If there isn’t any damage there can’t be any injury right? Wrong!
After a low speed impact collision, your insurance company may associate a lack of damage as an absence of injury. But this isn’t always the case. It is entirely possible for passengers in a auto accident to be injured, especially in soft tissue areas such as the neck and spine.
If these injuries occur and an insurer is involved, the adjuster assigned to the claim will attempt to minimize the compensation received. Unfortunately, this means offering the injured party the lowest amount possible without having to litigate.
A tactic that the adjuster will use might be pointing out the lack of visible damage to the vehicle. This sort of misused logic is a myth, as numerous studies have found that even though there isn’t much damage to a vehicle, it doesn’t mean that injuries haven’t occurred. In a low speed collision, the speed of the vehicles at the time of impact is only one factor that should be analyzed to determine the value of a claim.
One of the reasons that car wreck victims can sustain connective tissue injuries is because bumpers are not designed to crush in low-speed collisions, but are instead intended to minimize proper damages, as regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In fact, the NHTSA specifically mentions that bumpers are “not a safety feature intended to prevent or mitigate injury severity to occupants in the passenger cars.”
Furthermore, when a car is involved in an accident, seat belts will lock in place and cause the occupants’ bodies to thrust forward. While seat belts are great at decreasing injuries, they do inhibit body movement, but not head movement, which means your head can forcefully snap forward and then backwards in what is known as whiplash. Essentially, injured victims cannot brace themselves effectively on impact and their bodies are forced into unusual positions that may cause “soft tissue” trauma.
Car wreck cases exist in a specialized realm of knowledge known as wreck dynamics, which includes physics, biomechanics, biology, and other such fields. Many of the questions surrounding a car wreck and the sustained injuries are affected by scientific principles and only a qualified expert should give an opinion on issues that include:
The specialized knowledge needed to answer these questions is usually outside the realm of common understanding and can easily lead to the jury having to speculate or guess about the answers to these questions. The insurance company may argue that these questions are easily answers, but peer-reviewed scientific studies have debunked this argument.
A set of guidelines developed in the mid-1990’s, and presently used, are known as the MIST protocol and instruct claims adjustors that crashes with minimal damage are unlikely to cause significant damage or personal injury. This training system suggest vehicle damage is tied into injury presence, and that claims of $1000 or less are false
These guidelines recommend that regardless of medical evidence of an injury, these “fraudulent claims” should be remedied without lawful payment to the insured. Many insurers have adopted similar handling processes that focus strictly on the relationship between vehicle property damage and the potential for injury.
Regardless of medical evidence of injury, insurers may attempt to approach a claim through “common sense” assumptions rather than a scientific proof.
Insurance companies may try to use the myth of no damage equals no injury in hopes of getting you too frustrated to fight with them and thus accepting their low offer. That’s why it’s important to remember the truth that there is no scientific evidence or study that support the industry’s hypothesis based on this myth.
Instead, if you are injured, even in a small fender-bender, make sure you get medical treatment immediately. Medical records that prove you sought treatment and the doctor’s diagnosis of your injuries will prove to be vital in rebuffing insurance adjusters. You’ll also need to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, keep appointments, and maintain an organized file of medical records to show you followed the treatment.
If after several attempts to rectify the issue and negotiate a claim effectively, the insurance company continues to act in a malicious manner, contact Millin & Millin PLLC immediately at 956-631-5600.
Bad faith lawsuits can be complicated, but our experienced lawyers have the know-how to deal with any insurance company – big or small.
In life, one thing that is guaranteed and cannot be avoided is change, and it sometimes comes as a surprise whether one likes it or not. But there are two types of change: those that we embrace and the ones that negatively affect our well being. So, what do you do when life throws you a curveball?
Perhaps you were in an accident that caused severe injuries, or you were a victim of catastrophic loss, in which your property and belongings were destroyed. The most reasonable response would be turning to your insurance company to obtain the necessary compensation.
