Being rushed to the emergency room can be a nightmare scenario for everyone involved. The stress and worry over the well-being of a loved one and costly medical services can put a lot of pressure on individuals.
Now imagine if your insurance denies coverage for this visit.
Alarmingly, it could even be deemed that your injury wasn’t really an emergency, leaving you to foot the entire bill.
Your insurance bad faith lawyers at Millin & Millin have the experience and legal know-how to accurately and successfully represent you in a court of law against bad faith insurance companies looking to shuck away responsibility to you.
Consider the following information about insurance denials of emergency room visits.
Recently, Anthem, the second-largest insurance company in the country, along with its subsidiary Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, informed their clients that they would no longer be paying out for trips to the ER if they determined that the visit was not an actual emergency.
A decision based on their own standards, leaving sick patients with big worries and even bigger bills.
It would do you well to be on the lookout if you or someone you love has recently been admitted into the emergency room and is insured by this company. In many cases, patients have received large bills in surprise after their ER visits and are expected to pay the entire costs on their own.
Anthem’s new policy on whether or not to pay an ER bill is based on a doctor’s diagnosis, not the reason the patient went to the hospital. The insurance giant defines what constitutes as an “appropriate” visit to the emergency room as anywhere “a prudent layperson, possessing an average knowledge of medicine and health” truly believes that immediate treatment is needed.
But what a “prudent layperson” and “average knowledge” is essentially left to the insurance companies imagination.
The Affordable Care Act provided a definition of a “prudent layperson” in order to protect patients from predatory insurance practices. Its original intention required that insurers based their claim payments on what an average person would consider an emergency. Now, the meaning has been twisted.
The insurer can go back after the visit and review the doctor’s diagnosis after and deem whether your trip was considered an emergency or not based on those results. For instance, an individual may visit the ER with immense chest pains only to find out that they are suffering from a severe case of heartburn.
Anthem would not consider this an actual emergency, leaving the patient to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, this may stop individuals who actually need help to shy away from visiting the ER when they actually need it.
Of course, insurance companies may claim that the goal of this policy is to decrease the costs of healthcare. Health care experts, however, state that this is more of the same bad faith insurance practices looking to squeeze out more profits from patients.
Attorneys like our insurance bad faith attorneys at Millin & Millin say that this new policy is a violation to the “prudent layperson standard” guideline, and if you have been affected, we want to help you get your voice heard.
The problem is that many “minor” symptoms can warrant a trip to the emergency room. A 2016 research paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded that six out of the top 10 reasons for “unnecessary ER visits” included symptoms like:
Coincidentally, these symptoms are also apart of the top 10 symptoms experienced that are correlated to real emergencies.
While this policy may have been arranged with good intentions to cut down on the costs of healthcare, it leaves patients in a precarious situation where the insurance company can deny your claim because they feel it wasn’t an emergency.
At Millin & Millin, we fight tooth and nail for our clients, not only to give them excellent representation but to fight for the compensation they deserve. Our years of experience in battling bad faith insurance companies is to your advantage. Claim what is rightfully yours.
To set up your free legal consultation, contact us today at (956) 631-5600.
Insurance companies are struggling with financial burdens of their own and their attempts to level out their own issues look to fall heavily on the shoulders - and wallets - of policyholders. Significant increases in insurance premiums will be very costly to consumers and perhaps leave many without protection against destructive weather.
Your insurance claim lawyers at Millin & Millin want to protect your family against the actions of bad faith insurance companies and insurance premiums. Mother Nature is unpredictable, but your home and safety should not be compromised because of greed.
We promise to help alleviate the financial problems caused by failed protection of the insurance policies you put your trust and money towards.
The Austin American Statesman recently reported that the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association plans to hike up policy prices by 10 percent. If the Texas Department of Insurance does approve these proposed adjustments, then the new rates will become effective by January 2019.
Windstorm insurance is currently available to 14 counties along the Texas coast. It is meant to cover property damages caused by the high-speed winds, hail, and tornadoes that can occur during destructive weather events such as strong storms and hurricanes. The insurance is meant to be a protective measure for Texans in these high-risk areas, but the rising prices are causing a dent in consumer’s wallets without the protection promised.
