Insurance Claims Lawyer Columbus, OH
If you have been struggling with insurance claims, a Columbus, OH insurance claims lawyer understands how frustrating it can be when you’ve hit a wall and are here to help you. You’ve likely spent years paying your premiums on time because you understand how important it is to protect your asset, and although you’ve always hoped to file a claim, you were secure in the fact that you were doing the right thing by having the appropriate amount of insurance.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen and it’s only reasonable that you would now file that claim, obtain the financial compensation due you, and begin to rebuild. But then you get an offer from your insurance company that is not only low – it is ridiculously low. So what do you do now? What type of legal recourse do you have against your own insurance company? Contact Brenner Law Offices to learn more, and keep reading!
Lowball Offers
Insurance companies are all “neighborly” and helpful when they woo you for your business. What you need to remember is that these are for-profit businesses. They collect clients’ premiums and count on those clients not filing claims because if they do, those payouts would cut into the insurance company’s profits.
So instead, the insurance company does all it can to avoid paying the amount the client is entitled to. A Columbus insurance claims lawyer knows that there are many tactics these companies use, but one of the most common is the lowball offer. The company offers an amount much lower than your claim is actually worth and hope that you will take that offer, no questions asked. But it is important for every consumer to know that you do not have to accept that inappropriate offer.
One of the best ways to fight a lowball offer is to have an insurance claims lawyer advocating for you. A lawyer can evaluate your case, confirm you have submitted all appropriate documentation, and determine the amount you should be receiving. The attorney can help reduce your stress by dealing with the insurance company directly on your behalf.
Each insurance claims lawyer from our law firm is well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies and will diligently work to get you the settlement you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, there are steps your lawyer can take to protect your interests.
One of the most common tools used by attorneys in these situations is filing a bad-faith lawsuit against the insurance company for failing to do its job. The lawsuit will hopefully encourage them to do the right thing because litigation can be very expensive for their company. Although going filing a lawsuit may not be the best option in every case, it can be an effective option against an insurance company that insists on delaying claims, submitting lowball offers, or denying claims outright.
Call Our Law Firm Today
If you have filed a claim with your insurance company and are getting the run around about obtaining the financial compensation you feel you are due, contact Brenner Law Offices to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Columbus insurance claims lawyer.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
When it comes to insurance claims, the process can be complex and confusing without the help of a Columbus, OH insurance claims lawyer to make sense of it all. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure that you get the best outcome. Knowing when you should hire a lawyer can help you make the right decision for your situation; learn when you should hire an attorney, and then contact one today at Brenner Law Offices for help.
Denied Claim
A lawyer can help you understand why the claim was denied and work to have it overturned. The lawyer will also review all paperwork associated with the claim and determine if any legal action needs to be taken to ensure the claim is paid. Additionally, a lawyer can provide advice on how to approach the insurance company in order to increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome. With their knowledge and experience, they can fight for you and help ensure that you are not taken advantage of by an insurer.
Delayed Claim
In some cases, a delay can mean that the insurance company is dragging its feet or trying to deny the claim. A Columbus insurance claims lawyer can help you navigate the legal system to get your claim resolved quickly. They can advise you on the best course of action and help you build a strong case to get you the compensation you deserve. Additionally, a lawyer can represent you in court if the insurer refuses to cooperate and pay out your claim.
Frustrating Tactics
Insurance companies have various tactics they may use to deny or delay a claim, and some of these can be incredibly frustrating for claimants. One common tactic is to ask for information that is irrelevant or was already provided, in an attempt to frustrate the claimant and delay the process. Another tactic is to place blame on the claimant, even if the damage wasn’t their fault. Some insurance companies may also drag out the process by unnecessarily extending deadlines or refusing to provide adequate proof of coverage. These tactics can make the process more difficult and often lead to disputes that require legal help. If you’re feeling frustrated with the tactics your insurance company is using to delay your claim, you should consider getting help from an attorney.
You Are Injured
If you are injured due to an accident or medical negligence, you need a lawyer to help you seek justice. A lawyer can assess your case, advise you on the best legal options, and assist you in filing your claim and negotiating with the insurance company. Your lawyer can also represent you in court and fight for a fair settlement that covers your medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses. Working with a lawyer will ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
Your Property Is Damaged
If you have had your property damaged due to an accident or event that was not your fault, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the responsible party. An experienced lawyer will be able to provide legal advice and assistance in order to ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the best possible outcome from your claim. They will assess the value of your claim and fight for the maximum amount of compensation that is available to you.
If you are dealing with damages or frustrating delays, it’s time to bring in a lawyer. Contact a Columbus insurance claims lawyer at Brenner Law Offices for help today.
Columbus Insurance Claims FAQs
Insurance is supposed to help you in your time of need, but if your insurance provider is leaving you hanging, you can contact your Columbus OH insurance claims lawyer to get the compensation you need. Here are some of the most common questions about handling disputes with insurance companies.
How Can I Tell If I Need Legal Representation To Deal With An Insurance Claim?
You might consider seeking legal representation if you find that your insurance company is not responding to your claim in a timely manner, has denied your claim with what you believe to be insufficient reason, or has offered a settlement that you think is unfairly low. Additionally, if your claim involves a substantial amount of money or complex issues of liability, your legal team can provide invaluable guidance and ensure that your interests are robustly represented.
What Are The Steps To File A Lawsuit Against An Insurance Company?
Filing a lawsuit against an insurance company typically involves several key steps:
- Review of Insurance Policy: Your attorney will begin by thoroughly reviewing your insurance policy to understand the coverage details and the obligations of the insurance company.