After all, you are only seeking the financial help that rightfully belongs to you as a policyholder. While for the most part, there are plenty of devoted and loyal insurance companies who care about seeing you back on your feet after a life changing event, not all insurance companies have your best interest in mind.
Acts of bad faith happen all the time, but you do not have to be a victim. If you or a loved one are struggling to obtain fair compensation after an accident or unexpected event, contact Millin & Millin PLLC today. Our reputation and impeccable knowledge in civil litigation has helped many individuals take advantage of their legal rights.
How do you know if your insurance company is acting in bad faith?
Below are a few examples of insurance bad acts:
An insurance bad faith results in deeper loss for the company when the insurer fails to provide the claimant what he or she deserves by law. In one bad faith case, there was a man who was struck by a truck as he raked the leaves of his front yard.
Apparently, the driver had jumped the curb and hit the man. The injured individual was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken neck, brain hemorrhages, and a herniated disk.
Weeks after the incident, the man received minimal compensation from the driver’s insurance company and so decided to file a claim right after.
The insurance company was required to pay him $100,000 in underinsured motorist coverage. After his claim was ignored and unfairly denied, the man sued the insurance company and received $8.2 million in damages.
Those who do not have to worry about whether they must pay taxes on bad faith litigation recoveries are those who are granted compensatory damages for physical injuries or physical sickness.
Individuals who are not adequately compensated or whose health has worsened because of an insurance company’s failure to provide appropriate compensation are usually exempt from paying taxes.
However, one key element to take into consideration is to understand who paid the premiums on the insurance policy. If your employer paid the premium than you are subject to taxation.
The team at Millin & Millin PLLC is ready to advocate for your legal rights. We have helped a multitude of individuals from all around the Rio Grande Valley deal with bad faith insurance claims. Contact us today for a free case evaluation at (956) 631-5600.
Getting in a car wreck, or having a work related injury occur, can be a very trying time in your life and cause an unnecessary amount of stress to you and your loved ones. Understandably, the occurrence of such a predicament can mean an endless array of thoughts, emotions, and worries will cross your mind. However, it’s important to remain as calm and aware as possible, during the entire phase, so as to avoid mistakes that can negatively affect you, your finances, and your claims should you decide to pursue legal actions.
At Millin & Millin, PLLC our lawyers understand that every aspect of an injury needs to be thoroughly analyzed, and all medical treatments need to be fully obeyed. Ultimately though, it is the responsibility of the victim to make sure they strictly follow the guidelines recommended by their doctors so that they can effectively prove that they were injured in a particular accident.
Follow the preceding tips to ensure that you DO NOT make mistakes that can be detrimental to your case.
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, or another type of incident that has caused you harm, then it is essential that you do not ignore signs of pain, regardless of how “small” they may appear to be at the time. These initial signs can be indicative of a more serious injury and thus it is extremely important that you seek immediate medical attention. If you are involved in an auto accident then do not hesitate to ask for an ambulance to transport you to the hospital.
Recognize that insurance companies and juries will not rule in your favor if it appears that you were not hurt badly enough to seek immediate medical attention. See a doctor immediately and do not allow your minor injuries to get worse.
Be absolutely truthful when visiting the doctor and do not fail to mention any previous injuries or illnesses that occurred before the current situation. Supplying inaccurate information to the hospital can negatively impact the quality of care you receive and can also hurt your legal case. If you fail to provide the doctor with honest and complete information, then the defending attorneys can reject a physician’s medical opinion based on the insufficient information you provided. Do not allow a contradiction or flawed medical argument destroy your case.
The medication prescribed to you and the accompanying medical instructions need to be followed until you doctor tells you otherwise. If you are uncomfortable with the particular medication prescribed, and are afraid that there may be some unwanted side effects, then mention this to your doctor to see if they can switch you to another drug that will be just as effective. Be aware though that side effects are not rare.
Please make sure to follow the doctor’s orders as not choosing to do so can have a devastating effect on your claim.
If you have suffered a debilitating injury that has affected your range of motion or ability to function normally, you need to seek medical treatment until you are healed or your physician claims there is nothing else that can be done to improve your condition. Continue to seek support for your pain and disability until you reach maximum medical improvement.
