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2019-personalinjury

Denied insurance claims a risk for any homeowner

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News for Milwaukee Insurance Claim Filers

Denied insurance claims a risk for any homeowner

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Wednesday, November 13, 2013.

Wisconsin residents might have faced a difficult insurance claim at one time or another. When you do, you know that delays in payments can be stressful, and denials can be outright terrible, especially if you need to have the money for a new car, replacement roofing or other serious need. A report from Nov. 8 will remind you that you’re not alone; many homeowners face insurance claims that are denied or covered at only a fraction of what you’ve been expecting.

So, if you’ve been denied or paid out at a lower amount than what you expected, what can you do? According to one report, you should ask why. In many cases, your insurance agent will be able to tell you what literature states your limits or what is or is not covered. Additionally, asking why you didn’t get as much as you were expecting could lead to finding out that your insurance provider actually made a mistake. Sometimes, you might be missing an amount from your claim due to a deductible, limitations or other fine print. However, if you don’t like the answer you receive and want to fight for the money you think you deserve from your policy, you can. You can do a number of things, like complaining to the insurance company or state insurance department, or you can opt to talk to an attorney. If you can prove that an insurance company is acting in bad faith, you may be able to receive additional compensation.

When push comes to shove, you do have a right to insurance payouts that were determined by your policy. If you think you’ve been taken advantage of or aren’t receiving the help you should be through your insurance company, it may be time to speak to a Milwaukee personal injury attorney to discuss any additional options you have.

Source:
Business Insider, “How To Fight Back When Insurers Reject Your Claims” Mandi Woodruff, Nov. 08, 2013

Wisconsin consumers can question denied insurance claims

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Good News for Those Seeking Insurance Claims in Milwaukee

Wisconsin consumers can question denied insurance claims

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Monday, November 4, 2013.

After filing a legitimate claim with an insurance company, many Wisconsin residents are shocked when this claim is denied. Their feelings typically range from confusion to betrayal when trying to figure out why their insurance company — the same company that once promised top-of-the-line service — is now denying their claim and making life more difficult.

But there’s good news for those seeking insurance claims in Milwaukee: In these situations, when an insurance claim has been denied in bad faith, a Wisconsin resident should know there are options. While the company may act like the denial is an open and shut case, the truth is everyone has the right to dispute a denied claim.

In looking at the overall issue, insurance companies are large corporations. Like any large corporation, money is not made by paying out large claims. This is why some companies will try and get out of having to pay a claim by employing questionable tactics.

These tactics can really range, from delaying or stalling in the hopes the consumer will just give in and accept the company’s unfair terms, to underpaying a claim with the hopes the consumer will just be happy with at least getting something and will give up on their original claim.

In other cases, the insurance company may ask for an unreasonable — or even unattainable — amount of documentation, or agent errors may be discovered that invalidate the policy.

Whatever the tactics used to try and delay or deny a claim though, keep in mind those holding the policy do have rights. And while many insurance companies may rely on believing consumers do not even know about their rights, the simple act of hiring a Milwaukee personal injury attorney may make the insurance company think twice about the denied claim.

Insurance disputes: What to do when a Wisconsin claim is denied

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Information for Milwaukee Insurance Claim Seekers

Insurance disputes: What to do when a Wisconsin claim is denied

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Monday, October 7, 2013.

When opening an insurance policy — whether it is a car insurance policy, a homeowner’s insurance policy or a life insurance policy — the consumer is entering into a legally binding contract with the insurance company. With this being said, an insurance company cannot simply deny a claim because the company feels like it. Rather, there must be a reasonable explanation for why the claim is being denied and must make sense in terms of what the contract says. If not, and a claim is denied for seemingly no reason, a consumer can reach out to learn more about what their policy covers and what their rights are.

Take for example the woman whose claim was denied when she filed a claim for water leaking from a broken pipe in her home. Even though the woman — who is disabled due to cancer — has insurance on her home, the company denied her claim. She would have to come up with the $2,300 to fix the pipe if she wanted consistent hot water in her home.

At this point, she has gone without regular hot water for more than two months.

The understandably frustrated woman calling the entire ordeal a scam — where she pays her premium, but the company does not want to pay when there is a claim — a local news station got involved and took her complaint to the state’s Department of Insurance.

