Common Reasons Claims are Denied
Unscrupulous insurance companies often attempt to deny health insurance claims by either delaying payment or making the process so onerous that the claimant simply gives up and drops the claim. This type of bad faith insurance behavior is more common than people want to think, and the following are some of the most common ways it manifests. Patient Went “Out of Network” Some insurance companies will act in bad faith by creating very limited networks of physicians for patients to see. When a patient seeks care from a [...]
Five Things You Should Know About Initial Settlement Offers From Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses that want to settle injury claims for the lowest amount possible. Each injury claim is unique and there is no one formula that can accurately determine what is a reasonable compensation amount. When insurance companies make an initial settlement offer,attorneys for insurance claims can analyze the case and help injured parties determine the amount of money that will fairly compensate them for medical expenses, lost wages, and possible emotional distress or degradation of their quality of life. Reaching an appropriate settlement amount with [...]
Do Insurance Companies Rely on Biased Doctors for Claims Denials?
Recent studies reveal that insurance companies commonly use reports generated by biased physicians to determine the result of injury claims – a bad faith insurance tactic that can result in a case being minimized or denied altogether. It is common practice for insurance companies to use Independent Medical Examinations (IME) to help them determine whether they will pay an injury claim to victims who are injured in motor vehicle crashes, workers compensation cases, and other accidents. While this technique may seem like a good idea on the surface, [...]
When Jet Skis & Boats Sink Your Vacation
For jet skis and other watercraft, the manufacturer has a duty of care to ensure their vessels don’t put boaters at risk of drowning, burns, or serious injury. Boating is big business in Northern Nevada during the summer, and there are many boats cruising the waters of Lake Tahoe and other waterways that pose considerable safety hazards. When product flaws cause personal injuries, watercraft manufacturers can be held liable for manufacturing defects, design defects, and failing to warn operators and passengers how to safely operate the vehicle or [...]
Requirements Insurance Companies Must Adhere to [infographic]
Nevada law prohibits insurance companies from engaging in unfair practices that are designed to deny coverage for legitimate claims. Companies that violate Nevada law in this regard may be held liable for damages including interest, the cost of the claim, attorney’s fees, and other expenses stemming from the denial of coverage. (Article continues below Infographic) Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act The Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act prohibits insurance companies from taking actions to unduly deny coverage to an insured party. These include: Misrepresenting Pertinent Policy Facts or Provisions [...]
How to Know When an Insurer Acts in Bad Faith
One of the first steps in protecting an individual’s rights as an insured consumer is to recognize the signs of an insurance company’s bad faith acts. Nobody deserves to be left without the support of their insurance company when tragedy strikes, but it is all too common for victims to get the run around as insurance companies act in bad faith. Fortunately, consumers can avoid becoming victims of bad faith practices by familiarizing themselves with unscrupulous acts and the tactics commonly used to achieve them. What is Insurance [...]
The Duty to Defend in Nevada [infographic]
Insurer’s Duty to Defend In Nevada, an insurer’s duty to defend begins upon receiving notice of a claim and continues until the claim is resolved. This duty is broad and is intended to protect insured parties not only for the claims which they are liable but also for the claims which they may be found liable. (Article continues below Infographic) ______ However, this duty is not unlimited. It depends on the types of risks that are covered and identified within the policy. Insured parties need only show that [...]
Overview of Auto Insurance Laws in Nevada [infographic]
Nevada requires that all motor vehicle owner maintain an auto insurance policy that carries minimum coverage. Failure to maintain such a policy could result in a misdemeanor conviction. (Article continues below Infographic) Insurance Requirements Nevada requires all Nevada-registered vehicles to maintain an automobile insurance policy from a duly authorized seller. The policy is necessary to maintain the following minimum coverage levels: $15,000 of liability coverage for bodily injury or death of one person in any one crash;$30,000 of liability coverage for bodily injury or death of any two [...]
Deceptive Or Abusive Telemarketing Practices
It is against federal law for telemarketers to engage in deceptive or abusive actions when they call consumers, and when telemarketers do engage in illegal practices, actions may be brought by either the Nevada Attorney General or private consumers directly. A practice is considered to be abusive or deceptive when it is likely to result in substantial harm to consumers, and when it is not outweighed by potential benefits, nor is reasonably avoidable. A consumer may file an action with the help of a consumer rights attorney in [...]
What Is Bad Faith in Insurance? [infographic]
Under Nevada law, insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith and deal fairly with the entities and individuals they insure. Failure to do so is considered bad faith and may leave the insurer open to legal action. So what is bad faith in insurance? (Article continues below Infographic) Insurance Bad Faith Appealing a bad-faith Insurance decision is a state claim based on Nevada law. When a person is injured or property is damaged, individuals rely on insurance companies to pay benefits according to the terms [...]