If you stop receiving medical treatment then insurance companies can perceive that as you having healed. Even if there is a significant gap between treatments they may argue that you are seeking treatment for a new and unrelated injury. Make sure to be in continuous contact with your doctor to prove that you have consistently sought assistance.
Once an injury claim has been made, insurance companies will receive your medical records. Skipping appointments, regardless if purposely or because of legitimate reasons, will look bad on your medical records and will make it appear is if you are not committed to getting better.
Frequently skipping appointments can also irritate your doctor, and a frustrated physician doesn’t make for a good witness for their patient. If you must cancel, then be respectful and call in advance. Also, don’t forget to reschedule.
During litigation, insurance companies and juries will review your records to note how soon, and often, you reported your pain. In order to effectively have your specific pains and limitations placed on the doctor’s charts, you need to be absolutely forthcoming about your injuries. Mention how they have impacted your everyday life activities and be sure to provide specific examples - like issues with negotiating stairs or kneeling to perform your job.
Writing down this information and presenting it to your doctor can be an effective means to have them understand your needs better. Just make sure to keep a copy of what you provide the doctor and make sure your attorney gets one as well.
It is vital that you maintain proper documentation of all doctor orders, treatment referrals, and/or work restrictions. Keeping the files provided to you by healthcare providers and insurance companies will help your attorney to present an exceptional case to the insurance company. If your lawyer knows every medical care provider that you have seen, then they will be able to maximize compensation for your injuries and pain. Save those files and keep them stored in an appropriate place.
If you have any additional questions or simply need assistance with insurance claims and issues contact Millin & Millin at (956) 631-5600. Our compassion, dedication, and personal attention will get you the RESULTS you deserve.
Every year, the average American spends thousands of dollars on insurance. Whether it’s medical, homeowners, automobile, or any other sort of coverage, the vast majority of people do not have to deal with filing large claims. This means most people have very little experience in dealing insurance agencies...and the companies are aware of this.
Unfortunately, complicated business jargon, deliberately placed delays, and purposely underestimated losses run rampant throughout the industry. A Haunting Truth to find out about a recent incident that exposed the dark side of the business. Realistically, insurance companies are businesses, which means profitability is the final goal. By engaging in delays, lowballing, and outright wrongful claim denials, insurance corporations are able to maintain a high profit margin while the policyholders carry the brunt of the burden.
You may not know how to deal with bad faith insurance dealings, but Millin & Millin Attorneys know exactly how to fight for your just due. Our compassion, dedication, and personal attention will get you the results you deserve.
We also want you to be familiar with the principles of insurance laws in order to protect yourself. By finding out what your rights are, and what your policy covers, you’ll be able to level the playing field.
So here are 5 things you insurance companies probably don’t want you to know.
Bad faith cases have to be thoroughly investigated to evaluate the likelihood of their success and so law firms are often willing to provide free legal analysis to the insured to validate whether or not the case should be filed. Use this opportunity to receive some free advice from an expert in the field.
have made a claim, they may be violating the law.
Some insurance companies may attempt to deny a large claim by accusing you, the policyholder, of trying to defraud them under the pretenses of perjury. Because it is understandably easy to skim through a policy application and answer questions quickly, though honestly, you may have forgotten minute details about every hospital visit.
Insurance agencies like to utilize this often unintentional oversight by policyholders to scare claimers away. However, if you are innocent of any wrongdoing and did not purposely commit perjury don’t give into such tactics.
Regardless though, remember to read all policy applications thoroughly and with an eye for incongruities in the writing. Also, do not simply fall over when insurance companies attempt to eliminate your policy after a claim. If you were being honest on your application then you have no reason to doubt the legal bindings of the policy, and with the right legal team, you can prove that the insurance company acted in bad faith.
It is illegal for an insurer to engage in biased delays, underpaying, or to utilize deceptive tactics in claims handling. The insured should not have to hire an attorney to be paid what they are owed. Insurance agencies must always be just and fair with their policyholders and any violation to these legal expectancies of good faith exposes the carrier to significant legal damages.
