Insurance Disputes Lawyer in San Antonio

Name: Scheuerman Law Firm, PLLC
Telephone: (210) 236-0500
Price range: Free Consultation

Insurance is essential for a business to protect assets, manage risks, and ensure continuity.

Experienced Insurance Disputes Lawyer in Texas

When disputes with insurance companies arise, it can leave your business in a vulnerable position. With severe weather events and business interruptions during the global pandemic, disputes with insurance companies in Texas have been prevalent in recent years. Our experienced insurance disputes lawyers in San Antonio can help protect your company’s interests.

What Types of Insurance Disputes Are Common in Business?

Most business owners carry several types of insurance to help mitigate the risk of operating a business in a litigious society. Disputes can arise involving various types of insurance, including the following:

Commercial property insurance: This coverage protects business property against damage caused by theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. Disputes can arise when insurance companies deny claims or offer insufficient compensation.
Liability insurance: Commercial liability insurance is designed to protect a business from lawsuits arising from third-party bodily injury or property damage. When an insurer refuses to cover a claim or offers an inadequate settlement, it can leave your business exposed to risk.
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance: This type of insurance covers negligence or inadequate work claims against a professional services business. Disputes may arise between insurers and policyholders as to whether a particular incident is covered by a policy.
Directors and officers (D&O) insurance: In case of a lawsuit related to the roles of directors and officers, D&O insurance helps protect the personal assets of company executives. Insurance companies may deny claims on the basis of policy exclusions or improper disclosure.
Business interruption insurance: Loss of income due to natural disasters and other unexpected events that prevent normal business operations is covered by business interruption insurance. Insurers may challenge claims by arguing that the event is not covered or by undervaluing the extent of the loss.

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Why Do Business Insurance Disputes Occur?

Insurance companies are in business for profit, intending to minimize their payouts. This can lead to various bad faith insurance practices, including the following:

Ambiguous policy language: Insurers may use vague language in complex insurance contracts to dispute coverage or limit their liability for a claim.
Denial of claims: Insurance companies may wrongfully deny valid claims, citing reasons such as insufficient evidence, misrepresentations in applications, and policy exclusions.
Underpayment of claims: An insurer may offer a lowball settlement, hoping the policyholder will accept a quick resolution.
Delayed payments: Some insurers may unnecessarily delay paying claims while they investigate or negotiate lower settlement amounts.

What Laws Protect Policyholders in Texas?

Business owners have protection against bad faith insurance practices under these two key Texas statutes:

Texas Insurance Code: This law requires insurers to act in good faith in handling claims and allows policyholders to sue for damages if a claim is unreasonably delayed or denied.
Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act: Businesses are prohibited from engaging in unfair or deceptive trade practices under this act. A policyholder may seek additional damages if an insurance company engages in deceptive practices or acts in bad faith.

How Can an Insurance Disputes Attorney Help?

Our experienced insurance dispute attorneys in San Antonio can help you resolve matters efficiently while minimizing disruptions to your operations. We can thoroughly review policies and claims to identify any violations of law, determine if insurers acted in bad faith, and develop strategic plans to resolve disputes. We can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement or litigate your case in court if necessary. Our board-certified lawyers at Scheuerman Law Firm have extensive trial experience. Contact us for commitment to client care and the tailored expertise you need.