Insurance is meant to provide financial protection after an unpredictable event, like a car accident, severe weather or the onset of a severe disability.
The trouble is insurance companies often deny valid claims or try to settle for less than the claim is worth. If your insurance company denied your claim or tried to underpay it, you may be eligible to pursue legal action. Getting an experienced lawyer involved can motivate the insurance company to offer more compensation.
At Galloway Jefcoat, we know the tactics employed by insurance companies when policyholders file claims. Our firm has a proven track record of recovering compensation for injuries and damages. For more than 25 years, we have been turning wrong into right in Lafayette and throughout Louisiana.
If you have questions about your legal options following a crash, contact our Lafayette personal insurance lawyers. Your initial consultation is free and gives you the chance to discuss your potential legal options. Our firm only gets paid if you receive compensation.
Find out if you have a case.
337-984-8020
Types of Insurance Cases We Handle
There are various types of insurance that consumers rely on in case of something unexpected:
- Car insurance provides coverage in the event of car accidents or other situations that cause damage to the policyholder’s vehicle. Car insurance also provides financial protection for drivers who cause a crash.
- Home insurance protects your property in case of a break-in, destruction from a weather event or another unexpected situation like water damage from broken plumbing. Home insurance and rental insurance also protect your personal property inside your home or apartment.
- Life insurance provides surviving family members or designated beneficiaries with compensation to cover expenses such as funeral cost, mortgage, debt, and other expenses the family may need after a loved one passes away.
- Health insurance covers some of the cost of medical care, such as the cost of surgery, doctor visits, laboratory tests and prescriptions.
- Catastrophe insurance helps protect policyholders from property damage caused by natural disasters like floods, fires or earthquakes.
- Disability insurance provides for paid sick leave and long and short-term disability if you become permanently or temporarily disabled and cannot work.
- Long-term care insurance pays for long-term care expenses for those who need assistance with daily tasks like bathing, walking, eating or dressing. For example, this insurance could help cover the cost of putting a loved one in a nursing home.
If you are struggling to secure compensation from any of these types of insurance policies, our knowledgeable Lafayette personal insurance attorneys may be able to help you. We take on insurance companies and help policyholders secure the compensation they need after an unexpected injury or other incident that threatens their finances or livelihood.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
What Duty do Louisiana Insurance Companies Have to Policyholders?
In the state of Louisiana, insurance companies have a duty of good faith. That means they need to adjust claims in a fair and prompt manner. They need to take reasonable steps to settle.
Failing to uphold the duty of good faith can make the insurance company liable for any resulting damages. There are numerous examples of operating in bad faith, such as:
- Misrepresenting information or the terms of an insurance policy
- Not paying a settlement within 30 days after an agreement has been documented, as required by state law
- Modifying coverage without informing the policyholder.
- Delaying the investigation – state law says the investigation must commence within 14 days of receiving proof of loss
- Not conducting a sufficient investigation
If you have reason to believe your insurance company is handling your claim in bad faith, call Galloway Jefcoat to learn how we may be able to assist you.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
What Are the Most Common Reasons Insurance Companies Deny Claims?
Insurance companies give claimants numerous reasons for denying claims. Sometimes the insurance company’s explanation makes sense, but other times the insurance company is simply trying to avoid paying compensation for covered losses/damages.
Here are some common reasons why insurance companies deny claims:
- Your premium payments are not up to date.
- You failed to inform the company before the deadline.
- Your policy lapsed due to not paying premiums or failing to pay on time.
- Your incident is not covered under the policy.
- You have preexisting conditions, so your new injury is not covered.
- There is a lack of evidence to support your claim or the amount of compensation you are seeking.
It is important for claimants to remember these reasons may not be valid. Insurers often give flimsy excuses for denying legitimate claims.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
How To Appeal an Insurance Company Decision
When an insurance company denies a claim, they send a decision letter. Claimants should review the decision letter to determine if the insurance company had a valid reason for denying the claim. The letter should also explain how claimants can appeal the denial.
If you think the insurance company was wrong, you should contact an experience Lafayette personal insurance lawyer to discuss your legal options. An experienced lawyer can handle the appeal process and potentially file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you need.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
Strengthening Your Insurance Claim
There are practical measures that you can take to protect your interests when you need to file an insurance claim, including:
- Reviewing your policy and seeking clarification on anything you find unclear
- Making sure you know insurance policy deadlines
- Familiarizing yourself with the documentation you need to file a claim
- Maintaining relevant records, such as medical reports, bills from healthcare providers, receipts for property damages, etc.
Taking these precautionary measures may help your lawyer strengthen your case.
Contact Our Lafayette Personal Insurance Lawyers
Reaching out to an experienced lawyer can be a vital step after an injury or other loss that is covered by insurance. If the insurance company is engaged in bad faith practices, we can help advocate for your interests, which may include filing a lawsuit.
Your first consultation with one of our lawyers is completely free and confidential. It does not cost you anything to hire our firm. We only receive payment for our services after we have successfully helped you obtain a claim.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."
