Insurance disputes can be complicated legal matters. Resolving them often requires legal assistance. Whether your claim can be resolved internally with an insurance appeal, or requires litigation, an experienced legal team is ready to help.
At the Saxton Law Firm, we help Kansas City families, individuals, and businesses resolve insurance disputes. Our knowledgeable attorneys work with you to negotiate a resolution but are ready to fight for your rights whenever necessary. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
What is an Insurance Dispute?
An insurance dispute occurs anytime you and your insurer cannot agree. Some disputes are minor, such as a small disagreement as to the value of a piece of damaged property. Others are serious, such as claim denials.
Claim denials are one of the most common insurance disputes faced by individuals and business. You purchased insurance to cover you in the case of an unexpected loss. When it happens, you expect your insurer to keep their end of the bargain. Instead, insurance companies often attempt to low-ball or outright deny claims to save money.
Disputes Between Insurers
An insurance dispute may also happen between two insurance companies. For example, if your company vehicle was in an accident with another driver’s vehicle, your insurer and their insurer may both be involved in the accident.
Insurance companies may try to negotiate a mutual resolution and fail. When that happens, your attorney can get involved to steer the ship more effectively or hold the insurance companies accountable through legal action.
Methods to Resolve Kansas City Insurance Disputes
If you are dealing with an insurance dispute, the first step you should take is to speak with an attorney. Your lawyer can help analyze the claim, why it was denied, and the best course of action for moving forward. Your lawyer can also safeguard you from common fraud or tricks insurance adjusters use to avoid coverage and deny your claim.
Methods insurance dispute attorneys use to help include, but are not limited to:
- Negotiation: Negotiating a resolution is often an effective option. Most insurers will not negotiate with an unrepresented party in any fair way. Once an attorney gets involved, however, many insurance companies realize you are serious. Some instantly capitulate while others take time to see if you hired an experienced lawyer who knows how to negotiate.
- Internal Appeals: Most insurance companies prescribe an appeals process for claim denials. This process is designed to be difficult, with complex time guidelines and constant requests for more documents. They hope that you will get frustrated and settle low. With an attorney, you can navigate this appeal process and file with confidence.
- Mediation: A mediation is a formal negotiation process. The parties meet, exchange information, and a neutral third party helps negotiate a potential resolution. Mediation may help settle all or part of an insurance dispute.
- Filing a Lawsuit: When an insurance company refuses to cooperate fairly, a lawsuit may be necessary. A civil action is filed in court and seeks compensation from the insurance company. This may include the coverage owed under the policy and potentially other damages when an insurer acts in bad faith.
- Department of Insurance Complaint: You and your attorney may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Insurance when appropriate.
READ MORE: What is a Business Loss Claim? A Comprehensive Overview
At Saxton Law Firm, our Missouri insurance dispute attorney stand ready to help. We know the challenges you face and work to solve the challenges you face. Contact Saxton Law Firm for a FREE case review!