First-Party Insurance Claim Attorney in Mesquite Representing Clients Whose Insurance Claims Were Unfairly Denied

So, you’ve made a plan and taken the steps you need to protect yourself in case of a serious injury by signing up for a first-party insurance plan and faithfully paying your premiums on time every month. Then, you file a claim, and – to your surprise – your claim is denied, or your insurance company suddenly seems to be ignoring you. What should you do? Learn the answers about dealing with denied first-party insurance claims and see what an attorney can do to help.

What Is the Difference Between a First-Party and a Third-Party Insurance Claim?

A first-party insurance claim is a claim filed by the policyholder with their insurance provider. This usually happens when you file an insurance claim with your own provider after an incident, such as medical bills, property damage, and collision repairs. Many policies usually require the policyholder to pay a deductible when filing a first-party claim.

A third-party insurance claim happens when you file a claim with someone else’s insurance company with the goal of covering your expenses for an incident. This usually requires you to show evidence that the other party is at fault, and while typically no deductible is needed, the process to receive a check tends to be significantly more lengthy.

What Should I Do If I Filed a First-Party Insurance Claim and It Was Denied?

Despite what insurance companies promise you in their commercials, you may be surprised to find their main interest is to protect their profits rather than take care of claimant’s needs. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for first-party insurance claims to be denied. But if you filed a claim and it was denied, it does not necessarily mean it is the end of the road.

Your insurance company needs to provide a reason why your claim was denied, preferably in writing. They should also provide information on how you may appeal their decision. Once you obtain these, you should reach out to a first-party insurance lawyer to discuss your case and see what options you may have to initiate a dispute.

How Do I Know If My Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith?

There are a few factors you need to prove to show that your insurance company is acting in bad faith. Once you file a claim, most insurance companies are expected to send you a response within 15 business days. If you have yet to hear back from your insurance after more than 15 days, they may be acting in bad faith by delaying your claim without a proper reason.

It is common for insurance companies to engage in a variety of bad-faith practices, such as the intentional misrepresentation of policy provisions, failure to provide a timely response to claims, failure to investigate claims adequately, and underpaying or denying legitimate claims. If you filed a claim while your policy was valid and paid in full, you, as the insured, have been compliant with the terms of the policy. If the insurance company has breached the terms of the contract and delayed your payment, failed to pay, or provided a payment that is much lower than what you should have received, you may be dealing with a bad-faith insurance company and should contact an attorney who can help you assert your rights.

How Can a First-Party Insurance Lawyer Help?

Insurance carriers are for-profit businesses, and it is not in their best interest to hand out large checks to claimants on a regular basis, so they may engage in many tactics to protect their bottom lines at the expense of claimants who really need the money after an accident. If you filed a legitimate first-party insurance claim and it was denied, you need to get help from an attorney who will not let the insurance company get away with treating you unfairly.

At the Oberg Law Office in Mesquite, Texas, Attorney Gregg Oberg is all too familiar with the tactics commonly employed by insurance companies, and he is ready to help you fight back. Contact the Oberg Law Office at 972-682-9700  to learn more.