This is where it was learned that sometimes it really is just a matter of policy misinterpretation. However, when another set of trained eyes looks at the policy, this is when it can become obvious if the company should or should not have the obligation to approve the claim. In some cases, this means a denied claim should have been approved.

In her case, the Department of Insurance sent the complaint to the company, which had 20 days to respond or face having to pay a $500 fine.

For others in the Wisconsin area, realistically, there is no point in waiting to see if a news company or someone else is just going to get involved. Rather, reach out for help by speaking with a Milwaukee personal injury attorney who has experience handling insurance disputes and bad faith claims. This attorney can explain consumer rights, possible solutions and consequences.

Source: Fox 59, “Taking action to protect consumers who are denied insurance claims,” Jenny Anchondo,

Insurance company pays out after damage claim denial

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Inspiration for Insurance Claims Seekers in Milwaukee

Insurance company pays out after damage claim denial

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Tuesday, September 17, 2013.

Homeowner’s insurance is one more expense to being a homeowner. Depending on a person’s home — and their valuables inside — a Milwaukee resident can find themselves paying hundreds or thousands of dollars per year in order to insure their property. But, while this may be rather expensive, most just pay what is owed and take comfort in knowing the money would be there if it was ever needed.

This is why it was particularly devastating for one family who learned the insurance money was not there when they needed it.

According to the family, a plumbing leak ruined their home’s wood floors and cabinets. The water also caused black mold to grow along the walls of their home. But, even though in theory their insurance would cover the damage, their water damage and mold claim was denied. This put the family in a tough spot as fixing the damage would cost thousands of dollars.

When looking into why the company would not pay up, one of the homeowners found out there was no insurance. Even though their lender was collecting insurance escrow payments, the lender was not distributing those payments.

But here’s where there is inspiration for insurance claims seekers in Milwaukee: Luckily for this family, they found a solution in talking to the local news station about their issue. Action 9 ended up taking on their case and led the homeowner to an insurance adjuster. In the end, the family was able to settle with the financial services company collecting their insurance payments and the insurance company.

Due to nondisclosure rules the family cannot talk about the terms of the agreement, but it is known funds were given to fix the damage.

For families living in the Milwaukee area, when a legitimate claim is denied, one should know there may still be options. This is where a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with experience handling insurance dispute resolution and litigation should step in. In some cases, even just the simple act of hiring an attorney may be enough of a reason for an insurance company to pay out.

Source: wftv.com, “Action 9 helps family fight insurance denial,” Sept. 6, 2013

Complaint filed after insurance company denied claim

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Proof That Milwaukee Insurance Consumers Need Legal Protection

Complaint filed after insurance company denied claim

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Tuesday, August 20, 2013.

While many insurance companies will claim to be only interested in their clients, some Milwaukee residents learn there is a whole other side to insurance companies once they file a claim. This is due to the fact that above all, many are still large corporations who are most interested in shareholders and owners. This creates a conflict as paying out large sums of money is not really in the best interests of the shareholders and owners. In turn, claims may be denied for a number of questionable reasons.

Take for example the recent complaint a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor filed against her insurance company. She filed this complaint after the company denied her claim without ever even sending an adjuster to her home.

According to her lawsuit, she filed a claim with her insurance company after she discovered her caregivers had stolen a number of her belongings. She claims a number of items have gone missing, including her wedding ring, a pair of prosthetic legs, hearing aids, original paintings and rare books.

The 92-year-old claims she discovered her belongings were missing after she asked a caregiver to bring her some pieces of flatware and silverware and noticed most of the pieces to her collection were missing.

The 92-year-old ended up submitting a $145,000 claim with her insurance company.

In May she was sent a denial letter. This letter claimed an investigation could not prove any thefts occurred. However, the 92-year-old claims an adjuster never even came to her home.

At this point, the 92-year-old has simply filed a complaint against the company. However, her complaint may be similar to others in Wisconsin.

In cases where there is reason to believe an insurance company acted in bad faith and has denied a claim that should have been approved, there may be grounds to file a complaint. This is where a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with experience handling insurance disputes can step in to investigate the facts of the case.

Source: UPI.com, “Holocaust survivor denied home insurance claim,” Aug. 15, 2013

Wisconsin insurance company trying to deny insurance claim

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News for Milwaukee Insurance Dispute Claimants

Wisconsin insurance company trying to deny insurance claim

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Tuesday, July 23, 2013.

