Jacksonville Insurance Law Blog

Denied insurance claims and depression

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in denied insurance claims on Saturday, June 15, 2019.

There are many reasons why policyholders file insurance claims, whether their property was damaged as a result of a hurricane or some other weather-related event or they are struggling to deal with the aftermath of a fire. For some people, insurance coverage can make all the difference when it comes to recovering from a disaster. Unfortunately, some people struggle with a denied insurance claim, even though they thought that they were covered. This may result in various hardships, including financial problems and emotional difficulties such as depression.

When an insurance claim is denied, the emotional impact can be unbearable. People facing these problems may be unsure about their financial future and worry about how their circumstances will affect those they love. Many people have become depressed as a result of these issues, which can make life even harder and potentially get in the way of one's ability to move forward. If you are feeling depressed over a denied claim, it is vital to address your emotions properly. Moreover, you may be able to ease some of your concerns and restore your emotional well-being by reviewing the details of your situation and identifying potential solutions to the overwhelming problems that you are facing.

Does home insurance cover water damage?

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in insurance bad faith on Monday, June 10, 2019.

For homeowners, water damage is a constant concern. Insurance is a must for addressing perils that befall your property, but in some cases, water damage will not be covered. Because this area can be a bit complex, The Balance offers the following information on water damage and what is and isn't usually covered by insurance companies.

Water damage caused by a broken pipe, sewer back up, or storm is usually covered by home insurance policies. Water damage caused by flooding may not be covered under home insurance, but homeowners can implement a separate home insurance policy to afford protection. Gradual water damage is not typically covered, however. This occurs when a problem in the home is ongoing and left unaddressed. As a result, the damage will occur slowly over time until a serious issue arises.

Why would my property insurance be canceled?

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in property insurance issues on Sunday, May 26, 2019.

By nature, insurance companies are risk-averse. While they want their clients to receive coverage when applicable criteria are met, they will also cancel policies when they feel the insurance contract has been breached. Understanding the reasons why your property insurance policy may be canceled will help you steer clear of issues while also providing information if you feel your claim has been unfairly denied. The Balance offers the following reasons why policies are commonly canceled.

Too many claims is a major reason for a canceled policy. In this case, the company may feel that you are too great of a risk, which could lead to your policy becoming null and void. Look at your claims history to determine if this approach is valid. For example, are all the claims linked to a covered peril? Are they the result of multiple events or one single occurrence? What is the cost of each claim? From here, you can determine how to approach your insurer about the issue.

Do I have recourse if my disability claim is denied?

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in denied insurance claims on Thursday, May 16, 2019.

Experiencing a disability can be devastating. Not only do you have the physical discomfort and emotional distress from your condition, but you also worry about how you will make ends meet if you are no longer able to work. It becomes even more worrying if your Social Security Disability claim is denied. You and other Florida residents may want to know about your options if you are having trouble making or appealing a claim.

According to the Social Security Administration, many lifelong disabilities can render someone unable to work and qualify for disability benefits. However, it is also common to have your initial claim denied. There are many reasons for a denial of a claim, such as the following:

Your disability is such that you can learn and perform another type of work.
There is insufficient medical evidence to support your claim.
You did not follow the prescribed treatment plan or cooperate with the SSA’s requests.
You had too many previous denials.

How do I prove storm damages to an insurer?

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in insurance bad faith on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

Many Florida homeowners understand that their lives could be upended by the arrival of a hurricane, most notably by the damage inflicted on their homes by the storm. But sometimes an insurance company does not want to pay the full amount to cover home repairs and may attempt to lowball a client with a lesser amount. That is why you should be ready to provide your insurer with documentation that proves your claims are valid.

According to The Nest, you should photograph the damage done to your home. If your roof took a hit from a hurricane, be sure to take pictures of it. These images will show your insurer the extent of the damage. You should also accumulate documented quotes from contractors who have come out to survey your home. Your insurer may underestimate how much contractors in your vicinity charge. Written quotes can help inform them otherwise.

The value of having homeowner's insurance for your house

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in denied insurance claims on Sunday, April 7, 2019.

Preparing to buy a home in Florida can be both exciting and unnerving. With so many of your assets and resources going toward such a significant investment, chances are you want to take precautions to keep your home safe and protected. At Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. Attorneys at Law, we are committed to being advocates for people who are facing unfair outcomes resulting from a dispute with their insurance company.

Homeowner's insurance is a crucial part of planning ahead and taking preventative measures to protect your home. According to quickenloans.com, homeowner's insurance can provide some protection from liability claims if people who visit your property are injured during their visit. Other benefits include financial assistance if your home is damaged, assistance if your property has been stolen and if other facilities on your property are damaged such as a garage or backyard shed.

What is flood insurance?

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in property insurance issues on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

Insurance can be a very wonderful thing if you experience a loss. Most people do not have the disposable income to handle a loss all on their own, which is why they have insurance. Insurance will pay for damages for you, so you can recoup whatever it is you lost. However, insurance is not a magic wand. It only covers the things specified in your policy. What you may not realize is that when it comes to your renter's or homeowner's insurance in Florida, you likely do not have flood insurance coverage.

Flood insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute, is always separate from your regular insurance policy. Standard polices will not include it because you must buy it as a separate policy. Standard policies may cover water damage from other situations, but they do not cover flooding from an outside source, such as a storm or a river.

What constitutes insurance bad faith?

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in insurance bad faith on Sunday, March 17, 2019.

If you are like most Floridians, you likely have several insurance policies, such as for your car, your home, etc. Naturally you expect your insurance carrier(s) to pay you up to your policy limits if you make a claim. You likewise expect your carrier(s) to defend you if someone sues you and to pay the person if (s)he wins the lawsuit, again up to the limits of your policy.

Unfortunately, however, one or more of your insurance carriers may not pay up and/or properly defend you when the time comes. If this happens, you may be able to sue the company for bad faith.

What do I do if my health insurance claim is denied?

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in denied insurance claims on Thursday, February 28, 2019.

People of all ages in Florida rely on health insurance to give them piece of mind. You know that whether you have a medical emergency or a scheduled appointment, a checkup or a big surgery, your health insurance company will foot the bill.

But, what happens when they do not? What if after filing a claim with your health insurance company, your claim is denied? What then? Try not to panic. Take a deep breath and check out the tips below to see if you might be able to rectify the situation.

Will insurance companies cover older homes?

On behalf of Tyler & Hamilton, P.A. posted in property insurance issues on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

It is the aftermath of a hurricane. Your Jacksonville home has taken some damage, but since you have property insurance, you are feeling confident that you can repair your house and get on with your life. However, if you own an old home, you might find that your insurance policy is not willing to fully cover your repairs. To understand why these issues may occur, it helps to know whether insurance companies are eager to cover damages inflicted on older houses.

The Insurance Information Institute explains that not all insurance companies are willing to fully insure the replacement building costs of older homes. The problem is that restoring particular features of older homes may be too expensive. Some houses have distinct features like moldings in the walls or ceilings which will cost a lot to recreate if they are damaged or destroyed.