The last increase in insurance premiums in Texas was in 2017, prior to Hurricane Harvey’s arrival. It led to a $79 annual policy increase on the average premium of $1,600 for the year of 2018. With the current trend of increasing rates, the dollar increase of windstorm insurance premiums will reach an additional $160 per year by 2019.
Windstorm insurance is just one of the many insurance policies that are taking a toll on homeowners. Flood insurance premiums are on the rise as well. Industry forecasts predict a staggering 15 to 20 percent hike in flood insurance policies by 2019. This is no small adjustment from the 8 percent increase during 2018. That increase alone caused the average premium of flood insurance to rise to $1000 per year.
It is evident that the insurance industry does not have its customers’ best interests in mind.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is suffering bad financial circumstances. The program’s inability to bring in as much as they pay out has left them in a $20 billion dollar debt. This is after $16 billion dollars worth of debt was recently forgiven. The unwavering amount of debt means that attempts to level out will require companies to charge policyholders more for protection.
An evident flaw of the NFIP is their inability to price premiums based on risk analysis. Instead, they charge according to the history of storms and flood maps of locations. Not to mention that high-risk areas are not always protected. For example, less than half of Florida has flood insurance.
The flawed pricing methods and the lack of coverage in high-risk areas results in debts that fall upon the policyholders.
The life-altering circumstances that result from drastic weather conditions are enough to worry about. Consumers should not bear the burden of insurance companies’ attempts to recover from their mistakes. You deserve the protection that you pay for without the worry of premium increases that break your bank.
Our experienced team of attorneys wants to help get you the protection you deserve. Don’t let bad faith of insurance companies unlawfully deny your claim or underpay you. You should always feel protected and financially secure.
Don’t weather the storm alone. Call the reliable attorneys at Millin & Millin today at (956) 631-5600 for a free consultation.
Just a few weeks ago, heavy rain and flooding forced families all across the Rio Grande Valley to evacuate their homes and save what they could. Communities all across the Rio Grande Valley were flooded, including neighborhoods in Weslaco, McAllen, Mission, and Edinburg.
The water flooded thousands of homes and business with up to 3-feet of water. So far, damage estimates are in the hundreds of millions of dollar. According to the National Weather Service:
If you suffered damage to your home because of a storm in the McAllen-metro area, you may be eligible to file a storm damage insurance claim. However, it is important to be aware of a number of mistakes and pitfalls that can lead to your claim being denied, delayed, or underpaid.
Your insurance claim lawyers at Millin & Millin have years of experience handling insurance companies acting in bad faith. We know how they can take a simple mistake you make and use it against you to deny a claim.
To better protect yourself, your dedicated legal team at Millin & Millin would like to offer you a brief overview of some of the most common mistakes committed by storm damage claimants.
It is absolutely understandable that the stress of dealing with a damaged home and property can lead to some honest mistakes, but a simple trip up when dealing with your insurer can cost you thousands of dollars. When filing a home insurance claim make sure to avoid:
You’ll want to make a claim as soon as possible after a serious storm causes damage to your property. The longer you wait to file your paperwork, the harder it becomes to prove your claim. Some insurance companies also put a deadline on when you can file a storm damage claim. If you fail to meet this timeframe, you essentially give up any rights to recover compensation for damages.
Regardless of the deadline, you’ll want to file a claim immediately. Damages to your home will still be “fresh,” and the insurance adjuster will be able to see the evidence clearly.
While it’s easy to assume the insurance company is on your side, the truth is much different. As a claimant, you want to collect and provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim. At the same time, you’ll want to make it as difficult as possible for your insurance company to deny or underpay it.
Take pictures and video if possible, as well as plenty of notes and documentation; this evidence can be used to contest an adjuster’s finding just in case.
Unfortunately, your bad faith insurance claim lawyers at Millin & Millin have seen time and time again insurance companies essentially lying or providing misinformation to derail clients from making a valid claim.
The insurance adjuster working your claim is trained to limit the company’s responsibility as much as possible, even if that means placing the fault on you. The bottom line remains - don’t just blindly trust your insurance company. Ask as many questions as necessary to ensure that you understand the situation.
If you find your insurer ignoring your requests, taking an unnecessary amount of time to respond to you, or denying or limiting your claim on unreasonable grounds, contact an insurance lawyer immediately.
This particular “mistake” can be a challenge to avoid as there is a very thin line mitigating damages and making too many repairs.
