Homeowner Loss Assessment Factors

Fri Oct 13th, 2017 on     Property Insurance,    

Most people — and especially in Florida, where tropical storms and hurricanes are a regular threat — purchase home insurance under the assumption that their insurer will make reasonable attempts to compensate them when something goes wrong and they suffer property damage.  The unfortunate reality, however, is that insurers (even in the homeowner insurance context) are in the business of minimizing their claim payouts.  If you’ve suffered property losses to your home, you may find […]

Common Justifications for Denial of Disability Benefits

Wed Oct 11th, 2017 on     Disability Insurance,    

In Florida, as is the case in other states, disability benefits may be denied for a number of different reasons.  Insurers often act wrongfully when denying benefits, however.  If you believe that you have legitimate reason to challenge the denial of your benefits, you may appeal the denial and — having exhausted the administrative process — you may even bring a lawsuit against your insurer for wrongful denial. On what basis do insurers justify the […]

VPL’s Steve Marino to Chair FJA’s Emergency Response Tack Force

Tue Oct 3rd, 2017 on     Press Releases,    

By Matt Dixon 10/02/2017 04:30 PM EDT The Florida Justice Association, which represents state trial attorneys, has set up an insurance task force to provide information about policies after Hurricane Irma. “Hurricane Irma has resulted in chaos, confusion, and concern for too many homeowners,” FJA President Dale Swope said. “Consumers need straight answers about how they should proceed with their claims.” In the statement, he said members of the Emergency Response Task Force will be […]

Six Things to Know About Making Storm-Related Insurance Claims

Mon Sep 25th, 2017 on     Insurance Claims,    

As a result of Hurricane Irma, people and businesses will begin to take stock of the damage suffered and evaluate potential recovery assistance promised by property insurance. We urge those affected to seek professional help and guidance; insurance policies are complicated documents. We suggest some simple steps that should be followed in finding the right help and guidance, and to assist in getting paid fairly and promptly. Make your claim: Insurance policies have time limits […]

Bad faith battlegrounds: Not so quiet on the Southeastern front

Thu May 4th, 2017 on     Articles,     Brenton N. Ver Ploeg

Bad faith has now become part of the American landscape and an accepted tool to balance the playing field between insurers and policyholders. In 1982, Florida’s Legislature became the first in the United States to create the right to bring a private lawsuit for an insurance company’s violations of the Unfair Insurance Trade Practices Act (UITPA). UITPA, on the books since the mid-’70s, described and prohibited many unfair claims practices but saw them enforced only […]

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