disasters are "all types of extreme weather that have the potential to pose a serious harm to human health and safety, property, vital infrastructure, and homeland security."

These events might strike without warning or on a seasonal basis, subjecting Americans to recurrent periods of economic loss, insecurity, and inconvenience. Hurricanes, floods, winter storms, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes are all examples of natural catastrophes. Though policyholders often anticipate insurance companies to repair any natural disaster-related damage as soon as a claim is made, this is not always the case. Insurance policyholders may be refused compensation if the insurance company determines that their damage occurred prior to the disaster.

At The Cochran Firm, we have lawyers ready to assist you with all of your natural disaster and property damage claims. Please do not hesitate to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, please contact The Cochran Firm by calling 1-800-The-Firm or visiting us online.

What is Long-Term Disability? 

Long-term disability insurance protects your income if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury. Long-term disability is not only restricted to persons who have sustained an injury, as many people believe. Long-term disability can also encompass a variety of medical disorders, including but not limited to:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Cancer 
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome 
  • Crohn’s disease 
  • Degenerative disc disease

How can I get help with my Long-Term Disability claim?

Our Long Term Disability Lawyers have assisted numerous people with a wide range of claims. We will assist you in completing claim forms, analyzing your medical records, and recommending any extra doctor's visits or medical tests that may strengthen your claim. Furthermore, counseling is recommended in order to avoid the hazards that insurance companies may use to reject your coverage. If your claim is refused, establishing eligibility and submitting an administrative disability appeal as soon as possible can assist. Your long-term disability attorney will advise you to prepare evidence and seek expert witness testimony. 

If you or a loved one has had an issue with your Long-Term Disability Claim, schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, please contact The Cochran Firm by calling 1-800-The-Firm or visiting us online at The Cochran Firm's national website.

Why Choose The Cochran Firm?

The Cochran Firm has many highly skilled and experienced attorneys committed to providing excellent representation to injured persons and their families. Our dedicated attorneys at The Cochran Firm are among the country's most well-known and accomplished lawyers. You deserve to have an experienced attorney at your side as you navigate the legal system. The Cochran Firm's attorneys know how to fight for you or your loved one.

Each of our attorneys at The Cochran Firm is prepared to assist victims in receiving the greatest compensation and financial recovery for all of their pain and suffering. Our attorneys collaborate closely with each of our clients, to deliver the most effective legal representation possible.

You need the assistance of an experienced attorney who has a track record of success in comparable cases to guide you through the procedure and assist you in receiving the monetary damages you are entitled to under the law. The Cochran Firm's outcomes have been thoroughly documented and shown both in court and in settlement conferences. The Cochran Firm has the offices, knowledge, results, and resources to assist customers across the United States.

If you're seeking an expert insurance attorney to help you pursue justice for your insurance claim, please call The Cochran Firm now for your free, no-obligation initial consultation. We service the whole country from offices in numerous major U.S. cities.

Works Cited

4 Types of Insurance Policies Everyone Needs. (n.d.). Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0212/4-types-of-insurance-everyone-needs.aspx

How to File a Life Insurance Claim. (2021, December 30). Ramsey Solutions. https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/life-insurance-claims

Keisler, K., & Bunch, L. N. (2021, September 14). Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2020. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2021/demo/p60-274.html

Natural Disasters. (2021, December 17). Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/natural-disasters

Silberstein, S. (n.d.). What Is an Insurance Claim? The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/understanding-insurance-claims-2645921

How Courts Work. (2021, November 28). How Courts Work. https://www.americanbar.org/