Insurance Claims
No matter what they are designed to protect, insurance policies are complicated and frequently the subject of dispute. The types of insurance claims that Paul L. Schneiderman guides clients through include:
- Automobile insurance
- Homeowner's insurance
- Health insurance
- Commercial insurance
- Miscellaneous additional insurance policies
All insurers in Washington State are obligated to act in good faith when it comes to cooperating with their policy holders and resolving claims. Unfortunately, not every insurance company acts in good faith and instead may employ deceptive and unethical business practices to maximize profits.
Examples of insurance companies acting in bad faith at the expense policy holders include:
- Denying a personal injury claim
- Devaluing valid claims
- Delaying claims or payments
- Misrepresenting facts or policies
- Making unfair settlement offers
- Denying medically necessary claims
- Inappropriately subrogating third party settlements
In some cases, insurance companies may deny claims or employ other bad faith tactics solely because they believe a policy holder is not in a position to assert their rights or supply the necessary evidence to support their claim. Having lawyer on your side who is knowledgable about navigating the insurance claims process can be critical in getting an insurance company to stop bad faith tactics and protect your legal rights.
Paul L. Schneiderman is available to represent policyholders in disputes with insurance companies. He is familiar with various remedies available to policyholders, including the Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA). To read more about IFCA and accountability for insurance companies, read Mr. Schneiderman's blog post Your Own Insurance Company Can Be In Trouble for Not Treating You Right In Washington State.
Insurance Claims: Time is of the Essence
Insurance companies often impose deadlines for filing a claim or appealing a claim. If these deadlines are missed, your claim may be barred. Additionally, there are constraints in Washington State, known as statutes of limitations, that limit the amount of time a policy holder has to file a lawsuit against their insurance company in an insurance dispute.
For these reasons, time is of the essence when it comes to protecting your legal rights. If you believe you have a valid claim under your insurance policy that has been denied in bad faith, it is important to consult with a lawyer experienced in handling insurance disputes as quickly as possible so that you don't miss any opportunities .
Insurance companies spend a lot of money and resources on denying claims, with the knowledge that many policyholders will give up or not have the ability to fight back. The sooner you consult with an experienced attorney, the sooner you can even the field with the insurance company and show them that you have someone who will fight for what you are owed.
Civil Disputes
Paul L. Schneiderman has represented clients in business and property disputes, civil rights battles, discrimination cases, wage claims, breach of contract, and an array of other legal matters.
Situations such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, unpaid wages, and contract disputes can adversely impact your employment situation and your rights as a citizen. Paul L. Schneiderman understands the technical complexities and the human reality of representing citizens and entities in complex legal matters.
Civil litigation cases can be complex. They require the guidance of a lawyer who has both a technical understanding of the areas of applicable law, and good working knowledge of the court system and avenues for alternative dispute resolution. A good civil dispute attorney will help you know when a settlement offer is fair, when it is likely that parties can reach a fair agreement quickly and cost-effectively through mediation or arbitration, and when it makes sense to proceed with the time and expense of a lawsuit.
With a strong technical legal background in the civil rules of procedure and in other bodies of law, Paul L. Schneiderman will help you work through the legal complexities of your case.
If you, someone that you care about, or a business associate is facing a legal issue, contact Paul L. Schneiderman by calling 206-464-1952 to discuss your options.