- Gathering Evidence: Collecting all relevant documents, such as communications with the insurance company, claim submissions, and proof of loss.
- Attempt to Negotiate: Before proceeding to court, it’s common to attempt to negotiate with the insurer to reach a settlement.
- Filing a Complaint: If negotiations fail, your attorney will file a legal complaint in the appropriate court. This document outlines your case against the insurer, including the amount of damages you are seeking.
- Litigation: After the complaint is filed, the lawsuit moves into the litigation phase, which may include discovery, motions, and possibly a trial.
Insurance Claims Infographic
Columbus Insurance Claims Statistics
According to statistics from the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 60 percent of Americans have some type of life insurance, which amounts to about 267 million policies. Most people view life insurance as an income replacement for their families should anything happen to them.
Unfortunately, not all insurance companies pay like they are supposed to. If you are having issues, contact our office to meet with a Columbus insurance claims lawyer and find out how we can help.
How Does An Attorney Prove Bad Faith On The Part Of An Insurance Company?
Proving bad faith involves demonstrating that the insurance company failed to act in a manner that is fair and reasonable under the circumstances. Your Columbus insurance claims attorney will seek to show that the insurer had no reasonable basis for denying benefits under the policy and that the insurer knew or recklessly disregarded the lack of a reasonable basis for denying the claim.
How Do I Choose The Right Attorney For My Insurance Dispute?
Choosing the right attorney is critical in insurance disputes. You should look for a lawyer who has specific experience and a successful track record with insurance cases similar to yours. It’s also important to choose someone with whom you feel comfortable communicating and who appears to have a thorough understanding of insurance law.
How Long Does A Typical Insurance Dispute Case Take To Resolve?
The duration of an insurance dispute case can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the amount at stake, the specific issues involved, and the caseload of the courts. Some disputes may be settled quickly through negotiation, while others that proceed to trial can take a year or more.
Columbus Insurance Claims Glossary
At Brenner Hubble LLC, we are dedicated to providing high-quality legal service in a cost-effective and professional manner. As experienced insurance claims lawyers in Columbus, OH, we work tirelessly to help individuals and businesses resolve disputes with insurance companies and obtain the compensation they deserve. Below, we’ve compiled a glossary of essential terms to help you better understand your rights and the claims process.
Bad Faith
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company acts unfairly or unreasonably toward a policyholder. This may include denying a legitimate claim without proper investigation, offering a settlement far below what the policyholder is entitled to, or intentionally delaying payment. For example, a homeowner filing a claim for fire damage might encounter an insurer claiming that the fire wasn’t covered under the policy, even though the terms clearly state otherwise.
We’ve worked with clients in situations like these, using our extensive legal experience to prove bad faith and secure the compensation they are owed. In many cases, the threat of litigation is enough to encourage insurers to settle fairly.
Lowball Offer
A lowball offer is a common tactic insurance companies use to minimize their payouts. These offers are often significantly lower than the true value of the claim. For instance, after a car accident that causes significant vehicle damage and medical bills, a policyholder might receive an offer that barely covers their deductible, let alone their full expenses.
Our firm has represented clients from various industries, including major insurance companies like Nationwide and Aetna, which gives us insight into how insurers evaluate claims. This knowledge allows us to effectively negotiate on behalf of our clients and reject offers that do not reflect the true value of their losses.
Denied Claim
A denied claim happens when an insurer refuses to pay out on a policyholder’s claim. This might be due to insufficient evidence, a misunderstanding of policy terms, or even an error on the insurer’s part. Imagine a policyholder whose claim for roof damage caused by a storm is denied because the insurer argues it resulted from “wear and tear” rather than the storm.
In these cases, our attorneys thoroughly review all relevant documents, including policy terms and submitted evidence, to determine whether the denial was justified. If we identify a breach of the insurer’s obligations, we take decisive steps to address the issue, including litigation if necessary.
Proof Of Loss
Proof of loss is a critical document that outlines the extent of damage or loss and serves as the foundation for an insurance claim. This may include receipts, photographs, repair estimates, or medical records. For example, after a flood, a homeowner might submit repair estimates, photographs of the damage, and receipts for temporary lodging to support their claim.
Our team helps clients gather and present comprehensive proof of loss to strengthen their cases. We understand the importance of providing clear and compelling evidence to expedite the claims process and achieve favorable outcomes.
Contingency Fee Agreement
A contingency fee agreement allows clients to access legal representation without upfront costs. Instead, the attorney is paid a percentage of the recovered compensation if the case is successful. This arrangement is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with denied or delayed claims who may not have the resources to pay hourly legal fees.
At Brenner Hubble LLC, we prioritize accessibility and flexibility in our fee arrangements. Unlike larger firms with high hourly rates, we are committed to offering personalized attention and effective representation without financial barriers.
If you’re facing challenges with an insurance claim, Brenner Hubble LLC has the experience and commitment to advocate for your rights. Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, bad faith actions, or a lowball offer, we are ready to put our expertise to work for you. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward a fair resolution.
Conclusion: Connect With Brenner Law Offices For Your Insurance Dispute Needs
If you are facing difficulties with an insurance claim and feel unsure about the next steps, it’s important not to navigate this alone. At Brenner Law Office, we have over 25 years of experience helping our clients battle with their insurance providers. Contact us today, and see how a Columbus insurance claims attorney from our office can help you get started.
Client Review
"I've known Todd for many years. He has always provided me with excellent advice and counsel. I can say without reservation that I'd trust him with any legal matter."
Linda McDonald