West Palm Beach Insurance Disputes Lawyer

West Palm Beach Insurance Disputes Attorney

People don’t reach out to their insurance company after a happy event. Most often, it’s due to something traumatic happening, and having to argue with insurance adjusters can make the experience even more painful. Hiring a West Palm Beach insurance disputes lawyer to represent you can greatly improve your case outcome.

Choose an Experienced West Palm Beach Insurance Law Firm

When dealing with your insurance, you need a lawyer who you can rely on. Here at the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we’re proud to offer skilled representation to those needing legal guidance in West Palm Beach and the surrounding cities.

Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined professional experience in personal injury and insurance claims. We know how insurance companies operate and can fight for what you deserve.

The Importance of Insurance

70 miles north of Miami, West Palm Beach is known for its beaches, family-friendly attractions, diverse restaurants, and outdoor activities residents can enjoy. However, the city is prone to flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires. In Florida, residents and businesses carry over 40% of all flood insurance policies in America. Besides natural disasters, residents may run into insurance disputes over:

• Car insurance. In 2024, Palm Beach County saw 16,565 injuries from crashes. Seeking insurance compensation is the first step in any car accident case, so it’s important to hire an insurance disputes lawyer to represent you. Insurance companies are looking for ways to avoid paying, and having a lawyer represent you can prevent any slipups or missteps.
• Property damage. Between 1980 and 2024, there were 94 weather disasters throughout Florida. These events each had over $1 billion in losses, including droughts, floods, freezes, storms, cyclones, and wildfires.
• Disability coverage. In 2022, it was reported that 2,875,501 Florida residents were living with a disability, yet this population often faces pushback when dealing with insurance claims.

Some of the companies with the most complaints received are:

• Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Co.
• American Integrity Insurance
• State Farm Florida Insurance

Between 2020 and 2024, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Co., one of the biggest companies in Florida, received 16,170 insurance complaints.

Insurance companies may act in bad faith, either through a wrongful claim denial or an inadequate investigation into your claim. When this happens, it can feel frustrating and may seem hopeless. It’s important not to give up; instead, you should seek the compensation you deserve.

Florida’s Insurance Laws

In Florida, you have 90 days to file a dispute against your insurance company after a claim denial. These cases take a while to gather evidence, so disputes should be filed as soon as possible. Insurance companies often deny claims for several reasons:

• Property damage that costs less than your deductible. If the repair is less than the deductible amount, the insurance company will not pay.
• Unpaid premiums. If you missed a payment and property damage happened while your policy was not active, the insurance company may refuse to cover it.
• Poor documentation. If you do not provide enough proof of the car accident or property damages, the claim may be denied. It’s essential to take extensive photos as evidence. Other proof can include medical records, test results, prescriptions, accident reports, and witness statements.
• Exclusions. Insurance companies don’t cover some types of damages. For example, an insurance policy may cover hurricanes but not lightning strikes.
• Not getting medical attention immediately after a car accident. If you don’t see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not serious or were not caused by the accident.
• Filing too late. Insurance policies usually give you a set time to submit your claim. Always check your policy to know the time limits.
• Pre-existing conditions when filing for a disability claim. The insurance company may look at your medical records to see if your condition existed before your policy started.

FAQs

What Should I Do First If My Insurance Claim Is Denied?

If your insurance company denies your claim, the first step is to ask them for a written explanation that outlines their reasoning. Next, review your insurance policy. Look at the coverage details, exclusions, and any deadlines you had to meet when filing. Save copies of all communication from the insurance company. Gather evidence proving the loss you’re filing for. If the denial seems unfair after you’ve reviewed everything, speak with a West Palm Beach insurance disputes attorney.

What Is “Bad Faith” in an Insurance Dispute?

“Bad faith” happens when an insurer acts unreasonably in processing or paying a claim. Insurance companies have a legal responsibility to treat their policyholders fairly and handle claims honestly. Examples include:

• Offering a much lower payment than what the claim is worth
• Taking an unreasonable amount of time to make a decision
• Misrepresenting what your policy covers

If your insurer may be acting in bad faith, you have the right to take legal action.

Can I Handle an Insurance Dispute on My Own, or Do I Need an Attorney?

If the issue is minor, you could potentially handle it on your own. Some disputes can be resolved by reviewing your policy and providing additional documentation to the insurance company. However, when the dispute involves a large amount of money, complex policy language, or suspected bad faith, it is often recommended to consult an attorney. The team at the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., has extensive experience in insurance dispute cases.

Can My Insurance Company Cancel My Policy During a Dispute?

An insurance company can’t cancel your policy simply because you filed a claim or disputed a denial. However, policies can be canceled for valid reasons. These include nonpayment of premiums, fraud, or the insurer stopping that type of coverage in your area. If your policy was wrongfully canceled while you were in the middle of a dispute, that may be a violation of Florida insurance dispute laws.

Hire an Insurance Disputes Lawyer Today

We take insurance disputes incredibly seriously at the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. Our lawyers have extensive experience in representing clients at the Main Courthouse in West Palm Beach, located at 205 North Dixie Highway. Contact us today to learn how we can help you. We don’t allow insurance companies to treat our clients poorly, and we can fight tirelessly to protect your rights.