When taking out an insurance policy and paying the premiums, the hope is typically that the insurance will never be needed. But, that if it is, at least the policy is in place. However, as a recent case goes to show, when insurance is needed it is not always as simple as just filing a claim and receiving the insurance money.

Right now, a Wisconsin-based insurance company is refusing to pay out for an insurance claim related to a building that was destroyed by fire back in October 2012. The insurance company claims it will not cover the claim because there is reason to believe the owner of the building may have played a role in starting the fire.

Of course though, there are two sides to every story and the attorney for the owner — who also owned a family restaurant inside of the building — claims his client took and passed two polygraph examinations. One was a private one and the other was administered by the state’s police department.

At this time, while the fire was ruled as being caused by arson, there have not been any suspects named in the case.

However, the insurance company still believes the owner was somehow involved and claims the owner did not pass one of the polygraph tests.

The owner has since filed a lawsuit against the insurance company for the delay in approving his claim.

But, it does not stop at the polygraph tests — which the company wants taken out of the lawsuit — the company also claims the owner misrepresented or concealed information related to the fire and business damages. In addition, the company also points to the owner taking too long to submit information and failing to include information requested by the company.

For all of these reasons, the insurance company argues the lawsuit should be dismissed.

In looking at this case, while the company may have legitimate claims against the owner, this may also be a case of the insurance company not wanting to pay out.

In general, in cases where it is believed an insurance company has denied a claim without a reasonable basis, a Milwaukee personal injury attorney who knows how to handle a Milwaukee insurance dispute should be contacted. This may result in the company paying out the claim.

Source: mlive, “Insurance company refuses to pay, claims building owner may have played role in Byron fire,” Gary Ridley, July 9, 2013

Woman sues insurance company, awarded $1.29 million

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Huge Award Shows Milwaukee Injury Sufferers Value of Punitive Damages

Woman sues insurance company, awarded $1.29 million

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Thursday, June 27, 2013.

The idea for car insurance for many Milwaukee drivers is to pay for something they hope to never have to use. However, there is peace of mind in knowing that if there was an accident, there would be insurance in place to pay for the damages. This is, of course, if the insurance claim is not denied.

Recently, a woman was awarded $1.29 million after she sued her insurance company. Her claim was that even though she took out a policy for $1.25 million for if she got into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, her insurance company denied her claim.

The accident happened in April 2008. A driver, only carrying $10,000 in liability, ran a stop sign and plowed into the side of the woman’s car. This caused her vehicle to flip over.

The woman ended up knocked unconscious in the crash and suffered from back, head and neck injuries, as well as other injuries. Due to her injuries — including two ruptured lumbar discs — her medical bills were more than $300,000.

The insurance company argued that her injuries were not as bad as she claimed, which is why her medical expenses were denied.

In the end, the jurors sided with the woman and she was awarded $1 million in punitive damages and $296,337 in compensatory damages.

In looking at a case such as this one, this is a perfect example of the fact there are times when an insurance company will deny a claim. In these instances, the insurance company is normally hopeful that a person does not know their rights and will just accepted the denial. However, this is where a Milwaukee personal injury attorney can step in order to evaluate the facts of the case in order to dispute the denial and seek compensation.

Source: Sun Sentinel, “Hollywood woman wins $1.29 million in lawsuit against Allstate,” Rafael Olmeda, June 20, 2013

Do you know where you are at high risk for a crash in Milwaukee?

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How to Avoid a Car Accident in Milwaukee

Do you know where you are at high risk for a crash in Milwaukee?

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Thursday, April 4, 2013.

Ever wonder where you are most at risk for a car crash in Milwaukee County? According to an analysis conducted by the Journal Sentinel, the most crashes tend to occur when a driver is coming or leaving local malls. The intersections surrounding Mayfair, Bayshore and Southridge malls rank as the top three crash risk zones during the years 2007-2011.

More signage and traffic signals have been implemented at the intersections surrounding these malls to decrease the crash risk. While these traffic safety efforts have helped, the high volume of cars constantly flowing in and out of the malls means that an elevated crash rate is almost inevitable. So does this mean that everyone living in Milwaukee County should boycott the malls?

