Gainesville Insurance Lawyer

Gainesville Insurance Attorney

Delays in insurance payments or unjust claim denials can be frustrating. A Gainesville insurance lawyer can help you understand your rights under Texas law and what actions you can take.

The team at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC represents both individuals and businesses in Cooke County and the surrounding areas. Whether your claim involves property damage, auto accident coverage, or business policies, we can guide you through the financial recovery process after filing a claim.

Insurance Disputes in Texas

When you take out an insurance policy, you’re creating a contract between yourself and the insurance provider. You pay premiums, and your insurance is meant to cover losses under the specific terms of your agreement. But this doesn’t always go smoothly.

Common insurance disputes in Gainesville can involve:

• Underpaid property damage claims
• Denied homeowner’s claims after covered damages from storms or fires
• Delayed auto accident payments
• Bad faith insurance practices
• Disputes over medical coverage or billing

Texas law gives policyholders the right to challenge claims that aren’t handled properly. Because of the complex language used in creating insurance policies, it can be difficult for policyholders to understand their rights and the options available to them for recovering damages.

That’s why having an experienced Gainesville insurance lawyer from Alagood Cartwright Burke PC can be beneficial in dealing with these large insurance companies.

Why You Should Hire an Insurance Lawyer

According to Kaiser Family Foundation data from 2023, large providers through HealthCare.gov denied upwards of 19% of the in-network claims they received that year. The majority of these denials (34%) were for unspecified reasons. In addition, around 45% of working adults report receiving a bill for services they didn’t expect to pay for due to their specific insurance coverage.

When a claim is outright denied or you’re not paid what you’re rightfully owed, your first reaction may be to try to handle matters on your own. However, having legal representation handle communications can make a big difference in your case, as insurance providers are more likely to respond when a lawyer gets involved.

An experienced attorney can review your claim, gather necessary supporting evidence, and communicate directly with the insurance provider on your behalf.

How Texas Laws Protect Policyholders

Texas has strong consumer protection laws meant to keep insurance companies accountable. Your attorney uses these laws and regulations to measure the insurance company’s actions against what your rights are.

Some of the key Texas laws that protect policyholders include:

• Texas Insurance Code. The Texas Insurance Code outlines how insurers are supposed to handle the claims they receive. It prohibits unfair settlement practices and requires them to respond to policyholders in a timely manner.
• Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. This act lets consumers pursue claims against businesses that engage in misleading or deceptive conduct. Insurance companies can be held liable under the law if they misrepresent policy terms or engage in unfair practices when dealing with policyholders.
• Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing. Texas law requires insurers to act in what’s called “good faith” while processing claims. This means they must be fair to policyholders and avoid unreasonable denials or delays when issuing payments or responding to them.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If your insurance claim has been denied, begin by carefully reviewing your policy to understand if there are specific exclusions or limits to coverage in your policy. Be sure to request a written explanation from the insurance company for denying your claim. This can help you better understand the denial and what to do next.

Begin collecting evidence of the damages, such as photos, repair estimates, and any correspondence you’ve had with the insurance company. If the insurance company is looking to settle, don’t accept a settlement offer that doesn’t reflect the full value of your claim.

Instead, reach out to a Gainesville insurance lawyer at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC, and we can further evaluate your options and help you take the right legal actions.

FAQs

Can You Sue an Insurance Company in Texas?

Yes, you can file a legal claim against an insurance company in Texas, but it depends on the circumstances. If the claim is valid, payments are denied without real justification, or you notice deceptive practices within the insurance company, you may have grounds for a claim.

Certain Texas laws and policies, such as the Texas Insurance Code and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, provide avenues for holding these insurance companies accountable for their treatment of policyholder claims.

Is It Worth Suing an Insurance Company?

It can be worth filing a legal claim against an insurance company if the financial losses were significant or if the insurer acted improperly toward you as the policyholder. Taking legal action can lead to recovery of the claim and, in some cases, additional damages. The strength of the evidence and the amount of damages play a significant role in whether it’s worth pursuing legal action against the insurance company.

Are Insurance Lawyers Worth It?

Hiring an insurance lawyer can be worth it if you’ve been wronged by an insurance company and have significant losses from damages. An attorney reviews your insurance policy, gathers evidence, and negotiates with the insurer. They may be able to come to a settlement through negotiations alone, but they can also take the case further and involve the courts if necessary to get you the recovery you’re owed.

How Do I File a Complaint Against an Insurance Company in Texas?

To file a complaint against an insurance company in Gainesville, Texas, you’ll need to contact the Texas Department of Insurance. This requires providing detailed information about your claim and the denial. If fair results are not achieved through your contact with the TDI, it may be time to hire an insurance lawyer who can provide additional options to help you pursue your claim.

Contact Alagood Cartwright Burke PC Today

If you’re worried about recovering damages after a failed insurance claim, reach out to the team at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC. We’re prepared to negotiate with insurance companies and help you recover what you’re owed. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re located on West Oak Street in Denton, just off of Texas State Highway 77 and U.S. 35E.