Month: August 2018

business owners

Business Owners: Have You Updated Your Insurance Policies Lately?

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

Owning a business is full of rewards and challenges—all of which you may experience daily. While in the conceptual stages, thoughts of running your own business may have entailed a much different type of luxurious, fantasy scenario, once you get down to the brass tacks of owning a company, it is easy to become mired in a long list of constant tasks, from employee scheduling to inventory and ordering, dealing with vendors, other businesses—and of course, the ever-necessary customers. Along with all of that comes a huge emphasis on managing finances and taking care of issues like insurance.

For the average small business there can be a variety of different policies required, and it is critical to be sufficiently covered—as well as to understand what types of coverages you have so there isn’t a misunderstanding later or a denial that could have been prevented; however, if you think the insurance company is denying you in bad faith, consult with an experienced insurance law firm like the Bolender Law Firm as soon as possible.

In the meantime, all insurance policies should be reviewed and updated if necessary at least once a year. Here are some typical policies a small business may need to consider:

  • General liability – this type of business insurance is critical in protecting you, as well as your employees—providing bodily injury and property damage coverage in the case of any claims that may arise. This type of insurance should cover expenses incurred due to such a claim, from any required investigations on the part of the insurance company to medical expenses, legal fees or settlements, and more.
  • Professional liability – meant to protect you and your business in the case of a claim brought against you when a client alleges there was negligence, this insurance could be critical to saving your company should an issue arise in the future. Professional liability policies can vary greatly too, so make sure to review and update yours yearly to make sure you have the proper coverage.
  • Workers compensation – as a business owner, this is one type of insurance you will probably always have to deal with as it protects your employees if they are injured on the job, insuring them for medical payments and lost income when they cannot work—either temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the case. Understand your policy, and work with your insurance agent to make sure you are properly covered according to the state law.
  • Property insurance – even if you don’t own the building where your business is located, you may have plenty of contents that need insuring. Stay up to date on your policy every year by reviewing what you may have added (or gotten ridden of) at your office that needs to be insured.

If you suspect your insurance company may be denying your claim in bad faith, contact the attorneys at the Bolender Law Firm.  If a dispute over a claim cannot be easily resolved through a call or written communication, our attorneys will advocate on behalf of policyholders through litigation, arbitration, or non-binding mediation. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate level. Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!

auto accident claims

Auto Accident Claims: The Most Common Reasons They Are Denied

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

Traffic incidents continue to rise today, despite added attention to new safety devices from car manufacturers and a plethora of public safety information being disseminated around the US. More people are on the roads—and far too many of them are distracted while driving, leading to the number one cause for auto accidents. But whether you end up in a fender bender due to someone texting behind the wheel, or a serious accident after a collision with a drunk or reckless driver, dealing with the insurance company can be more than a headache. It may be a total nightmare—and one that could drag out for a long time without the help of a skilled insurance attorney.

If you sustained injuries in an accident, having to fight with the insurance company can be even more stressful as you are trying to heal. You may also be unable to work, worried about finances, and very concerned about how to get your car repaired (and perhaps medical bills too).

Claims are usually denied by the insurance company for a handful of common reasons, to include:

  • No report was made – this is why you should always file a police report, unless you were involved in a fender bender so miniscule that it would obviously be a complete waste of time to notify anyone. If there is the slightest bit of damage or injury to anyone, the police should be called—along with an ambulance if necessary. If you were hit due to the negligence of another driver, getting information such as the other party’s name, number, work address, work phone, and insurance data is critical, along with the police report. Were there witnesses? If so, ask for their contact information immediately too as that is likely the only time you will see them, and they could be critical to your case as well.
  • You did not report injuries or go to the hospital right away – if you suspect any injury at all, let those at the scene of the accident know, and get treated as soon as possible. Without any initial reports regarding injury, insurance companies are likely to pounce on the lack of evidence and deny the claim.
  • The insurance company considers you at fault for the accident. This could be due to suspicion of drunk driving, speeding, or other reckless behavior.
  • You did not pay your premium on time (even for one month) or the policy had been canceled.
  • There was a misunderstanding regarding coverage, or the car insurance policy was not actually in force at the time of the automobile wreck.

If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver and suspect your insurance company may be denying your claim in bad faith, contact the attorneys at the Bolender Law Firm.  Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!