Insurance agents are not out inherently out to get you. They’re simply doing what their position entails, which is selling policies. The inconvenient truth is that the agents may not be as fully educated about the policy they are selling as they would have you believe. Yes, they’ll know what is covered, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they know what isn’t.
Furthermore, the agent usually won’t be able to show you a copy of the exact policy you are getting, as many companies send those out by mail after the policy has been purchased. So when you are in the initial stages of acquiring insurance, make sure to have the agent write down as many details of the policy as possible, and try your best to leave the office with some legally binding forms so that you aren’t left out on the dark about your coverage.
If your insurer argues that they would be offering you more to settle than what the net worth of your claim is after legal fees, then recognize they are attempting to underpay you. By engaging in such conduct they are not allowing the policyholder their legal right to be made whole. Watch out for this scare tactic and realize that insurance companies must pay for your legal costs should your claim ultimately lead to arbitration.
Making an insurance claim can be outright confusing, especially if it’s your first time going through the process. Sadly, many insurance companies will not make it any easier on you, and may have you run through hoops just to receive the coverage that is rightfully yours. Don’t worry though.
Millin & Millin PLLC are more than capable of advocating for you and helping you find the peace and justice you deserve. When you choose Millin & Millin PLLC, you are never alone in the process.
Find out how we can help you by scheduling an appointment with us today here or by giving us a call at 956-631-5600.
Insurance policies can be a bit complicated, especially in their use of market terminology. To understand who is covered under your homeowner’s policy, the first thing is to know what they cover.
Most traditional homeowner’s policies cover three areas: the physical structure of your home and other buildings on the property; personal belongings; liability from physical injury endured by others as a result of your property. Usually more than just the owner of the house is protected, but not everyone is covered in all of these various areas.
Understanding what is covered, should be followed by the best practice of doing a thorough reading of your insurance policy to ensure what you have purchased will meet your needs, and to also develop a better understanding of who is insured under your homeowner’s insurance.
Unfortunately, it’s quite easy to get lost in the insurance jargon we often find in our policies and this can lead to some major issues when we need to make a claim. If you are having problems with your insurance company as a result of bad faith policies and are facing anxiety, as well as expense issues, then contact Millin & Millin Attorneys who can even the playing field against your insurance provider. They may not always act in your best interests, but Millin & Millin Attorneys will.
Here are some of the individuals that should be insured under a “common” policy.
Every policy will list a named insured, “You”, which is policy-wide term; if the house is owned jointly, both names should be listed. This individual is the primary insured and benefits from the most coverage that includes the three areas mentioned above - property, personal property, and liability. The name insured tends to be the same person listed on the house deed, and whenever there is damage to the house, will be the one to make the claim.
Even if they are not specifically identified in the policy, as long as your spouse resides in the house, they are under the personal property and liability coverage.
Any individual who lives in the residency are covered by personal and liability insurance including: children; an aging parent; resident non-relatives under the care of “You” and who are under 21 years of age; student enrolled full time who was a resident prior to attending school and is under age of 24 if related to “You”; children who have returned back after graduating college even if over the age of 21. Check with your insurance agent for a more detailed list of who would be considered a resident.
Any individuals who are employed by the owner of the house, such as a housekeeper, are only covered by the personal property provision. Options, such as the employment practices liability insurance (EPLI), can provide protection against a variety of risks such as wage/hour defense, harassment/discrimination, or wrongful termination.
Guests and invited visitors are only covered for personal property insurance if that coverage is requested at the time you purchase the policy.
Renters are generally NOT covered by your insurance policy. In most cases, tenants will need to purchase their own renter’s insurance to protect their belongings in case your property is damaged or vandalized. This policy can also provide protection from being liable in case of an injury or property damage.
You may be interested in purchasing specifically designed rental property as standard homeowner’s insurance may not adequately cover liabilities.
