Year: 2018

filing insurance claims

Before Filing Insurance Claims: Read Your Policy

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

For the average consumer, dealing with insurance or filing insurance claims is usually a double-edged sword. You want the peace of mind in knowing that if you are in a car wreck or your home is flooded, for example, that you are covered in every necessary way possible to pay for medical treatment and damage. Getting to that point requires some work though, beginning with shopping insurance companies and finding an agent you can trust. And although your insurance agent may guide you toward a suitable product, it is also up to you to understand the fine details of what you are purchasing. This can be challenging though sometimes—and if you run into a problem later, consult with a skilled insurance attorney from the Bolender Law Firm to gain a better understanding of what went wrong, and what the insurance company really promised you within the policy.

If you need to file a claim, it probably pertains to one of these types of insurance:

  • Auto insurance
  • Homeowners insurance
  • General liability
  • Commercial property insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Accidental death insurance
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Specialized insurance products

The Bolender Law Firm helps clients who expected coverage through all those types of policies but may have encountered a lack of investigation in the case, a lowball offer for a settlement, delay in payment of the claim—or an outright denial. No matter what type of policy you have, make sure you have a copy and that you are able to understand the major sections, from the declaration page identifying the insured, coverages, limits, and how long it is in force—to the insuring agreement, which lists exactly what the insurance company promises to do for you in the case of a claim, from paying out to offering suitable legal defense should that be necessary. The policy may also list exclusions, stating what is not covered, along with endorsements and riders that act as modifications or amendments to the original policy (and which by law, should be sent to you upon any changes).

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!

adjusters

Beware of Adjusters Who Want to Speak to You Instead of Your Attorney

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

If you have had an accident or have filed a claim due to the negligence of another party, you may find yourself in the middle of an extremely frustrating experience trying to deal with insurance companies on your own. Automobile accidents are a perfect example, and especially because serious trauma could be involved—from brain injuries to spinal injuries, broken bones, and so much more. This may also have a deep financial impact if you are too injured to work, whether temporarily or permanently. Add having to communicate with insurance adjusters to the mix—while you are trying to heal—and you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and intimidated.

The key is to not speak with the insurance adjusters but refer them to your attorney immediately. And if you suspect that the insurance company is trying to deny your claim on bad faith, consult with an experienced bad faith litigation firm like the Bolender Law Firm as soon as possible. It may be difficult to remember at times that the insurance companies are not on your side, no matter how friendly the insurance adjusters may seem. They are usually very skilled at their jobs, and they are trained to get as much information from you as they can to come up with a settlement offer that is as low as possible.

If you have been injured, for example, adjusters may ask for details about your injuries, and request access to medical records from the hospital or doctor’s office. Along with their mini-interrogations, they may also want to record your conversations. It is in your best interest not to agree to any of those requests, along with continuing to refer them to your attorney. This can be difficult if they are offering you what might seem to be a tempting settlement, but in most cases your attorney will be able to get much more for you in damages, as you deserve—rather than accepting a lowball offer.

On the other hand, rather than offering you anything, you may find that the insurance company has not investigated the case properly or is delaying the claim or denying it outright. 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.

At, the Bolender Law Firm, 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!

copyrights

Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents: Understand the Differences & What You Need

Posted by Jeffrey Bolender on with 0 Comment

As a company owner, you may have accrued numerous assets after years in business. You may own real estate—to include your business site—company vehicles, a large amount of office property and inventory, and other investments that relate to your industry. What about intellectual property though? You, your business partners, and independent contractors working for you either temporarily or long-term may be busy creating items that are truly some of your most valuable assets, and they must be protected.

As you begin producing different types of work, innovations, and perhaps even major inventions, you may be confused about what security measures you need to take, and how to do so; however, with the expert legal assistance of a firm like Bolender Law Firm, you will have a better understanding of your options regarding materials, negotiating licenses, preparing applications for registration, and more.

The terms copyright and trademark are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually denote very different types of intellectual property law, along with patents. We’ve included brief information regarding each, so you can think about what may apply to your needs, and what type of protection your intellectual property requires:

  • Copyrights – whether you are applying for your own or asking permission to use a copyright assigned to another entity, this grants exclusive rights to the creator of an expression of art, whether that may be a book or a screenplay, software, music, or more. Copyrights are covered for a period of 95 years if they were published after 1922, but before 1987. If they were developed but not actually published before 1978, the work is covered for the lifetime of the creator, and an additional 70 years after that.
  • Trademarks – this type of intellectual property protection becomes critical when you are creating a brand. By registering a trademark (such as a logo), you allow your company and its products to be distinguished from that of the competition; likewise, the service mark denotes the services you offer.
  • Patents – this license is reserved to grant exclusive rights for inventions—usually for about 20 years from the time of application. During that timeframe, others may not manufacture the invention for their own purposes, use it, or sell it.

The Bolender Law Firm can assist you in all intellectual property matters. Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!

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!