Most people who own a car, home, or business, also have insurance to protect their interests in whatever they own. Typically, when a person suffers injuries or property damage due to an accident or act of nature, the person will file a claim with their insurance company to recover insurance benefits for the loss. While many claims are processed seamlessly, others are unjustly denied by insurance adjusters who fail to assess the claim accurately. If you filed a claim with your insurance company to recover costs to repair or replace your damaged property and your claim was denied, it is critical to consult a knowledgeable attorney proficient at handling cases against insurance companies to discuss your options for pursuing damages. The Manchester personal injury attorneys of Stephen Law Group are skilled at helping individuals recover benefits they are owed from their insurance company, and if we represent you, we will advocate zealously on your behalf. We often represent people in insurance claims in Manchester as well as in other cities in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine.
If you filed a claim with your insurance company to recover benefits owed under your insurance policy for property damage, but your claim was denied, you have options for seeking recourse. For example, you may be able to file a breach of contract claim against your insurer. Under New Hampshire and Massachusetts law, to prove liability for breach of contract, you must first show the existence of a valid contract. In cases involving insurance claims, the insurance policy constitutes the contract. You must then establish that your insurer materially breached the contract by denying you benefits owed under the policy. Lastly, you must show that you suffered quantifiable damages because of the breach. If you were denied benefits owed under an insurance policy, it is important to act promptly, as you must file a breach of contract claim within the statute of limitations, which varies by state.
In addition to seeking damages via a breach of contract claim, you may be able to assert a bad faith claim against your insurance company as well. Insurance companies in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts owe an obligation to their insureds to thoroughly and properly investigate any claims and to make payments on valid claims in a timely manner. Thus, if the insurer fails to try to settle the claim promptly and in good faith when the obligation to settle the claim is clear, the insured may be able to pursue bad faith claims against the insurer.
Actions that may constitute bad faith include refusing to pay a claim without a valid reason, neglecting to investigate a claim promptly, or offering inadequate settlements compared to the incurred damages. Additionally, ongoing requests for evidence despite sufficient submission, misrepresenting policy terms, and failing to disclose policy details to avoid payment may be considered bad faith practices. Delays in approving medical care requests, threats of claim denial for non-compliance, and refusal to provide documentation for claim delays or denials can also be indicative of bad faith behavior by insurers.
People rely on insurance companies to protect their assets in the event of a loss, and when insurance companies fail to comply with the terms of the insurance agreement, it can be frustrating and disheartening. If your insurance company denied your claim to recover benefits due to property damage, it is vital to meet with an attorney to discuss your claim and what damages you may be able to recover. The zealous Manchester personal injury attorneys of Stephen Law Group have helped numerous people recover damages from their insurance company after their claim was unjustly denied. We frequently represent people in claims against insurance companies in Manchester and other New Hampshire and Massachusetts cities. We have multiple offices in Manchester and Concord, New Hampshire; North Andover and Methuen, Massachusetts; and Saco, Maine. You can contact us through our form online or by calling us at 877-663-1007 to set up a conference.