Insurance Disputes

Most people have at least some type of insurance, but do not necessarily understand the coverage benefits available to them in a given situation. As a result, they may not understand the importance of how a claim is submitted to their insurance company or may simply accept an insurer’s refusal to provide coverage without challenging the rationale.

Insurance policies are difficult to decipher and the law surrounding insurance is highly technical, requiring   years of experience to master. Our attorneys have that experience and have obtained numerous published decisions helping to shape the law of insurance coverage in the state of California. We have written hundreds of insurance coverage opinions for clients, analyzing various types of policies and coverages for individuals, in different factual settings, including:

• Auto Insurance
• Homeowners Insurance
• Excess and Umbrella Insurance
• Property and Casualty Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance

It is advisable to consult a coverage attorney before submitting a claim, when possible. An insurer’s decision to accept or deny coverage often depends on how the claim is presented in the first place. Our attorneys are extremely well positioned to analyze the issues and make the best coverage arguments for our clients, often persuading the insurer that its basis for denying coverage is incorrect, with the goal of avoiding protracted litigation. However, where the insurer wrongfully refuses to change its erroneous position, we have a proven track record of successfully litigating insurance coverage cases through judgment and appeal.

Over the years, we have represented some insurance companies and sued other insurance companies, giving us the unique perspective to understand our adversary’s strategies and weak spots. We do not vilify the entire insurance industry. There are insurance companies who have been fair in their handling of claims and we have even provided coverage advice to a few who appreciate our in-depth understanding of insurance law and our ability to provide clear and objective opinions regarding the insurer’s contractual duty. In cases where an insurer has been unreasonable in its conduct toward its insured, we have fought to protect our client’s rights in “bad faith” litigation, seeking to obtain all of the coverage benefits to which he or she is entitled, and any additional damages resulting from the wrongful denial of coverage.