Baton Rouge Insurance Coverage Lawyer

A denied insurance claim can hit deep. Baton Rouge policyholders often feel abandoned by their insurers. Fortunately, you’re not without recourse if your claim doesn’t work out the way you planned. A Baton Rouge insurance coverage lawyer can fight back and secure what you need.

Baton Rouge Insurance Coverage Attorney

Watson, Blanche, Wilson & Posner, LLP, has extensive experience working with its clients to favorably resolve a wide variety of insurance coverage disputes. Our skilled Baton Rouge Insurance Coverage Lawyer regularly defends insured and self-insured clients in disputes involving an expansive range of commercial lines (general liability, business automobile, professional liability, director and officer liability, employer liability, environmental liability, life, health, and others) and personal lines (automobile and homeowners). Drawing on this experience, we work with insurers and self-insured clients in Baton Rouge, LA to prevent or minimize loss experience, contain costs and, when appropriate, resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration or trial.

Our insurance coverage litigation experience includes domestic and London market entities; state and federal courts; and arbitration. From policy analysis and duty-to-defend issues, to trial of coverage disputes, we encourage early analysis, prompt reporting and efficient representation.

Insurance Coverage Lawyers in Baton Rouge

Since 1945, Watson, Blanche, Wilson & Posner, LLP, has represented clients across Louisiana in insurance coverage cases. We hold an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. We’re also listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Watson, Blanche, Wilson & Posner, LLP, has decades of legal experience built on trust.

Why Insurance Disputes Happen

Insurance policies are supposed to protect you after a loss. Sometimes, insurers dispute claims because of technicalities.

Many Baton Rouge residents own homes. 46.9% of homes are owner-occupied. That means thousands rely on insurance to repair damage after storms. When claims get denied, the financial burden can be hard to handle without help.

If your insurer is dragging out your case, an attorney can compel them to pay you what they should. You don’t have to accept vague answers. Talk to a Baton Rouge insurance defense lawyer for support with these claims.

Common Tactics From Insurers

Some companies deny claims by pointing to policy exclusions. Others say you waited too long. These defenses are common, but they’re not always fair.

Baton Rouge saw a 2.7% drop in population from 2020 to 2024. With tighter budgets due to fewer residents, some insurance companies may push harder to reduce payouts. This can leave you stuck with the cost of an accident or other incident.

Bad Faith Laws

Louisiana puts strict limits on how insurers handle claims. You might have a case for bad faith if the insurance company cannot explain its actions. This gives you the right to seek extra damages.

You don’t have to prove fraud. Just showing how they misrepresented the policy can be enough. Insurance companies have to act reasonably once they have proof of the loss.

Baton Rouge Insurance Claims

Baton Rouge has some unique insurance-related challenges. Common issues include:

• Weather events: Baton Rouge sees plenty of storms. These bring a high number of property claims. Insurers may try to shift the blame to poor maintenance. They can also claim that the damage is excluded from their policy.
• Aging homes: Many homes are older. This can lead insurers to claim that some homes have damage based on wear and tear. However, not all damage should be blamed on age. A legal review can tell the difference.
• Higher poverty rates: With 25% of Baton Rouge residents living in poverty, delays in payments hurt more. Denied insurance can lead to unpaid repairs. It can even lead to eviction in some cases.
• Health-related disputes: Baton Rouge has a large healthcare economy. These cases might be more complicated than simple insurance disputes. A Baton Rouge medical malpractice lawyer might be needed for these issues.
• Shifting population: The population in Baton Rouge is slowly declining. This might lead some insurers to pull back from the market. This might cause fewer options. The companies that are left might be tougher on claims.

Each of these issues can affect how your case unfolds. A local attorney knows how to respond based on past rulings.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Insurance policies are legal contracts. A lawyer reads those with care, so they can spot areas where the company didn’t follow through.

A skilled attorney can also help with timing. If your case needs a court filing, there are strict deadlines. Delays can cost you the case.

Some situations involve more than just insurance. If your claim involves your business, we are also Baton Rouge corporate defense lawyers. We can address both contract and coverage issues.

You don’t need a large loss to speak to a Baton Rouge Insurance Coverage Lawyer. A delayed payment or even an unclear policy can justify a review. You can always request a consultation to go over your case.

Why Choose Us?

At Watson, Blanche, Wilson & Posner, LLP, we have a deep knowledge of Louisiana insurance law. Our location also helps us understand how courts in Baton Rouge apply the law. We’ve been trusted by healthcare institutions and professionals for over 60 years. Our direct advice can help you weigh the risk versus reward in coverage disputes.

FAQs About Baton Rouge Insurance Coverage Laws

Q: When Should I Hire an Insurance Lawyer?

A: You should hire an insurance lawyer if your insurance company undervalues your claim. This can include delays and denials. Sometimes, the insurance adjusters keep asking for more documents. They might also give conflicting answers. These are often signs that they are not acting in good faith. A lawyer can also help if your insurer says your policy doesn’t cover a loss that it should.

Q: What Types of Insurance Claims Are Commonly Denied in Louisiana?

A: The types of insurance claims that are commonly denied in Louisiana include damages related to hurricanes. Claims for water damage and other hurricane-related losses are often denied. They can also be denied in healthcare cases, particularly after a car accident. Companies might claim that injuries are not as severe due to a pre-existing condition.

Q: What Is Bad Faith From an Insurer?

A: Bad faith from an insurer happens when an insurance company fails to pay a claim without a valid reason. The law gives insurers 30 days to act once you submit proof of loss. If they don’t explain why they’re behaving in a certain way, that can count as bad faith. This is covered under La. R.S. 22:1892.

Q: What Legal Options Do I Have If My Claim Was Denied Unfairly?

A: If your claim was denied unfairly, you can file a civil claim against the insurance company. This is always an option if the denial violated your policy. You can also ask for damages based on the impact their denial had on your life. Often, a letter from a lawyer is enough to get a response. If not, a formal case might be needed.

Contact Us If Your Insurance Claim Was Denied

Insurance companies shouldn’t control the outcome of your case. If you’re dealing with bad faith tactics, take action before things get worse. Schedule a consultation with Watson, Blanche, Wilson & Posner, LLP, to challenge a decision from an insurance company.