These rules and policies are set in place to protect you and your loved ones from the financial burden of accidents and catastrophes that can strike at any moment. Sadly, insurance companies don’t always seek to treat you fairly. That’s why Millin & Millin Attorneys is here help.
Our track record of successful litigation against the disreputable actions of insurance companies is one of the reasons we continue to grow. Find out how we can secure you fair compensation on your insurance policies by scheduling an appointment with us today.
The largest report of hail this year near McAllen was 1.75 inches. Don’t wait around for hail to damage your home and vehicle. Prepare ahead of time and protect your property. It is imperative that a homeowner knows what to do in the event that their home is damaged by hail.
Hail can cause a wide range of damage to a home and vehicle. Insurance companies don’t always make it easy to file a hail damage claim and some claims are not always accepted. Homeowners find themselves having difficulty with claims and compensation for payments that have already been towards any damages to the home. Hail damage is often unseen when looking at the roof from below, at which point it is necessary to bring in an experienced professional to inspect the area. The inspector must be licensed and insured to be credible and to securely work on the damaged area.
Hail storms can cause extensive damage to homes, especially to the property’s roof. Leaks in the ceiling, insulation failure and electrical issues are just a few of the problems that can occur if a roof is not repaired after a hail storm. It is highly important that these repairs be made as quickly as possible so that any further damage may be prevented. When obtaining a professional to inspect the damages to your property consider that some insurance companies have a tendency to refute many justifiable claims. It is best to hire an external inspector to verify and document all of the damages to the house and roof; the inspector’s report may reveal more damage than the insurance adjuster’s originally discovered. Even the most minuscule holes that are found can lead to long term damage and deterioration of the home and roof. There may even be cracks in the walls from water pressure; it is important to get a full and detailed report of all damages to the home. Even if the cracks and holes seem insignificant, a claim to your insurance company for hail damage is still valid.
Homeowners, check your insurance policy before having the roof inspected. Not all policies cover hail damage and without being covered for hail, a claim cannot be filed. However, if hail damage is included in the policy then the policyholder should contact their insurance company immediately. The policyholder will be asked a series of questions by an insurance company representative in reference to the damage to the home and any other relevant information. After the claim has been initiated, the insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the roof and any other affected areas of the home. If the homeowner decides to hire an external professional then both the professional and the adjuster may review the damages and compare notes. After the damages have been reviewed an estimate will be made. Unfortunately, there are instances where the adjuster does not find any damages to the home and the inspector disagrees. The inspector will have to provide additional information to justify the claim.
Homeowners may have to pay the deductible to the hired inspector. However, if the claim is approved, the insurance company may pay the remaining balance to the inspector or to the policyholder who in return must pay the inspector what is rightfully owed.
Homeowners please be cautious and carefully read and comprehend your insurance policy. Claims can be denied if the required documentation is unavailable at which point a once valid claim will be revoked and the insurance company can claim any damage that is discovered to be prior to the existing situation. Also if a policy has been recently renewed or opened within a short period of time of the damage, the insurance company can claim that the damage or any other issues to the home will not be covered under the policy.
Once the damage to your home is proven to be valid and you have been in contact with your insurance company, you may need an attorney. An attorney can ensure that the insurance company pays for the damages. Although you may not have to go to court, an attorney can assist with the claim in order to make certain that it is properly covered by the homeowners insurance.
At Millin & Millin, we are dedicated to cover the holes and the cracks that are affecting your quality of living. We will ensure that your homeowners insurance company pay out what is owed to you and that damages to your home be repaired as quickly as possible. Let us help you protect your property.
