
Suffering a major loss to your home can be overwhelming, and an insurance company denying your claim can add to the stress. The San Bernardino homeowners’ insurance claim denials lawyers of Shaver Legal, APC, can help when you’re dealing with delayed, underpaid, or outright denied claims. We focus on helping area homeowners recover what they’re rightfully owed.
The purpose of homeowners’ insurance is to protect against unexpected losses. When claims are delayed, undervalued, or denied, the homeowner isn’t getting the protection that they paid for up front.
Insurance companies evaluate claims by way of adjusters and an internal review process. These should result in a fair payout that meets the expectations set forth by the insurance contract. Homeowners have a legal right to hold these companies accountable for not fulfilling their end of the deal.
San Bernardino is no stranger to natural disasters, including wildfires. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated San Bernardino National Forest as one of the most likely wildfire locations in the country. Around 58% of the county’s properties could likely be affected by a wildfire.
Rebuilding after a disaster takes much longer without the cooperation of your insurance company. For example, after the L.A. wildfires, seven out of 10 survivors still hadn’t returned home a year after the fires due to delays or denials of insurance claims.
The Law Doesn’t Wait
You Shouldn’t Either
Insurance companies are more likely to reduce claims or deny them based on certain factors. These can include:
These companies are more likely to scrutinize high-value claims and total losses. California state law regulates how insurance companies are to handle claims. These laws are meant to help protect policyholders from unnecessary delays or denials for improper reasons.
When a claim is denied, the steps you take next matter greatly. Shaver Legal, APC, can help guide you through the process efficiently and effectively, and this process may include the following:
Shaver Legal, APC, takes pride in its personalized treatment of clients and cases. We’re not a high-volume firm, which could make clients feel like just another case. Our team holds a deep knowledge of California insurance law and how to interpret insurance policy language. This allows us to tailor strategies to the specifics of each case.
Our firm prioritizes high-value losses, including wildfire-related claims. It’s our goal to help you rebuild and care for your family in the aftermath of a crisis.
Clients work directly with their attorney, which allows for consistent communication and clarity. We keep you well-informed of your legal rights and options when it comes to your insurance policy and claim denials or underpayment.
We Fight to Rebuild What You Lost.
Your Property. Your Policy. Your Money.
If your homeowners’ insurance claim is denied, it’s important to carefully review the denial letter to better understand why it was denied. Insurance policies can be complexly worded, so it’s not always easy to understand the reasoning.
If you feel you were wrongfully denied or you’re having trouble understanding the reason, gather all documentation and consult with a knowledgeable San Bernardino homeowners’ insurance claim denials lawyer for insight on how to move forward.
The three most common mistakes on a claim that can cause denials are failing to document the damage thoroughly, missing deadlines, and being inconsistent with statements. Incomplete evidence weakens a case significantly, and deadlines are strict when it comes to insurance claims. During the review process, if statements aren’t adding up to the insurance company, it could result in an automatic denial of the claim.
When speaking with an insurance adjuster, don’t make any speculative statements about the cause of damage or minimize the extent of the loss. Don’t agree with initial assessments if you’re unsure about the accuracy of the damage evaluations. It’s generally advisable to stick to the facts. If you’re not quite sure how to handle communication with the insurance company, consult with a skilled insurance claims lawyer.
Denial rates can vary significantly based on the type of claim, location, and reason for the loss. High-value claims are typically scrutinized more often, including total losses due to fire or extensive property damage. For a better chance of success, make sure to document your losses well through photographs and professional statements and meet all required deadlines with the insurance company.
If an insurance company has denied a claim or refused to pay you a fair settlement, waiting can make the situation worse. Choosing to hire a homeowners’ insurance claim denials lawyer lets you shift the burden to a knowledgeable legal advocate who holds extensive experience in handling these types of insurance cases.
Whether your loss involved fire damage, structural issues, or another major crisis, we’re ready to pursue the fair compensation you’re owed in accordance with your insurance policy. We offer free consultations to San Bernardino homeowners and those in the surrounding areas dealing with insurance disputes and disruptions.
Contact Shaver Legal, APC, today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We’re located at 4411 Highland Place near Riverside Community Hospital, just off of State Route 91 in Riverside.