Los Angeles Lawyers For Claims Strategies

At Goodkin APC, we are well aware that the way a claim is presented can significantly impact whether the insurance company will pay it.

For instance, when residential developers receive a homeowner claim or homeowners association (HOA) claim, it must be properly tendered to the appropriate insurance companies. Many developers turn to their brokers to perform this task. However, brokers are typically inexperienced in the legal minutiae involved and may inadvertently characterize the claim in a manner that steers it out of coverage.

Our California lawyers are highly skilled in insurance coverage and risk management matters, including:

• Steering the claim to the appropriate insurance defense counsel
• Managing the claim within the deductible or the incurred self-insured retention (SIR), which frequently ranges from $50,000 to $1 million
• Negotiating the claim under the specific litigation processes in California, such as the SB800 or Right to Repair Act
• Ensuring the case is settled if insurance defense counsel is appointed
• Fighting against a directed verdict if the case goes to trial
• Managing all other aspects of the claims process for clients

Real Estate Insurance Denials And Bad Faith

We understand the frustration that comes with a homeowners insurance claim denial, especially when it seems to be made in bad faith. Your policy may cover a range of things, such as additional living expenses, personal property, dwelling repairs, trees and shrubbery removal, water damage, and building code upgrades. In California, claims can be denied for various legitimate reasons, including policy exclusions, alleged misrepresentations or insufficient documentation. However, a denial made in bad faith occurs when an insurance company refuses to pay a legitimate claim without a reasonable basis or fails to properly investigate the claim. Proving that your claim was denied in bad faith could lead to getting proper compensation for the damage to your property.

Obtaining Or Maximizing Coverage

The attorneys at Goodkin APC assist clients in obtaining or maximizing insurance coverage during claims. Typically, the insurance company will hire defense counsel to represent its interests in a dispute. Under California law, however, defense counsel is not authorized to act as coverage counsel. If the defense counsel is not sufficiently cautious or fails to adhere to ethical standards, he or she may inadvertently or deliberately steer the case out of coverage.

We carefully analyze our clients’ insurance policies and work diligently to steer the case toward coverage. If a claim is denied, we are adept at negotiating or litigating on our client’s behalf. Additional evidence missing from the initial claim or a more detailed and compelling case made during negotiations often sways the insurance company’s counsel to treat your claim reasonably and get your case resolved sooner. However, we always prepare to go to court rather than pressure you to accept a denial or an inadequate settlement. As experienced litigators, we know how to prepare a case that persuades judges and juries.

Find Out How We Help Los Angeles Property Owners

Learn more by arranging a consultation with a Los Angeles lawyer for claims strategies. Call 310-853-5730 or contact our attorneys online.