Joe Osborne & Greg Francis, Personal Injury Lawyers & Founders of Osborne & Francis

Insurance Disputes & Claims Lawyers

Legally Reviewed By
Doug Morris

Why Do You Need an Insurance Dispute Lawyer?

Insurance is meant to protect you if the worst happens. You don’t deserve to suffer injury, loss or damages only to be further victimized by the insurance company who should be there for you when you need them most.

Contesting an insurance company’s denial or undervaluing of your claim is a stressful undertaking. This is work you shouldn’t have to do on top of dealing with the original claim you still need resolved. Our seasoned team of insurance dispute attorneys can shoulder this task and ensure that insurance companies honor their commitments to you and your family. 

At Osborne & Francis, we have a proven track record of successfully navigating the complicated terrain of insurance litigation. We understand the complexities of your policy, and will dispute and negotiate on your behalf to ensure the insurance company fulfills their promises. 

Trust our attorneys to level the playing field and fight for the coverage you have already paid for and are entitled to receive. Contact us at (561) 293-2600 as soon as possible so we can get to work on your claim.

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Hear Osborne & Francis attorney Andrew Norden speak about hurricane damage insurance disputes, and how our service fees do not subtract from your payout.

Video Transcript

So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:

Number One: See a doctor immediately. 

A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.

A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care. 

Number Two: Write everything down.

Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain. 

You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered. 

Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.

Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them. 

So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.

What Kind of Settlement Can an Insurance Claim Lawyer Help You Secure?

Some common types of settlements our insurance claim lawyers can assist with include:

  • Full claim payment: The lawyer can work to ensure that the insurance company pays the full amount owed under your policy for covered losses, whether it's related to property damage, personal injury, or another type of claim.
  • Partial claim payment: If your claim is partially denied or underpaid, an attorney can negotiate with the insurer to secure a more reasonable settlement that better reflects your actual losses.
  • Third-party liability settlement: If your claim involves liability on the part of another party, such as in a car accident, your lawyer can negotiate with the at-fault party's insurer to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
  • Court litigation resolution: In cases where negotiations fail, your lawyer can pursue a settlement through litigation. This means presenting your case in court and seeking a favorable judgment or negotiating a settlement during the legal process.
  • Bad faith settlement: In cases where the insurance company has acted in bad faith by unreasonably denying or delaying your claim, your lawyer may seek punitive damages aka “punishment” compensation. These are funds that may be awarded to you in addition to the amount originally owed under your policy.

Ultimately, the type of settlement your insurance claim lawyer can help you secure depends on the unique circumstances of your case, the insurance policy involved, and the legal strategy utilized to resolve the dispute. 

Our primary goal is to advocate for your rights and maximize the compensation to which you are entitled under your insurance policy and applicable laws.

Hiring an attorney to handle your insurance dispute increases the likelihood of a higher payout as opposed to contesting the insurance company on your own. Hiring a lawyer also saves you unnecessary time and stress. Your attorneys handle the paperwork and negotiations, so this matter doesn’t continue to disrupt your life.

Contact Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 as soon as you can — we can help you understand your legal options, provide strategic advice, and ensure that you receive the fair coverage or compensation to which you are entitled.

What Types of Cases Can an Insurance Claims Lawyer Handle?

An insurance claims lawyer can handle a wide range of cases related to insurance disputes and issues. Some common types of cases that insurance claims lawyers can handle include:

  • Personal injury claims: Lawyers can assist with personal injury claims, including those resulting from accidents, medical malpractice, or injuries on someone else's property (premises liability).
  • Health and life insurance claims: Disputes related to medical coverage, denied claims, or medical treatment coverage fall under this category. Lawyers can help beneficiaries navigate the process of claiming life insurance benefits after the policyholder's death.
  • Disability and long-term care claims: These involve disputes regarding disability insurance benefits for individuals unable to work due to injury or illness. Lawyers can assist policyholders with disputes related to coverage for long-term care, nursing home care, or assisted living facilities.
  • Underinsured or uninsured motorist claims: Lawyers can help individuals who have been injured in accidents involving drivers with inadequate or no vehicle insurance coverage.
  • Property damage and business insurance claims: These involve disputes over damage to homes, vehicles, personal effects, and business losses covered by insurance policies. Our attorneys can negotiate policies related to homeowners' insurance, auto insurance, and business liability. Damages or business interruption caused by natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and floods, as well as fire or water damage from other causes like faulty wiring or burst pipes.

When an insurance company denies coverage or refuses to pay a claim, your lawyer from Osborne & Francis can challenge the denial and seek a satisfactory resolution. We are experienced in interpreting insurance policies, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigating cases before a judge to protect our clients' rights and interests. 

We are here to ensure policyholders receive the coverage and compensation they need under contracts that deserve to be honored.

