You’ve worked hard to build your business, and while you have always expected the best, you’ve also prepared for the worst. That meant purchasing an appropriate first-party insurance policy to protect your assets. If your establishment were damaged, you’d be covered..
You did the right thing, but if your insurance company denied your claim anyway, you may be frustrated, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Our first-party insurance claims lawyers in Houston can fight to get the compensation you need so you can bounce back.
At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, our complex and commercial insurance claim lawyers have nearly two decades of combined experience. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
Do You Need an Attorney if Your Claim is Denied?
If your insurance company denies your first-party business insurance claim, you have the right to challenge that decision. There are several ways to do this, but insurers often rely on teams of adjusters and attorneys to protect their interests.
This isn’t a battle you should take on alone. Hiring an experienced attorney who understands Texas insurance law levels the playing field and helps protect your rights.
Some of the ways our first-party insurance claims attorneys in Houston can help include:
Explaining Your Policy Coverage
We review your business insurance policy to determine what’s covered, under what conditions, and what exclusions may apply. We’ll clarify confusing policy language so you understand your rights and options.
Identifying Bad Faith Actions
In Texas, bad faith occurs when an insurer unfairly denies, delays, or mishandles a valid claim without reasonable cause. To succeed in a bad faith lawsuit, you must show the insurer knew, or should have known, it had no legitimate reason to deny your claim.
Challenging Your Denials or Delays
Our attorneys will review your denial letter, investigate the facts, gather supporting documentation, and submit a detailed appeal through the appropriate channels. We’ll handle communication with your insurer and ensure compliance with critical deadlines under Texas law.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
We negotiate directly with the insurer to seek a fair settlement that reflects your actual losses. Often, we can resolve claims without going to court, but we’re fully prepared to escalate if needed.
Representing You in Court
If negotiations fail, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. If the insurer acted in bad faith or violated Texas insurance statutes, your Houston first-party insurance claims lawyer may be able to seek additional damages beyond your original claim.
For a free legal consultation with a first-party insurance claim lawyer serving Houston, call (800) 941-1041
What is First-Party Business Insurance?
First-party insurance provides coverage for your business when it suffers a loss, as outlined in your policy. It is important to understand what is included in your policy so you are prepared for typical issues.
Common types of first-party business insurance include:
- Commercial Property Insurance: Covers damage to your buildings, equipment, inventory, and other assets caused by events like fire, theft, or natural disasters.
- Business Interruption Insurance: Reimburses lost income and extra expenses if your operations are suspended due to a covered event, such as a fire or storm.
- Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers repair or replacement of equipment damaged by mechanical failure, power surges, or similar issues, though it usually excludes normal wear and tear.
- Cyber Insurance: Covers costs your business incurs from a cyberattack, including data recovery, breach notification, and system restoration.
- Crime Insurance: Reimburses losses from crimes such as employee theft, forgery, embezzlement, or robbery.
If you are unsure of your coverage or if you find the language confusing, your attorney can help you understand your insurance policy.
Houston First-Party Insurance Claim Lawyer Near Me
(800) 941-1041
What to Do if Your First-Party Insurance Claim is Denied
Taking the right steps when your claim is denied can help you successfully challenge the denial and receive the assistance you need to get your business up and running again.
A Houston first-party insurance claim attorney can offer guidance and knowledge to give you the best chance of success. In Texas, legal assistance is especially important if you believe your insurance company violated claims handling laws or acted in bad faith.
Review Your Denial Letter
Your insurance company should have cited its reason for refusing your claim in your denial letter using specific policy language. Your attorney can help you compare the letter with your policy and assemble a strategy to challenge your insurer’s decision.
Gather Supporting Documentation
Evidence and supporting materials such as photos, invoices, repair estimates, and receipts can help prove the extent of your damages. Strong documentation and evidence can reverse a denial or will be needed later if you must pursue legal action.
File an Internal Appeal
Your insurance company likely has a specific internal process for challenging its decisions. Your policy can provide details. With the help of your attorney, you can put together a challenge that outlines why you believe your denial was in error and includes supporting evidence.
File a Complaint with the TDI
If you believe your insurance company unfairly denied or mishandled your claim, you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance.
The TDI can investigate, and if they determine your complaint has merit, they may prompt the insurer to revisit your case, or they may even take regulatory action.
File a Lawsuit
While a civil case should be your last resort, if your denial challenge fails, you may be able to file a suit for breach of contract or bad faith. In some cases, it may be possible to recover the full claim amount, plus attorney’s fees and additional damages if the insurer acted improperly.
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Contact a First-Party Insurance Claim Attorney in Houston
If your business suffered damage due to a storm, fire, or natural disaster, you suddenly have a ton of problems to deal with. One of them shouldn’t be getting the funds you need based on your insurance policy. When your claim is denied, you have the right to be angry.
You also have the right to pursue compensation, so you can get your business up and running again. Our first-party insurance claim attorney in Houston can help you understand your rights and options.
Our team at Barcus Arena is laser-focused and ready to fight on your behalf. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us your story.
Call or text (800) 941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
