How Much Is a Bad Faith Claim Worth?
Insurance companies are supposed to provide financial support when an accident or other tragedy occurs. Given the meteoric rise of insurance prices over the past couple of years, as reported by National Public Radio (NPR), it would be reasonable to expect that insurance companies are holding up their end of the expensive bargain. However, not all insurance companies act in good faith when investigating or paying out a claim. Far too often, they look to cut corners, delay payments, and generally fail to comply with their duty of [...]
Does Health Insurance Cover Auto Accidents?
The National Safety Council reports that nearly 5.4 million people experienced car crash injuries and another 46,980 died in vehicle accidents in 2021. Just the year before (2020), the estimated total cost of vehicle-related accidents in the US was $474 billion. Many of the costs related to these accidents were covered by various types of insurance, but not all. In Nevada, understanding how health insurance applies to car accidents is crucial for anyone driving on its roads. From the urban excitement of Las Vegas and Reno to the [...]
Do Insurance Companies Pay for Acts of God?
When it comes to natural disasters, you might hear the term "act of God" in the insurance exclusions. Damages from these events are often unforeseeable, and your standard homeowners policy might not cover them. Unfortunately, some insurance companies try to claim acts of God exclusions to avoid paying out on policy claims. We have handled numerous insurance policy denials for reasons like these at the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp over the years. Do insurance companies pay for acts of God? We'll provide you with an answer [...]
How To Tell If Your Insurer Is Engaging in Bad Faith Practices
You received an explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurer, much like one described by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, denying your health insurance claim that a medical provider sent in, and now you are expected to pay for that costly medical procedure. Or, your Nevada home sustained damage, and you were expecting your homeowners' insurance to cover those costly repairs, but now, it doesn't appear that they're going to. There are just two examples where an insurance company may say that what you've filed a [...]
How Long Are You Able To Dispute Health Insurance Claims?
If you’ve ever had to navigate a health insurance claim, you know they can be complex. Disputes can arise when there are discrepancies between what a policyholder believes should be covered and what their insurance provider has approved. But how long are you able to dispute health insurance claims? Let's take a look at the timelines and processes involved in disputing claims. About Health Insurance Claims Before trying to navigate the timelines of a dispute, we need to understand the basics of health insurance claims. When you receive [...]
Why Do Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith?
Insurance is a cornerstone of modern life, offering protection and peace of mind in times of uncertainty. Whether it's health, auto, or property insurance, policyholders expect their insurance companies to act in good faith, promptly processing claims and providing coverage as promised. However, instances of insurance companies acting in bad faith are not uncommon. In this blog post, we delve into the reasons why insurance companies act in bad faith, undermining the trust and confidence of their customers. Understanding Bad Faith Before exploring the motivations behind the actions [...]
Is a Breach of Contract Considered Bad Faith Insurance?
If you deal with an insurance company intentionally stalling a claims investigation or falsifying reasons for a denial, it could be more than bad faith insurance. Could it be a breach of contract? While both situations involve some type of breach in terms or contracts, they are distinctive from each other. We have handled many Reno insurance bad faith claims in our law office. Let's help clear up any confusion between breaches of contract and bad faith insurance. What Is a Breach of Contract? In the world of [...]
Exposing the True Dangers of Prior Authorization
In the intricate realm of health care management, few processes provoke as much frustration and controversy as prior authorization (PA). It’s a system that the American Medical Association (AMA) refers to as "costly, inefficient and responsible for patient care delays,” referring to the complexities of prior authorization as “a nightmare.” Let’s delve into the multifaceted issues, including the dangers of prior authorization, shedding light on its detrimental impacts on patients, medical providers, and the health care system as a whole. What is Prior Authorization? Also known as pre-authorization [...]
Top Mistakes People Make When Filling Out Proof of Loss Forms
After an accident, storm, or other disaster, you will want to take care of any damage to your home or vehicle. One of the first steps is to start the claims process with your insurance company by filing a proof of loss form. This document is a critical step in indicating your total losses to the insurance company. While it might seem straightforward, many people make errors on these documents. And that could lead to reimbursement delays or even a claim denial. Here are the top mistakes people [...]
What To Do If Your Insurance Company Is Ignoring You
Whether it's to cover the costs of a car accident, a health issue, or damage to our property, insurance is meant to provide a safety net. Insurance isn’t cheap, and it’s reasonable to expect it to be there when we need it, right? But what happens when your insurance company seems to be turning a blind eye to your needs? Dealing with an unresponsive insurance company can be frustrating, but don’t worry – there are steps you can take to ensure your concerns are heard and addressed. Understand [...]