On one end, most homeowner policies make the homeowner responsible for mitigating storm damages. This means doing just enough - like a placing a tarp over a damaged roof - to stop additional damages from occuring. Failing to mitigate damages means you might run the risk of obtaining other damages that might not be covered.
On the other hand, making repairs - even small repairs - could result in a skewed analysis by the insurance adjuster. Your insurer could potentially blame you for damages and attempt to deny your claim.
If you aren’t positive on what exactly you can do, contact an informed insurance lawyer to give you some insight.
Insurance companies are NOT in the business of shelling out money to every single client. They are a business, and like most businesses, this means profits come first.
In an effort to avoid lowering their own profits, your insurance company will likely offer you a quick check that will only cover a small portion of the damages. If you accept this first offer, you won’t have an opportunity to obtain the full amount that is owed to you.
While you might be tempted to accept their first offering because of the pressures of having a damaged home, don’t put yourself in this position. It might take longer to get you the full amount that is due, but it will help you avoid the hassle of covering repairs out of your own pocket.
When facing major damages to your home because of a serious storm, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and underprepared. Insurance companies know this and will take advantage of the situation to underpay your claim - or even outright deny you.
But you don’t have to accept their bad faith tactics or behaviors.
It can seem scary trying to go up against a giant insurance agency, but there are qualified lawyers who have the skill, experience, and ability to protect your rights. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when filing a storm damage claim is allowing your insurer to dictate the situation, forcing you into accepting a settlement that you know isn’t right.
Depend on the bad faith insurance legal team of Millin & Millin to get you the justice you deserve when seeking your compensation after a severe storm. Contact us today at (956) 631-5600 to get the legal representation you need.
When you have upheld your end of the insurance contract and paid your monthly premiums on time, it’s only right that you would expect your insurer to uphold theirs. Insurance companies have the legal duty to assist you with a claim and pay out the correct amount of damages.
Unfortunately, many insurers put profits before people and unrightfully deny a claim or attempt to underpay it. These types of behaviors are known as bad faith practices, and they can greatly affect your ability to recover any damages after filing an insurance claim.
But you do NOT have to accept this type of illegal behavior. One way to address the situation before filing a lawsuit - and one often required by the courts - is to submit a formal demand letter. A formal demand letter is written to the insurer in an attempt to correct any issues.
These letters can be written on behalf of a person, group, or family insured under any number of different types of insurance contracts including health, property, vehicle, homeowner, disability, flood, and other contracts. They summarize your claim and notify the company of how much compensation you seek for your injuries or any other damages you may have suffered.
If you have been struggling with your insurer acting in bad faith, trust in the dependable, aggressive, and honest insurance claim lawyers of Millin & Millin to help you obtain the results you deserve.
Please consider the following information regarding how to write a bad faith demand letter and how it can help you in your situation.
How Writing a Demand Letter Can Help
Writing a clear and effective letter demanding payment for an insurance claim can help you in a number of ways including:
Please note that if you are writing a demand letter as a result of a health insurance or personal injury claim, you should wait until treatment is nearly complete so that you can accurately account for all costs associated with the medical care you received.
Preparing Your Demand Letter
When creating your demand letter, you need to approach the situation in a professional manner and look at all the key factors. You’ll want to cover several different “topics” and provide sufficient details including:
As you create the letter, it is important to maintain a respectful but straightforward tone. You will also want to type the letter out, make sure that it is free from errors, and is easy to understand. Don’t forget to make yourself a few additional copies for any future purposes.
When sending the demand letter, it is best to do so via certified mail so as to negate an insurer that claims they never received the letter.
Again, it is vital that you always maintain a polite - but firm - style.
Your bad faith insurance lawyers at Millin & Millin understand that taking such a serious approach can be a challenge. It can be downright intimidating trying to handle a serious situation with a large corporation alone.
But it doesn’t have to be.
If you are worried about sending a demand letter because of legal and financial reasons, then please contact our experienced lawyers today. We can help you through the process and provide additional insight, as well as quality legal support, should your claim require action.
Even a well-organized construction project can run into issues and problems. Because there are often many different parties involved, from owners to contractors and subcontractors, disputes often arise. Some of the most common causes of construction disputes are contract errors or omissions, contract non-compliance, and site issues. While some disputes may be resolved quickly and without further issue, others may require the help of an experienced construction attorney.
