We Sue Insurance Companies On Behalf Of Insureds Denied Coverage
While insurance policy language may seem clear, insurers sometimes minimize or refuse to pay claims which you have a right to receive. When negotiation cannot resolve an insurance coverage dispute, working with an experienced trial attorney can move the process along.
At James Dodge Russell & Stephens, P.C., our attorneys handle a wide range of insurance coverage disputes involving homeowners’, business and motor vehicle policies.
Utah’s insurance regulations, statutes and case law are a complex weave of requirements for underwriting, procurement, coverage, policy binding and handling claims. Our attorneys use a team approach negotiating and litigating on our clients’ behalf.
Before heading to the courtroom for litigation, our attorneys work through negotiation and arbitration to fully address a breach of contract, breach of duty claims and other conflicts. Our straightforward, practical methodology helps our clients with their claims handling.
Business Policyholder Representation
As a matter of course, business owners and corporate policyholders have policies to cover the risks of liability for business losses, employees, professional indemnity, as well as for covering:
- General liability
- Product liability
- Property damage
- Environmental damage
- Directors and officers
This is not an exhaustive list. Industry-specific coverage may also include federal motor carrier liability, construction defects or crime losses.
Claim denials can mean a loss of productivity for your business. Our attorneys tailor intelligent strategies to remove the obstacles to full and fair coverage under your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Coverage Disputes
Very few people have any experience navigating insurance coverage disputes. The answers to these common questions can help make it easier to understand what to expect:
What documentation do I need to support my insurance coverage dispute?
When you approach your insurance company about your coverage, evidence is everything. Some documents you should collect to support your position include:
- Policy and claim documentation: Make sure you have your policy and group number and review the relevant sections of the policy about your coverage.
- Include documentation: Showing when you filed the original insurance claim, the claim number and the denial letter.
- Provide a complete record of any other communications: These can be emails, physical letters, records of phone calls and voicemails.
- Supporting evidence: Additional documentation can include proof of your losses, medical records, receipts, billing statements, repair estimates, photos and videos.
The more evidence you have to support your position in an insurance coverage dispute, the more likely your claim will be successful. Our attorneys at James Dodge Russell & Stephens, P.C., can help you locate and organize your documentation for maximum impact.
What are Utah’s time limits for challenging an insurance claim denial?
Ultimately, Utah law permits a lawsuit related to a property insurance dispute within three years of the loss. However, an initial appeal of a denied claim is controlled by your policy, so read the denial letter carefully. In general, most insurers allow 30 to 60 days to file the internal appeal.
How long does it typically take to resolve an insurance coverage dispute in Utah?
The time it takes to successfully dispute an insurance claim denial will depend on the type and complexity of your claim and the terms of an insurance policy. Many internal appeals for insurance claims denials take about 30 days. If a lawsuit is filed, your claim may take several months to resolve via negotiation or more than a year if litigation is necessary. An experienced attorney can, after reviewing your claim, give you a more specific estimate.
Contact Our Experienced Team Promptly
Insurance disputes take time to properly resolve. Our attorneys assist insureds with their complex insurance coverage disputes. Call James Dodge Russell & Stephens in Salt Lake City, UT at 801-363-6363 to schedule a consultation. You may also contact our attorneys online to initiate a consultation.