FAQ: Houston Underpaid Insurance Claims Lawyer
1. What should I do if I think my insurance claim is being underpaid?
If you believe your insurance claim has been undervalued, the first step is to contact an attorney who specializes in underpaid insurance claims. At Dick Law Firm, PLLC, we can help you understand your policy, review the insurance company's settlement offer, and evaluate whether the offer is fair. It's important to not accept the first offer if it doesn't cover all your damages. Our experienced attorneys will help you explore your legal options and guide you through the appeal process to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
2. How do insurance companies underpay claims?
Insurance companies often underpay claims by offering lowball settlements, delaying payments, or using loopholes in the policy to minimize payout amounts. Some common tactics include:
- Downplaying the severity of damages or injuries
- Using incorrect estimates for repairs or medical treatment costs
- Misinterpreting policy coverage or exclusions
- Delaying or stalling claims to make policyholders give up or accept a lower amount Insurance companies may also act in bad faith, which is illegal. If your insurer is acting in bad faith, you may be entitled to additional damages beyond the initial underpayment.
3. How can I prove that my insurance claim was underpaid?
Proving that your insurance claim was underpaid requires a thorough review of your policy and the claims process. Steps include:
- Reviewing your insurance contract to understand your coverage limits
- Analyzing your claim's value with the help of experts in repairs, medical costs, or other damages
- Requesting an explanation from your insurer about how they arrived at the settlement amount
- Gathering supporting evidence, such as repair estimates, medical records, or expert opinions, to challenge the insurer’s valuation Our team at Dick Law Firm, PLLC can help investigate the insurance company's handling of your claim and ensure that you are not being shortchanged.
4. What if the insurance company is acting in bad faith?
Insurance companies are required by law to act in good faith when handling claims. If they are engaging in practices such as deliberately underpaying your claim, delaying payments, or misrepresenting policy terms, they may be acting in bad faith. If we can prove that your insurer acted in bad faith, you may be entitled to additional damages, including compensation for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.
5. How can Dick Law Firm, PLLC help with my underpaid insurance claim?
At Dick Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to fighting for fair compensation for our clients. We can:
- Review your insurance policy to ensure you understand your coverage and rights
- Evaluate your claim to determine if the settlement offer is appropriate
- Negotiate with your insurance company to push for a fair settlement
- File legal action if necessary, including a lawsuit for bad faith if we believe the insurance company is not acting fairly
Our experienced attorneys have a track record of successfully handling underpaid claims and can help you get the settlement you deserve.
6. How do I know if my claim was undervalued?
If the settlement offer you received doesn’t cover all of your medical expenses, repair costs, or lost wages, it might be undervalued. Common signs of an undervalued claim include:
- The insurance company offers less than the estimated cost of repairs or medical treatment
- They don’t account for future costs or long-term consequences of injuries
- You feel pressured to accept a quick settlement without adequate explanation If you feel that your settlement doesn’t reflect the true extent of your damages, it’s a good idea to consult with an underpaid insurance claims lawyer to have a second opinion on whether the offer is fair.
7. What is bad faith insurance, and how can it affect my claim?
Bad faith insurance refers to when an insurer deliberately acts in a way that harms the policyholder, such as denying a legitimate claim, delaying payment unreasonably, or undervaluing the claim. In bad faith cases, the insurer fails to meet their duty to act in good faith and deal fairly with the insured. If you can prove your insurer acted in bad faith, you may be entitled to more than just the initial claim amount. You could recover additional damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and other penalties.
8. How long do I have to file a claim if I think my insurance was underpaid?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing an insurance bad faith claim or challenging an underpaid insurance claim is typically two years from the date of the wrongful settlement offer or denial. It’s crucial to act quickly, as waiting too long could prevent you from taking legal action. If you believe your claim was underpaid, contact Dick Law Firm, PLLC as soon as possible to ensure your case is properly handled within the required time frame.
