When making an insurance claim, there may be disagreements about the value of lost property or items. When insurance companies and policyholders disagree, an appraisal can be performed to settle the matter. But appraisal disputes can bring complications that prolong the claims process and lead to further legal troubles.
If you are currently in an appraisal dispute with your insurance company, you need the help of an insurance claims lawyer in Baton Rouge. Insurance companies have lawyers on their side, so it’s only fair that you have one to represent your interests, too.
The attorneys at Barcus Arenas, PLLC, hold decades of collective experience and a thorough understanding of insurance law and process. Contact us today to discuss your case with an appraisal disputes lawyer in Baton Rouge.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Insurance Disputes
Insurance law is complex, and insurance companies are very good at leveraging legalese and insurance contract language to fit their interests. After all, insurance companies are businesses trying to make money and have a vested interest in not paying out claims.
A Baton Rouge commercial insurance disputes lawyer can be your legal advocate during these kinds of disputes. At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, we have extensive experience managing appraisal disputes and understand how to hold insurance companies to their payment obligations.
Don’t let bad-faith insurance companies walk all over you. You owe it to yourself to work with a lawyer who will stand up for your rights and protect your interests from predatory insurers. Give us a call today to discuss the details of your case with one of our business insurance disputes attorneys.
For a free legal consultation with an appraisal disputes lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call (800) 941-1041
How Insurance Appraisals Work
Most property insurance contracts contain an appraisal clause to settle disputes over the value of lost or damaged property. When there is a dispute between the policyholder and the insurer as to the value of the damaged property, appraisal can be invoked to settle the matter.
The point of an appraisal is to reach a fair resolution through a structured evaluation. Each party in the dispute must choose an appraiser. If the two appraisers don’t agree, they must choose an umpire who will assess the differences and give an itemized decision. Both appraisers or one appraiser and the umpire must agree for the decision to be valid.
Appraisals are meant to be legally binding concerning the amount of loss, but they don’t determine whether insurance coverage is valid. If an insurer refuses to submit to appraisal or to pay the appraised amount, the policyholder may have legal grounds to sue for breach of contract.
Baton Rouge Appraisal Disputes Lawyer Near Me
(800) 941-1041
Insurance Companies May Use Appraisals to Get Out of Legal Trouble
Appraisal clauses are meant to resolve disputes, but there is a pressing concern of insurers using last-minute appraisal requests to avoid legal trouble. In recent years, legal experts have noticed a pattern of insurance companies delaying and disputing claims until the policyholder decides to take legal action; then the insurer will invoke appraisal to avoid losing a jury trial.
Insurers may try to use appraisal as a “get out of jail” card by invoking it to avoid legal sanction. However, this does not give insurers free rein. In some cases, a lawyer may be able to argue that an insurance company waived its right to appraisal through tactics meant to delay proceedings and give itself a tactical advantage.
A recent case we litigated in Texas involved a decision where a judge closed an appraisal loophole exploited by insurance companies. This case could serve as persuasive authority in future insurance appraisal disputes in Baton Rouge and Louisiana more generally.
Click to contact our Insurance Claims Lawyers in Baton Rouge today
Can I Sue Insurance Companies for Appraisal Disputes?
Insurance companies are legally obligated to fulfill their contractually obligated duties. If an insurer repeatedly uses flimsy justifications or otherwise wrongfully delays payments or proceedings, a Baton Rouge appraisal disputes lawyer can help you file a bad-faith insurance lawsuit against them.
Through a bad-faith insurance lawsuit, you may be able to recover financial compensation for the following losses:
- The original amount owed under the claim
- Consequential losses or damages incurred due to appraisal delays
- Statutory penalties up to 50% the due amount
- Court costs and attorney fees
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact Barcus Arenas, PLLC, Today to Speak to a Baton Rouge Appraisal Disputes Lawyer
Insurance appraisal disputes might seem like a minor technical disagreement, but they can significantly affect how and when an insurance claim is approved. Delays in appraisals or a refusal to pay the appraised amount can cause significant harm, especially considering that you may have financial obligations to meet while waiting for a claim decision.
At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, we know how to confront insurance companies engaging in bad faith practices and can provide the leverage you need. We can use our skills and experience to hold insurers responsible and keep them from taking advantage of you.
Contact our offices today online or call us by phone to schedule a case consultation with an appraisal disputes lawyer in Baton Rouge.
Call or text (800) 941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
