In exchange for paying policy premiums, policyholders reasonably expect their insurance companies to be there when disasters hit and claims need to be made.
(PRWEB) November 06, 2013
A massive hailstorm that moved through Amarillo, Texas and the Texas Panhandle on May 28 caused $500 million in insured losses to the area, according to the Property Claim Services unit of the Insurance Services Office (ISO). After the damage caused by the baseball-sized hail was tallied, the storm rose to No. 10 on the Insurance Council of Texas’ list of costliest Texas storms, reported the Insurance Journal (8.23.13). Doyle Raizner Amarillo Hail lawyers are concerned for the people in the storm-affected area who may be denied the insurance benefits they paid for.
“In exchange for paying policy premiums, policyholders reasonably expect their insurance companies to be there when disasters hit and claims need to be made,” said Andrew Slania, an experienced Doyle Raizner insurance bad faith attorney. “Unfortunately, large scale disasters can bring out the worst in insurance companies. Some insurance companies have no problem taking in money, but as soon as a policyholder has a legitimate claim, they use various tactics to prevent business and property owners from getting what they are owed.”
Close to 75 percent of the residential property in Amarillo was damaged by the wind and hail. The hail also damaged as many as 35,000 vehicles.
As lawyers at Doyle Raizner LLP understand, insurance companies delay, dispute, underpay, and deny policies every single day. Insurance companies have been known to do almost anything not to pay a claim. The lawyers at Doyle Raizner are experienced in dealing with companies that placing profits over obligations.
“Insurance companies are never eager to pay damages, regardless of what they are supposed to do,” said Slania.
However, when insurance companies delay, dispute or deny payment without a reasonable basis, an insurer may be acting in bad faith.
Delay—Many insurance companies will not come right out and deny a claim. What they may do is delay claims, oftentimes without reason, while bills and other expenses pile up for the policyholder. These companies know that many policyholders will simply give up.
Dispute—The insurance company may ask for all kinds of information, then nitpick and ask for more. Many times, policyholders end up feeling like they are to blame for the delay or dispute.
Deny— Sometimes an insurance company may deny a claim —regardless of its legitimacy—and will only conduct a proper investigation if the policyholder takes legal action. What the insurance company is really hoping for is that the policyholder simply gets frustrated and gives up on pursuing their claim.
“Insurance companies must have a reasonable basis to deny a claim. The law forbids insurers from acting in bad faith toward their policyholders,” said Slania
Policyholders who believe that their insurance company delayed, disputed, underpaid, or denied a legitimate claim, while knowing they should pay, or without investigating the claim, should contact an experienced bad faith attorney at Doyle Raizner LLP to protect their rights and help get all the money that they deserve. Contact Doyle Raizner LLP by calling 713-571-1146.
About Doyle Raizner LLP:
Based in Houston, Texas, Doyle Raizner LLP represents persons who have suffered catastrophic maritime, transportation and international injury claims, as well as insurance policyholders in disputes arising out of the bad faith actions of their insurers. Attorneys with the firm strive to recover monetary compensation for damages suffered by their clients. Doyle Raizner LLP has been recognized by Texas SuperLawyers, Rising Stars, and a number of other publications, as productive and professional attorneys who get exceptional results for their clients.
They can be contacted at:
Doyle Raizner LLP, LyondellBasell Tower, 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4100, Houston, TX 77010, 713-571-1146, http://www.doyleraizner.com