Harris County Insurance Lawyer
Insurance is vital for both individuals and businesses because it provides security for policyholders in case they suffer from a covered unforeseen event. These policies were designed to put the policyholder’s mind at ease by providing coverage for losses listed in their policy. Unfortunately, some insurance companies will use dishonest means to dispute, delay or deny claims that are well within their policy’s terms and conditions. Insurance companies who do this are in breach of contract and may be held liable in a lawsuit.
If you believe your insurance company is in breach of your contract, then consult an experienced insurance attorney. Your attorney can closely examine your policy and the Texas Insurance Code to see if there are any arguments for coverage. They can then represent you and your interests both in and out of court if necessary. Don’t wait another moment to fight for the coverage you’re entitled to and gain legal representation today.
Houston Insurance Attorneys in Texas
If you believe your insurer is engaging in deceptive acts and practices to avoid full coverage, then they could be considered in breach of contract. To find out if you have an argument for coverage, we advise you to get in contact with LeMaster Law Firm. Our experienced insurance attorneys have handled all types of various claims disputes for decades. Let us provide a thorough examination of your policy and determine if you are entitled to compensation.
Call us now at 832-356-7983 to set up your first consultation. LeMaster Law Firm practices throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area including Spring, Pasadena, Humble, Cypress, South Houston, Tomball, Galena Park, South Houston and La Porte.
Information Center Harris County:
- What Are My Rights as a Policyholder?
- How Do I Know My Insurance Company is Acting in Bad Faith?
- How Long Do I Have to Sue My Insurance Company Acting in Bad Faith?
- Insurance Resources in Harris County, Texas
Do I Have Rights as a Policyholder?
Most of the insurance industry is in the private sector, but all insurance companies must abide by the rules set forth by the Texas Department of Insurance and the Texas Insurance Code if they want to remain in practice. The purpose of these rules and regulations is to ensure insurance companies are providing fair and honest treatment to their policyholders when evaluating claims and determining settlements. Insurance companies who don’t follow these regulations are in breach of contract and could be held liable as a result.
How Do I Know My Insurance Company is Acting in Bad Faith?
An insurance company should be completely transparent with their policyholders and closely follow the terms of their contract. However, some insurers use deceptive or unfair settlement practices so they can avoid full liability or deny a claim. Insurance companies who use dishonest conduct to avoid coverage are acting in bad faith and may be held liable for their actions.
Some examples of bad faith actions by insurance companies include, but are not limited to:
- Failing to conduct a well-organized and detailed investigation for the claim;
- Unreasonable delays in processing the policyholder claims;
- Providing low settlement offers while refusing to negotiate;
- Accusing the policyholder of misbehavior without reasonable justification;
- Withholding important information about the claim from the policyholder;
- Misrepresenting the Texas Insurance Code or policy provisions to avoid coverage;
- Altering or cancelling the policyholder’s contract after the claim is filed
How Long Do I Have to Sue My Insurance Company for Acting in Bad Faith?
It’s important to understand that civil courts also have a statute of limitations, which is a deadline for a person to file a claim against another. Under Section 514.162 of the Texas Insurance Code you have two years to file a formal claim against your insurance company for acting in bad faith and violating your contract. The statute of limitations for a pure breach of contract claim is four years from the date of the breach; however, a prudent policyholder always pursues a claim within the two-year statute of limitation to preserve all of its claims, including contract and tort. Tort and contract claims, combined, are only valid if they are filed within two years of one of the following dates:
- The date the bad faith practice took place; or
- The date you discovered or, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have discovered that bad faith conduct had taken place.
In some cases, you can file a claim under Chapter 541 after the statute of limitations in some circumstances. The statute of limitations can be extended by 180 days if you prove that your failure to bring legal action against your insurance company or adjuster was due to their actions, which were solely made to prevent you from pursuing a claim.
It is always best to consult an insurance lawyer to ensure that all of your potential claims are preserved in a timely way.
Insurance Resources in Harris County, Texas
Harris County District Courts – The Harris County District Courts handle all types of court cases including civil cases in which at least $200 is disputed or claimed in damages. You can access their site to find their court locations, docket schedules, local rules for civil courts and more.
Harris County Clerk – The Harris County District Clerk performs duties assigned by the Texas Constitution as a recorder, registrar and custodian of all court proceedings and the documentation that goes alongside it. If you file a suit against your insurance company, you will likely have to visit or request documentation from the clerk at some point.
Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) – The Texas Department of Insurance oversees regulating the state’s insurance industry and ensures insurance companies keep their powers in check. They also manage the Texas’s worker’s compensation system as provided by the Texas Labor Code.
Texas Insurance Code – Visit the official website for the Texas Insurance Code to read the state’s legislation regarding insurance. Access the statute to see what Texas defines as a unfair settlement, the statute of limitations to file a bad faith claim and other relevant information.
Harris County Hazard Mitigation Planning – Visit the official website for the Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management site to learn more about their hazard mitigation plans. Learn what the County’s plan is when a natural hazard happens such as a tropical storm, hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes.
Harris County Flood Mapping Tool – A common denied claim people face are for flood damage. You can use the flood education mapping tool to determine if you are in a flood zone and the likelihood of you experiencing a flood. Access the site to discovered if you are near a channel and your evacuation routes if a flood does happen in your area.
Harris County Insurance Attorney in Texas
Have you been having trouble getting your insurance company to pay your covered claim? Then our advice to you is to get in touch with the insurance lawyers at LeMaster Law Firm. Our attorneys at LeMaster Law Firm have decades of experience representing their client’s interests in court. We will work tirelessly to hold your insurance company accountable so you can receive the best settlement possible.
Get in contact with us at LeMaster Law Firm and set up your first consultation free. We represent both individuals and businesses in insurance matters. LeMaster Law Firm practices throughout the Harris County area and surrounding counties including Collin County, Dallas County, Galveston County and Montgomery County.