Can we trust our auto insurance companies to protect the public when a motor vehicle accident occurs? These big bad wolf companies disguise themselves as public protectors, but when it comes down to protecting they look the other way. Auto insurance companies lie, defraud and steal from victims injured in motor vehicle accidents and leave them to fend for themselves.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident the last thing you want to worry about is the auto insurance company. As an injured victim you are in pain and focusing all your energy and time on recovering. You entrust that they will give you the best possible settlement and do what they can to help. The reality is greed is a powerful thing and even if the auto accident wasn’t your fault, auto insurance companies don’t care. They will fight and argue against you or your appointed attorney to give you the minimum amount possible from the policy. They figure if the individual really is in pain, chances are they will seek medical treatment with or without their help. Personal Injury attorneys do what is within their power to ensure that their client receives just payment and compensation for their pain and suffering, damage to vehicle, and loss of wages if any. However, there are situations when insurance companies fail to disclose certain information about insurance policies and act in bad faith towards the victim and their attorney.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota- Jeff Cole, a former attorney for a car crash victim, accused Charter Oak Fire Insurance of intentionally failing to disclose a $1 million policy that included uninsured and under-insured motorists. The victim, Laura Dziadek, was a passenger in a vehicle that had been loaned to her friend by Billion Motors (automotive dealership). Dziadek was clearly not at fault for the accident. She suffered severe injuries including a number of fractures to her back, ribs and other parts of her body. Dziadek was left to deal with her medical bills. Charter Oak Fire Insurance is owned by Travelers, the billion dollar insurance company with the little red umbrella as their logo. Travelers is the third largest writer of U.S. personal insurance (including auto) through independent agents such as Charter Oak Fire Insurance. Laura Dziadek believes that Travelers purposely tried to hide the policy. Dziadek’s attorneys argued that Travelers engaged in a practice of bad faith. “Bad faith” by definition is the intentional fraudulent act of not meeting legal expectations or contractual responsibilities. Bad faith in regards to contracts can include deluding clients, entering into an agreement without the intent or means to fulfill it, or defy fundamental standards of integrity when dealing with others. If an insurance company is proven to have acted in bad faith that can lead to further investigations, other lawsuits and millions of dollars in damages.
Travelers received a letter from Jeff Cole in February of 2009 requesting a “true and correct copy” of the Billion Motors insurance policy with Charter Oak Fire Insurance as well as the information page. That same month, a Travelers claims specialist sent a letter to Cole saying “no coverage for your client exists under this policy.” However, the copy sent to Cole by Travelers was incomplete. The copy completely excluded the section that made Dziadek eligible for under-insured motor vehicle coverage that is secured for up to $1 million. The jury found that Travelers acted with dishonesty and bad faith, awarding Dziadek with $750,000 in compensatory damages, plus more than $200,000 in interest.
Following the initial verdict, Judge Roberto Lange requested that the jury consider penalizing damages against the company. Judge Lange explained that the penalizing damages were meant to prevent the company from committing future wrongful acts. After many arguments and rebuttals back and forth from both Dziadek and Travelers’ attorney the jury returned with a verdict for an additional $2.75 million in punitive damages. Dziadek’s attorney expressed to the public that the verdict accomplished its goal of publicizing fraudulent insurance company practices.
The following are some of the many reasons why auto insurance companies feel that victims are not eligible for coverage and ultimately neglect to give proper compensation:
The battle against auto insurance companies for fair compensation is far from over. Motor vehicle accidents transpire daily. Financial institutions need to follow the rules and most importantly be honest and upfront about their policies. These rules and policies are there to protect those injured and any act of bad faith or excuse will not be tolerated.
If you have been treated unfairly by your insurance company, Millin and Millin is here help. We have a track record of going up against the big bad wolf insurance companies and successfully getting fair compensation for our clients. Schedule an appointment today in our McAllen office to find out how we can help you with your claim.
It’s no secret that insurance companies tend to react slowly, especially when it comes to claims. And in all likelihood, if you’re having to submit an insurance claim, then you’re probably going through a horrid situation. Having to fight for your what’s rightfully owed to you shouldn’t even be an issue, but if that’s the case, here are a few tips to help you during those dire days.
Use That Tech
The first step you want to take before submitting a claim is to utilize technological resources to your advantage. That means using insurers’ apps, Web tools, smart-phones, and various tools to help you prepare the evidence for your claim. By being proactive, you should hopefully be able to take a few measures towards securing your monies, or at the very least, helping yourself build a meaningful “offensive” strategy should the insurance company initially deny you.