The construction lawyers of Millin & Millin have the knowledge and the resources that you need on your side when a construction dispute arises. We will work hard to protect your interests and find a solution that is right for you. Don’t settle for an inexperienced attorney who does not understand the construction field. Turn to a team that has helped property owners, contractors, developers, vendors, and others resolve disputes and get the results they need. Contact us today at (956) 631-5600 for a free case evaluation.
There are many different reasons that a dispute may happen over the course of a project. A few common reasons include:
The building’s integrity is important for safety reasons but engineers must also take into consideration the desires of the customer. Lawsuits associated with design deficiency can result from a construction project that was poorly designed, inaccurately built, or left incomplete. Because of a deficiency, an entire project can be in jeopardy. Disputes between contractors and owners can lead to delays in completing the project and can dramatically increase the cost.
Imagine a scenario where an owner is excited or desperate to have a construction project completed in a time frame that may not be realistic. In an attempt to satisfy their new customer, a construction company accepts the contract and starts working as quickly as possible. Rushing through the process, engineers, architects, and contractors begin assembling plans to complete the project. However, they fail to realize that their blueprints are unorganized, their designs have fundamental flaws, and the timeline is virtually impossible. The problem may not be discovered until a lot of time and money has been wasted, and this can create a conflict that only a construction lawsuit may resolve.
The time it takes to complete construction is just as important as keeping the cost of materials within the budget. Managing the project’s timeline is not as easy as it sounds, especially when there are design deficiencies within the plan. Instead of efficiently completing the task at hand, time delays can create serious problems and even derail projects completely.
There are many opportunities for delays to develop over the course of construction work. Materials and equipment need to be ordered, delivered, and organized before the project can begin. Contractors will need to hire enough labor to complete the task efficiently, while also keeping costs low. Even the weather can present unique challenges and time delays. Disagreements between the various parties involved with the project also prevent work from taking place until the dispute has been resolved.
Meanwhile, the overhead costs of the entire project continues to rise. The owner may object to paying the difference in costs, and the contractors may be forced to make a difficult decision. In this instance, an unbiased ruling from a judge may be in the best interest of both parties.
Assuming the project was completed in a timely manner and within the allowed budget, the owner of the newly constructed building may still be unsatisfied. The owner’s problem with the finished product may be real or imagined, but the dispute is certainly authentic.
If an agreement cannot be made, then the affected parties may decide to file a construction lawsuit.
The unhappy owner may decide to withhold proper payment to the construction company, even though the design requirements were fulfilled. Another example could be that the project has been designated as complete but there are faults within the project’s construction. Whether the owner is justified in their complaint or not, the issue may need to be resolved in court.
Construction lawsuits are a civilized solution to complicated problems that develop when circumstances change. When construction companies act in bad faith, it is important to discuss the situation with a qualified bad faith lawyer.
Contact Millin & Millin today at (956) 631-5600 to schedule a confidential consultation.
With so many people and moving parts involved in a construction project, a single problem can derail an entire project. From construction companies to contractors and subcontractors, a number of different entities have an obligation to act in good faith and complete the job they’ve agreed to do in a timely manner.
Unfortunately, disputes happen all the time, leading to delayed jobs and potential litigation between parties. One common issue that arises is when subcontractors cannot complete the job they are assigned on time. In an ideal scenario, subcontractors tell you the truth about their ability to do the work, arrive at the construction site on time every day, and complete the job to the highest standard - saving general contractors money and stress.
But this is the real world and this isn’t always the case.
At Millin & Millin, we know that contractual issues can arise with any construction project. That’s why we are committed to helping represent general contractors and construction companies who have met construction disputes. Our team of insurance claim lawyers has in-depth knowledge about the construction industry and is ready to help you today.
One of the most important things to remember during the initial stages of a construction project is the value of communication and setting those expectations with contractors and subcontractors from day one. This ensures that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, as well as deadlines.
Some additional tips for dealing with subcontractors include:
Before asking for a bid from a single subcontractor, make sure you put in the work and prequalify them before hiring. Look at their past work and make sure they can handle a project of your size and see if they have a history of completing their work on time.
You can also talk to other general contractors about the work they’ve done and what they may have heard said about the subcontractor. If a subcontractor you’ve worked with in the past asks why they didn’t get the job, be honest and explain your reasoning.