What Does an Insurance Claim Attorney Do for Your Case? (3 Key Services)

Insurance claim attorneys provide a range of services to help clients navigate insurance disputes and maximize their chances of a favorable outcome. These services may include:

  • Evaluation: An insurance claim attorney will first assess the merits of your claim in a confidential consultation. At Osborne & Francis, we provide this initial consultation for free. Once hired, we will complete an in-depth review of your insurance policy to understand your coverage, and create a legal path forward to secure a fair resolution.
  • Negotiation: Attorneys negotiate with insurers to secure a fair settlement that accurately reflects your losses. This spares you the frustration of arguing with corporate lawyers who are assigned with denying or downplaying your claim.
  • Litigation: If needed, we will represent you in court to seek a favorable judgment or negotiate a settlement during the legal process. While it is rare for insurance dispute claims to require a formal verdict, it’s important that the lawyer you hire is prepared to go the distance if necessary. 

Attorneys provide guidance and advice throughout the claims process, ensuring informed decision-making.

Insurance claim attorneys work diligently to protect your rights, advocate for your interests, and secure the compensation you deserve under your insurance policy and applicable laws. Their goal is to help you achieve a fair and satisfactory resolution to your insurance dispute.

contact our office to speak to a lawyer.

do you still have questions?

CONTACT US TODAY
Can I handle an insurance dispute without an attorney? 

E. Holland

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Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

Erica F.

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"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

Alfred

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Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

J. Davis

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“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”

T. Andrews

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“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

C. Smith

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“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

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Contact Experienced Insurance Dispute & Claims Lawyers

The bottom line for an insurance company is profit, and denying your claim or offering you far less than you are entitled to is in their best interest. You need someone on your side, keeping your best interests in mind during an insurance claim dispute. At Osborne & Francis, that is exactly what our attorneys do. 

Why Hire Osborne & Francis 

With more than 50 years of combined experience fighting for clients, our firm is immensely qualified to assist you in prevailing in any insurance dispute. We can help you resolve a claim against your own insurance carrier. We can also help you secure compensation from an insurance company providing coverage to someone else who has caused you harm. Whatever your situation, our lawyers are well-equipped to skillfully advocate for you.

At Osborne & Francis, we are determined to secure you the insurance coverage and claim payments you deserve. If you’ve been treated unfairly by an insurance company and are struggling to obtain what you were promised, contact us online, by calling (561) 293-2600, or by visiting our multiple Florida locations for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance Dispute Lawyer FAQs

Can I handle an insurance dispute without an attorney? 

Yes, you can attempt to pursue an insurance dispute on your own. However, having legal representation is highly recommended. Insurance policies and laws are complex, and insurance companies have teams of professionals to protect their interests. Having an experienced insurance dispute lawyer on your side can help you navigate the intricacies of the paperwork involved, and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

The top reason for denials or low settlements for insured individuals is a lack of documentary evidence. Your lawyer gathers this evidence for your dispute, and can ensure that it is valued appropriately during negotiations instead of dismissed or ignored by the insurance company’s representatives.

How much will it cost to hire an insurance dispute lawyer? 

Many insurance dispute attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we successfully resolve your case. At Osborne & Francis, we embrace this contingency arrangement to make it easier for our clients to access legal representation without upfront costs or risks. 

The last thing we want to do is add to your financial burden when you’re already struggling to pay for damages your insurance is supposed to cover. Our attorneys only collect our fees after we successfully secure a settlement on your behalf. If no settlement or verdict is reached, you owe us nothing.

What is insurance bad faith, and when can I pursue a bad faith claim against an insurer? 

Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim. You can pursue a bad faith claim if you believe the insurer has acted in bad faith by not honoring its obligations under the policy. This may involve failing to conduct a thorough investigation, misrepresenting policy terms, or unfairly valuing your claim.

An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. Your insurance company has an obligation to act in good faith when you file a claim. This means they shouldn’t be looking for unscrupulous ways to escape their contractual responsibilities. When your insurance carrier does so, this may be considered bad faith, and you can do something about such unacceptable business practices by working with our legal team.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit if my insurance claim is denied or disputed? 

The filing deadline for pursuing an insurance lawsuit varies by state, and the type of claim. In Florida, the general statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against an insurance company is five years from the date of loss. Missing these deadlines could result in your claim being barred.

While five years may seem like plenty of time to pursue legal action, keep in mind that evidence related to your injuries or losses may degrade or be lost over time. Also, five years is likely too long to wait for the compensation you deserve when you need to pay for medical treatment or make repairs. 

If your insurance claim is devalued, denied, or stalled, filing a lawsuit may help force the matter to resolution. That is why it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable insurance dispute attorney by calling Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 right away.