Certainly not, most of these crashes occur at low speeds. Therefore these accidents are rarely considered anything more than minor. In fact, at all of the crash-prone intersections surrounding the malls, there was not a single fatality in the years that were examined.

However, any car accident can be a real headache to deal with. Similarly, even if a car accident at a low speed does not result in catastrophic injuries, it can still result in whiplash, or other disruptive neck or back injuries. Insurance companies will often try to minimize these claims, at times even accusing a victim of making the pain up. Such behavior is entirely unfair.

If an individual is the victim of a car accident in Milwaukee County that was not catastrophic but still resulted in injuries, that victim would still do well to speak to an experienced legal attorney that will be able to challenge insurance companies looking to minimize a victim’s legitimate claim.

Source: Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, “Intersection near malls, Hwy. 100 top Milwaukee county crash sites,” Lydia Mulvany, March 30, 2013

Our firm has experience handling car accident cases of a similar nature. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Have you had your claim denied by your insurance company?

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Attention Milwaukee Insurance Claim Seekers

Have you had your claim denied by your insurance company?

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Monday, February 25, 2013.

Even minor motor vehicle accidents in Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin can be a headache for victims. Accordingly, most drivers across the state avoid distracted driving when behind the wheel in order to mitigate the risk of a crash. However, there are several variables for which most drivers cannot do anything to combat no matter how safe of a driver they are.

For example, drivers in Wisconsin can do little to protect themselves from inclement weather, road debris, deer, and other distracted or negligent drivers. Wearing a seatbelt can increase a driver’s safety if they are confronted with one of these variables, but beyond that, most drivers are trusting that their insurance policy will assist in covering the damages to a vehicle and the individual in the event that a car accident does occur.

However, some individuals may not necessarily understand what their policy covers. There are all kinds of insurance policies available: comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, property damage liability coverage, it is enough to make anyone’s head spin.

At times, an insurance company will act in bad faith following a motor vehicle accident in Wisconsin. When an individual pays for insurance coverage, the insurance company has entered into a legally binding contract in which they must pay the due benefits an individual is owed following an accident. Unfortunately, insurance carriers have been known to deny claims without a reasonable basis, which is illegal.

Many individuals in Milwaukee do not realize that they are able to dispute a denial in order to seek recovery. An experienced insurance dispute attorney can assist an individual that has been victimized by an insurance company under similar circumstances. In the case of many accidents in Wisconsin, when an insurance policy has been purchased and the premiums have been paid, an individual is entitled to their due benefits under that policy.

Source: The Boston Globe, “Does your auto insurance cover that damage?” Michelle Singletary, Feb. 17, 2013

If you think you have a Milwaukee insurance claim that has been unfairly denied, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Man denied insurance coverage pursues bad faith claim

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Denied Insurance Coverage in Milwaukee? It May Not Be Over.

Man denied insurance coverage pursues bad faith claim

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.

Without insurance, a person is vulnerable to financial ruin in the face of a serious accident. It is for this reason that individuals across Wisconsin purchase such insurance and pay premiums. This action means that there is a legally binding contract between the insurance company and the insured individual that, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, the insurance company compensates the loss according to the terms of the policy.

In some situations, that compensation could be steep, prodding an insurance company to deny a claim. An out-of-state man that was facing litigation was denied coverage following a lawsuit against him. A judge already ruled in indication that the insurance company was out of line, therefore the man is pursuing a bad faith claim.

Successful bad faith claims can see large awards because courts look to ensure that insurance companies are not tempted to deny claims in an effort to later only pay out a small award resulting from a bad faith claim instead. Further, similar scenarios are breeches of contract that negate the reason an individual pays for insurance coverage.

This can in some instances happen after an individual has been in a serious car accident in Wisconsin, or when a family member has been killed in a serious accident. Insurance companies may engage in illegal activity in an effort to coerce an individual into settling for less than they could be entitled to under their coverage. In these scenarios as well, an insurer could be failing to meet their financial obligations and could consequently be held liable in a court of law.

Source: WTSP 10 News, “Kevin White sues county’s insurance company for bad faith,” Mike Deeson, Dec. 18, 2012 (source removed)

Our firm has experience handling similar situations in Wisconsin. For more information, please refer to our Milwaukee bad faith insurance claims page. Or, for a free consultation, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

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