Once you’ve decided who will take the subcontracting job, it’s time to draft up a contract. Like all contracts, this legally binds the subcontractor to the job as well as other specified provisions. Along with containing the roles and responsibilities of the subcontractor, the contract should also outline all expectations and specifics of the project and work. Some other common things to cover in a contract include:
It’s also vital to remember that for most contracts, you are required to inform the subcontractor with a written notice of default, as well as a timeline for fixing the problem before you can supplement the work. Make sure to go over every detail of the contract before signing to ensure that all parties are aware of all aspects of the agreement.
If you need guidance writing up a contract, your expert legal team at Millin & Millin can help you develop a solid contract.
Subcontractors may not always come to you when they begin facing problems or experiencing difficulties on a project. That’s why general contractors should be aware of signs of trouble on a site.
You should monitor your subcontractors’ work and talk with them often (if possible on a daily basis) about their progress. Some common signs that your subcontractor could be running into problems include falling behind schedule, a sudden decrease in construction workers, worsening morale among workers, and missed or delayed payments from subcontractors to suppliers.
If you begin to see any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to bring them up with your subcontractor immediately, even if the project appears to be going well. Maintaining an open environment where subcontractors feel the freedom to talk to you about problems is essential for avoiding any problems down the road.
Also, holding regular meetings is a great way to keep everyone in the loop on the status of the project and give subcontractors an opportunity to talk about any concerns or problems they are facing.
Unfortunately, disputes still happen on construction sites every day, and when they do, it’s important to be prepared and ready to protect yourself and your project.
The bad faith construction lawyers at Millin & Millin are experienced in handling construction disputes of all kinds. If you need to pursue legal action against a subcontractor who did not act in good faith, contact us today at (956) 631-5600 and schedule a free consultation.
It’s a story we’ve heard told over and over again, but still, it remains a seemingly consistent worry in the minds of the insured.
All across the nation, upstanding and responsible individuals are paying their insurance premiums on time. They are working hard and making sure that they handle their financial obligations. Suddenly, tragedy strikes. An injury at work. An accident on the road. A natural disaster that destroys their home.
It’s moments like this when they face some of their biggest challenges in life that they need support and protection the most. They turn to their insurer, expecting their company to be there. You should expect your insurer to honor their responsibility when you keep yours.
But that isn’t always the case, and a recent investigation into insurance giant Aetna proves just that.
Your bad faith insurance attorneys at Millin & Millin have represented hundreds of individuals and businesses confronted with their insurers acting in bad faith. When profit comes before a client, your team at Millin & Millin is there to make sure you obtain the benefits and compensation that are rightfully yours.
In February 2018, a shocking discovery first reported by CNN revealed a 2016 videotaped deposition of Dr. Jay Ken Iinuma, former Medical Director for Aetna in Southern California from 2012 to 2015, admitting under oath that he never looked at patients’ medical records when deciding whether to deny or approve their coverage. Instead, Iimuma claimed that he was simply following Aetna’s protocols and was making his decisions based on what nurses recommended to him.
As the third-largest insurance company in the United States with over 23 million clients, this horrific admission has made quite a wave in the news and with lawmakers.
Iinuma made these statements in a courtroom appearance for a lawsuit filed by Gillen Washington in 2016. Washington sued the company because he was initially denied treatment for a rare immune disorder known as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Individuals who suffer from CVID are highly susceptible to infection and often deal with recurring health issues in the lungs, sinuses, and ears.
Washington, 23, sued for breach of contract and bad faith when he was denied coverage for the treatments needed when he was 19 years old. The company claimed that his bloodwork was outdated, and that his treatment wasn’t medically necessary. Without that treatment, Washington eventually suffered pneumonia and a collapsed lung while appealing Aetna’s decision.
Iinuma’s denial of coverage to clients like Washington without properly reviewing medical records is underscored by his admission to not knowing what plagued Washington as well as never having treated a patient dealing with the condition.
A growing number of state and federal agencies have begun to investigate and request additional information to determine whether any laws were broken.
In the state of California, where the suit took place, two different agencies have begun to look into Aetna’s operations including the California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, who noted that the story was of “significant concern” to him. Considering that state law requires medical directors who are unqualified to review a patient’s case to seek consultation from another more qualified expert, the news of Iinuma’s action may prove to have been illegal. The California Medical Association and American Medical Association have shown similar concerns to Commissioner Jones.
