Has Your Property Damage Claim Been Denied?
Although insurance companies should honor valid homeowners’ insurance claims, our attorneys have witnessed instances where companies have misinterpreted policies and claims to minimize payouts – or simply refused to pay.
At Baldwin Legal Services PLLC, we understand that these denials can have devastating financial effects on claimants whose homes are in need of repair. These issues can be exacerbated in the aftermath of catastrophic events, because many policyholders are making claims during the same time period. Our attorneys have extensive experience working with clients who have been shortchanged by their insurance companies and have succeeded in recovering the compensation to which our clients were entitled.
Homeowner’s insurance claims and lawsuits can be complex. For instance, when a building or structure is involved, the use of architects, engineers, or other construction experts may be required to analyze the cause of the property damage or the amount of loss. It is essential in such cases to have a homeowner’s insurance claims attorney who knows how to work with experts and has examined them at trial. In addition, the legal interpretations of insurance policy language may be at issue, and it is important to have an attorney with knowledge of Michigan insurance law.
If you have a homeowner’s insurance claim that has been denied or undervalued, legal recourse may be available. Our homeowners’ insurance claim attorney has a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Insurance Law and knows how to protect you from the insurance companies and to present your claim in the best way possible to ensure your rights are protected and that you get the maximum compensation available. Please call 877-886-1441 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
How Can an Attorney Help Me File a Claim Dispute?
Our attorneys can examine your policy to determine your coverage and any payment(s) the company is required to make. The attorneys may also conduct a thorough investigation into previous and current home inspections, audits and other documentation on your home, which can be helpful in settling your claim dispute.
We understand that dealing with an insurance company can be difficult. These companies have made the process of filing and collecting on insurance claims a daunting task, with the hopes that most policyholders will abandon their claims, especially after being denied compensation. We aim to simplify the process of disputing insurance claims to help ensure homeowners receive the full amount available under their policies.
Contact Us if:
- Your insurance claim has been denied
- Your claim is underpaid
- You have sustained property damage due to the fault of others
- You have been contacted for an Examination Under Oath
- You have had an insurance loss and need an adjuster or attorney
- You need explanation through legal counseling and advising
Does My Policy Cover the Damage?
Determining whether the damage incurred is covered by the homeowner’s insurance contract is one of the most common issues presented by insurance claim disputes. Typically, homeowner’s insurance covers property damage (including residential premises, unattached structures, and personal property) as a result of unexpected events such as fire, wind, hail, vandalism, and theft; however, coverage will be determined by the policyholder’s specific insurance policy coverages. There are five standard residential insurance policies, each covering different types of damage. It is important to note that flood insurance is not included in homeowner’s insurance and must be purchased separately.
Why Was My Claim Denied?
If your claim has been denied, the first thing to know is that insurance companies are for-profit businesses; it is in their best interest to avoid paying claims. If a home has been damaged, the insurance company may offer a low-ball settlement or deny the claim altogether to avoid depleting their cash reserves. To avoid paying claims, the insurance company may try to categorize the damage as exceeding the scope of the policy. They may blame the damage on factors other than those covered in the policy, or offer a low-ball settlement should they determine it is a valid, unavoidable claim. For example, roof damage is often a point of contention between insurance companies and homeowners. The homeowner will file a claim stating that the roof was damaged by hail, wind, or natural disaster(s), while the insurance company will allege the damage is a result of wear and tear – which is not covered under the policy. This disagreement is not uncommon in claim disputes, including those concerning storm damage, lightning damage, fire damage, water damage, and mold.
How Do You Respond to a Low Settlement Offer?
The top two things that cause a denial or low settlement are lack of documentary evidence and lack of an attorney. If the insurance company figures out you are approaching them without an attorney and proper legal advice, they may try to deny your claim or give you a very low offer based on specific legal language in your policy.
For example, you are making a home insurance claim. Your house was damaged through water leakage or water damage. Homeowners policies usually contain exclusions based on neglect. Now, once you make a claim for the water damage, your insurance company may deny it by stating neglect, especially if it was gradual water damage where you might have failed to repair some broken pipes. In such a scenario, having a lawyer by your side is very helpful.
Contact Us Today
Damage to your home can be costly, especially if your insurance company claims your homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover the damage. If an insurance company has demanded an Examination Under Oath (EUO) or you believe your insurance provider has wrongfully denied your claim or offered a less-than-acceptable payout, please call 877-886-1441 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We offer contingency fee arrangements, so there is no fee unless you recover money on most property damage or insurance claims. We are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Home and hospital visits are available upon request.
RESOURCES:
- Insurance Misrepresentation: What to Watch For
- Water and Sewer Backup Coverage
- Replacement vs Repair Cost Policies
- Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know