What To Do If Your Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Most everyone insures themselves, their loved ones, and their property through some form of mandatory or voluntary insurance coverage, whether it be an automobile, life, health, home, disability, or casualty insurance policy. Those policies claim to provide certain coverage, meaning certain monetary payment, in the event something happens – auto accident, death, medical needs, property damage, etc. Unfortunately, many times after a claim is made, insurance companies refuse to follow through on their contractual obligations, providing claimants with no compensation and no explanation for the denial of their claim.
In South Carolina, an insurance company always has a duty to its insured to act in good faith and deal fairly. This is a duty that is above and beyond the terms of the insurance policy itself. This duty includes, among other things, that an insurance company needs to timely and fairly handle claims, fairly value and settle claims, and provide a detailed and legitimate explanation for any denial of a claim that is based on the terms of the policy and the law. If you believe you have had a bad faith insurance claim it is important to reach out to a qualified attorney.
An insurance company’s failure to adequately communicate and pay legitimate claims in a timely manner can result in significant consequences to you, including the loss of your home, car, or the suspension of necessary medical treatment, which can leave you in financial ruin. In the event the denial is for a life insurance claim, it may even leave you without the ability to pay for funeral services. If proven that the insurance carrier did not act in good faith, it is possible to receive payment for the claim under the terms of the policy, but also the consequential damages, which may include attorney’s fees and possibly punitive damages.
Insurance policies can be tricky to navigate and understand. It is difficult to know whether there is coverage when there are so many endorsements, exclusions, and exceptions to exclusions. Many people do not understand much of this language, and as a result, they might receive a letter denying a claim and assume that it is the end of the matter. Do not take no for an answer! An insurer might clearly be misinterpreting the policy if not familiar with South Carolina law. Even if the language of a policy is unclear or ambiguous, as is often the case, our courts have construed them in favor of coverage and the claimant.
Do you believe that you have an insurance claim that has been improperly handled or wrongfully denied? If so, the attorneys at the HHP Law Group are experienced insurance claim denial attorneys and can advise you of your rights and potential claims against your insurance company.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation. In advance of a consultation, please collect the following:
The subject insurance policy.
Any documentation related to the claim, including any denial letter.
All written communications regarding the claim (it is best to have all communications with the carrier’s representatives in writing).
Remember, you might be their customer, but the insurance carrier is not your advocate. Contact the HHP Law Group today.