Three other states have also begun their own investigation including Colorado, Washington, and Connecticut. Interestingly enough, Aetna is headquartered in Connecticut.
Now included in those state investigations, two Democratic senators have written a joint letter to current Aetna Chairman and CEO, Mark Bertolini. Ron Wyden of Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Patty Murray of Washington, ranking Member of Senate Health Committee, have requested for the company to release information related to their review process including “specific responsibilities of medical directors, nurses and chief medical officers, as well as any other company employees who are involved in such decisions.”
The senators also noted that, “In 2009, Aetna Health, Inc. and Aetna Life Insurance paid a $256,000 fine to Arizona insurance regulators for, among other things, denying health care provider payments without requesting additional information that could prove the claim valid.”
Sadly, this haunting truth isn’t the first time the insurance industry has been exposed for its seemingly rampant use of bad faith techniques and strategies to deny or underpay their clients. Thus far the company’s response has been that the testimony was “taken out of context”.
If you have any additional questions or simply need assistance with insurance claims and issues contact Millin & Millin at (956) 631-5600 to schedule a free case evaluation. Our compassion, dedication, and personal attention will get you the RESULTS you deserve.
Hurricane season just started (June 1st) and residents all across the McAllen metro area and Greater Rio Grande Valley should begin preparing for these potential storms. While the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season forecast has predicted a lower number of storms than historical averages, it is still always in the best interest of homeowners to take the necessary precautions and steps to ensure that they are protected.According to NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division statistics, the U.S. averages one to two hurricane landfalls each year. While these odds may seem to work in your favor, a hurricane, or even tropical storm for that matter, can prove to be a devastating event both emotionally and financially.
At the bad faith insurance law offices of Millin & Millin in McAllen, Texas we believe that the best way to avoid a bad faith insurance claim is to recognize what your rights are and what your insurance does and does not cover. In order to be fully prepared for a disaster, there are a number of elements to consider.
The most important step you can take to ensure that your home is effectively covered is to carefully read through and understand what your policy covers. While this is a simple action, it is often the most neglected.
Understandably, insurance policies are full of technical jargon that can be difficult to understand for those unfamiliar with the language. But, unfortunately, your insurer will not accept this as an excuse. Contact a legal expert with experience in insurance law to help you better understand your coverage. You don’t want a disaster to strike only to find out you weren’t covered.
One of the most damaging effects of a hurricane or tropical storm is flood damage. Flood water can damage your property, uproot trees, and destroy your house’s interior.
Flood insurance is generally a separate policy that needs to be purchased alongside your traditional coverage. It should be noted, however, that there is a generally a waiting period (30 days) before the policy kicks in.
Waiting until the last moment before a hurricane reaches landfall to purchase this additional insurance rider can mean you will still be responsible for damages caused by flooding.
A best practice, you should take a thorough inventory of everything you own and consider whether you have the appropriate coverage in case of the loss of those items. This can help you to identify the value of the items and any potential gaps in your policy.
You should also take pictures of your valuables, and if feasible, record with video. In fact, “touring” your home and video recording it in its current condition - even if the potential for natural disaster is minimal - is a great strategy to stop bad faith insurance.
An unreasonable deductible can leave you high and dry.
Insurers in coastal areas generally offer separate deductibles for hurricanes and windstorms. Depending on the circumstances of the storm and the various scenarios that can get played out, a high deductible can leave you paying thousands of dollars before the insurance even kicks in.
Have you begun saving for this amount? Or does it make more sense to increase your premium and coverage to lower your deductible?
Aside from insurance considerations, you should also take some real world actions in order to limit the amount of damage that can occur to your property and home. Some of the most important steps you can take to protecting your house include:
Hurricane damage can be varied and affect your home and property in a number of ways. Recognizing where there is a high probability of damage can help you to take the proper steps to securing and protecting your house. The following types of damage are frequently caused by hurricanes:
If you, unfortunately, have to deal with the results of a hurricane, there are a number of steps that you can take after a hurricane to ensure that your insurance claim is properly handled.
While you should NOT commence fixing the damage yourself, you SHOULD take the reasonable steps necessary to stop further damage to your property. This can include covering up areas where water is leaking in or removing debris from broken windows. Insurers will use anything they can against you to deny a claim and might argue that you caused some of the damage if you do not properly take care of the limiting the situation.
