Little Rock Insurance and Consumer Claims Lawyer

Regardless of the type of insurance, whether it’s homeowners, disability, life insurance, or other policies, disagreements between you and your insurance company can be incredibly complex, confusing, and frustrating—especially when you’re trying to deal with a professional from the insurance company.

Disability Insurance Claims Homeowners Insurance Claims

Expert Advocacy for Insurance Disputes

The average consumer may not have the insurance knowledge or experience to negotiate fair terms and resolve differences regarding coverage, exclusions, and benefits. As a result, individuals must understand that state laws protect consumers from unfair insurance companies. Arkansas’ consumer laws can be found through the Arkansas Insurance Department.

In the event a dispute over insurance coverage or benefits arises, it’s vital to act swiftly. The Little Rock insurance and consumer claim lawyers at McMath Woods have years of experience tackling insurance issues faced by our many clients. This experience allows us to serve as effective advocates for resolving disputes with insurance adjusters and their companies. Additionally, we have no problem taking your case to trial if an insurance company refuses to provide the compensation you are rightfully owed.

How to Handle a Typical Insurance Claim

If you need to file an insurance claim, there are certain steps you should take to ensure you build the strongest case possible for yourself.

First, you’ll need to gather documents and evidence supporting your claim. This evidence may include receipts for related expenses and photographs of the damage. You’ll want to provide your insurance company with a detailed account of the incident, including the date, time, location, and suspected reason for the accident.
After you file your claim, an adjuster will be assigned to your case. They will review your report and coverage, contact any parties involved, take additional statements if needed, and evaluate your claim. At this time, they will either offer you a settlement or deny your claim.
It’s important to avoid accepting the initial settlement right away, as you’ll want to evaluate what they’re offering in relation to what you’ve lost. If you feel as though they are lowballing you, you have the right to begin negotiations. At this time, you’ll either be able to agree on terms you feel are fair, or you can seek guidance from an attorney to determine your options.

Reasons Insurance Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies are always focused on their bottom lines. Because of this, they may interpret and manipulate the language of your policy to reduce the value of a claim or deny valid claims. Should they deny a claim, they may provide one of the following reasons:

The loss is not included in your policy.
The damage is less than what you claim it is.
The damage falls below the policy’s deductible.
The insurance company’s adjuster determined that no covered loss occurred.
You didn’t follow through with your responsibilities as a policyholder.

When your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. Our lawyer at McMath Woods can help you gather the necessary evidence and documents to address why the denial must be retracted. It’s important to understand that there are a few alternatives to taking legal action that may suit your individual case better, depending on your circumstances.

Litigation Alternatives

The most popular alternatives to litigation are mediation, arbitration, and appraisal.

Mediation

In mediation, you and your insurance company will work with a third party to negotiate a resolution to the dispute. This is an informal and voluntary process.

Arbitration

Arbitration, either binding or non-binding, is more formal than mediation. The arbitrator can dictate the outcome of the case or work with you and your insurance company to reach a resolution.

Appraisal

An appraisal is a process used to resolve a dispute over the amount of an insured loss. The process can be economical and fast or expensive and slow, depending on the appraisers selected by you and your insurance company.

These alternatives may not be right for you, especially if you believe your insurance company acted in bad faith. If that is the case, you may be able to sue the company for improper claims practice. At this point, you will need an experienced Little Rock Insurance Bad Faith attorney on your side.

Knowing When to Get Help from a Little Rock Insurance Consumer Claims Lawyer

If you’re beginning to feel frustrated or like you’re being taken advantage of while dealing with your insurer, it may be time to seek representation from a qualified attorney who can help you get the respect and claim results you deserve.

Our Arkansas insurance and consumer claims lawyer is prepared to protect your interests and convince your insurance to pay you what you deserve under the insurance contract. There is no charge for an initial consultation regarding your legal rights in an insurance dispute. If we win on your claim, the company can be made to pay some of your attorney’s fees under Arkansas state law. Any remaining fee will be based on a contingency fee arrangement. Our firm has a legacy of over 70 years serving the Little Rock community and beyond. We are focused on delivering a rare level of service and support to every client we represent, and you can expect to be counseled directly by one or more of our insurance claim attorneys. Contact us today for more information.

Disability Insurance Claims

Nearly 56.7 million individuals have been diagnosed with a disability—almost half of which are severe. That means 19 percent of the United States population may be eligible for benefits through the Social Security Administration; however, receiving rightful benefits through insurance companies can be extremely difficult.

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Homeowners Insurance Claims

Homeowners insurance is essential for anyone who owns a home. This insurance is required by mortgage lenders, providing protection should a major disaster strike—and peace of mind for the homeowner.