After a major hurricane, insurance companies are bombarded with calls and claims, and often set deadlines on claimants. Don’t wait to make a claim. This also ensures damage is adequately taken care of in a reasonable amount of time rather than allowing it to continue growing.
Staying informed and documenting all interactions with your insurance company can help to protect you in the case of bad faith tactics or a claims denial.
Also, just as you should take images of your property and valuables before an event, you should also capture images of the damage after the catastrophe has taken place. These detailed shots (and video when possible) are the perfect evidence to show your insurer.
If you are having to file an insurance claim, it’s likely due to the fact that you have just suffered through a terrible event. Having to deal with the unscrupulous tactics of an insurance company is the last thing you need on your plate during this time.
Depend on the responsiveness of the bad faith insurance legal team of Millin & Millin to get you the justice you deserve when seeking your rightful compensation after a natural disaster like a hurricane.
Contact ustoday at (956) 631-5600 to get the legal representation you need. Millin & Millin serves the greater McAllen metro area and the whole Rio Grande Valley.
Summer offers perfect weather for poolside entertainment. This is especially true here in the Greater McAllen metro area where temperatures can soar into the 100s.
There’s nothing quite like spending a blazing afternoon cooling off in your very own pool or with friends at the local water park. But it is absolutely vital for parents and adults to recognize the risks and hazards associated with pools.
PoolSafely.gov recorded that between 2011-2013 there were over 4,900 pool and spa-related injuries and drownings among children 1-14 years old. Also, more than 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments required hospitalization or transfer for further care.
Diving injuries also pose a significant risk to children and adults alike. In more than half of all diving accidents, alcohol use was involved. Additionally, 57.2% of all swimming pool diving accidents occur in water four feet deep or shallower according to “Review of Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Related to Diving and Diving Board Use” from the American Institutes for Research.
The attorneys at Millin & Millin understand that sometimes accidents happen, but the best way to avoid them is to recognize when and how they can occur. Being informed about the most frequent pool accidents that cause serious injury can help you to prevent them before it is too late.
Some of the most common pool accidents include:
Sadly, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger, with drowning the number one cause of unintentional death in this age group. Even in non-fatal drownings, injuries can cause severe brain damage that can lead to long-term mental health issues. When around pools, parents should never leave a child unsupervised and should provide them adequate safety equipment. Awareness is the first step in safety.
Pool and spa areas pose a high risk of slip and fall incidents, understandably, because the water creates slippery conditions. When coupled with rock-solid cement, slip and fall accidents can lead to some truly serious personal injuries. But a few simple safety precautions can help to lessen the likelihood of a slip and fall accident at a private or public pool including:
Among males, diving ranks fourth in leading causes of spinal cord injuries and fifth for females.
Every year thousands of adolescents are taken to the emergency room because of diving-related injuries, with the majority being caused by headfirst dives. This is especially alarming as roughly 80% of these incidents occur in pools that were 4-feet or shallower - clearly preventable accidents.
While many of these incidents occur in pools, it’s also important to consider that diving injuries can also take place in lakes, rivers, or any other body of water that is used for recreational swimming.
Supervision is the key element to ensuring that a diving injury does not occur to your child or loved one. It is also recommended diving is first attempted with the swimmer’s feet facing downward so that their proximity to the bottom of the pool can be gauged.
Beyond horse playing and dangerous diving attempts, other potential sources of personal injury include product injuries and circulation entrapment.
Entrapment can occur when a swimmer is trapped by the suction of a drain in a pool or spa. If a swimmer’s clothing or jewelry is accidentally caught into the drainage system of the pool, the suction can cause accidental drowning or other serious injuries.
Some ill-designed products can also increase the risk of drowning and cause cases of entrapment as well. Pool cleaning equipment and other products may wrap themselves around the appendages of a swimmer and keep them submerged causing injury.
In these situations, the best preventative measures include:
But accidents happen.
If you are having to file a personal injury insurance claim, it’s likely due to the fact that you or a loved one suffered a terrible accident. Having to deal with the bad faith tactics of an insurance company is the last thing you need on your plate during this time.
Depend on the responsiveness of the Millin & Millin legal team to get your rightful compensation from deceitful insurers.
Contact us at (956) 631-5600 to get help from the premier bad faith insurance lawyers of the McAllen metro and Rio Grande Valley.