Understand Your Policy
The devil is in the details and it’s no different with insurance policies. Your understanding of the fine print will be advantageous in providing you the best insight into what your claim requirements will be. It will be necessary for you to know exactly what your policy covers, the claim process, how quickly you can submit, and the manner by which damage estimation is calculated.
Knowing your rights is also essential when disputing a denial. This information should be explicitly detailed in a policy or during discussions with an agent or with an experienced insurance attorney like Gina Millin.
In fact, it’s highly recommended to have an attorney assist you through the disputing process so that all legalities and specifics are properly explained for you. Legal support can also mean depositions are less emotionally taxing, which is vital when providing details about an accident or values of possessions - especially when large sums are on the line.
Keep Track of Those Records
Often it seems like insurance firms are eager to receive that monthly premium, but not as willing to provide that same level of promptness during the claims processes. That’s why it is exceedingly vital that you maintain immaculate records to provide yourself with meaningful reinforcement for those evasive insurance agents.
Make sure you maintain records of who you spoke with, as well the dates and times of these interactions. You should also write down specifics of what was discussed.
Last, but not least, you should also consider doing a video-tour of your home to record all the valuables you have insured. When completed, you should safeguard this video in a deposit safebox.
Don’t Give Up
The reality is that most disputes are efficiently and ethically handled by insurance companies. But there are times that claims can go awry and situations can get a bit out of hand - it can be very frustrating. However, it’s your responsibility to keep contact and save records of the entire process.
If you’re dealing with health insurance policies the delay may simply be a matter of providing some additional paperwork to prove the validity of the claim.
If it’s house insurance issues, every state has an insurance department that provides free services to ensure you’re getting what you are legally entitled to under your policy.
When dealing with auto policies, there’s always the ability to make a case as to why your vehicle is worth more than the appraiser estimates.
Regardless of the particular situation you may be in, you can always fight for what is rightfully yours and Millin and Millin is here to help. We want to be sure that your rights aren’t being ignored. We’ve represented hundreds of individuals against the illegal tactics of major corporations and have helped secure the rightful benefits of individuals from a variety of situations.
So if you’re unsure of where to turn to next, contact Millin & Millin at 956.631.5600 for the guidance you need.
A startling discovery reveals that life insurance companies have secretly avoided paying out billions of dollars worth of policies to unknowing families.
April 20, 2016
With age comes a little wisdom and you begin to realize you’re not going to live forever. Family becomes your priority and the all important life insurance policy premium finds its way into your monthly budget.
But what if that money never makes it to your family and you’re last gift ends up in the pockets of the same companies that promised you a peace of mind?
As originally reported here, dozens of life insurance companies have come under major federal scrutiny after a national task force investigation revealed that many were failing to pay unaware beneficiaries their just due. Though the representing industry trade association known as the American Council of Life Insurers claims that “most life insurers are going well beyond what the law requires to identify policy owners who have died and left unclaimed benefits”, 25 of the most prominent life insurance agencies have agreed to pay more than $7.5 billion in back-death benefits in a series of hushed settlements.
A number of startling revelations have emerged from this nation-wide probe. Perhaps one of the most unsettling facts is that this practice wasn’t merely used by a few rogue companies, but is rather a systematic industry-wide norm. Even more so, investigators discovered that there hundreds of thousands of policies that have gone unpaid even so far back as the 1960’s. Although the sheer number of unpaid policies speaks volumes on the reality of the situation, these incidents could perhaps be viewed simply as mistakes in a system to large to fully grasp.
However, the haunting truth remains that numerous companies failed to pay benefits despite having access to federal records indicating death of the policyholders or even explicit confirmation from the relatives of the deceased. In fact, if a beneficiary failed to come forward, some companies still continued to collect premiums by drawing money from the policies’ cash reserves – draining the policy of any worth. This method of operation could turn an investment of $20,000 over 50 years into more than a million dollars. Taking into account all the hundreds of thousands of “small” policies that went unpaid, there are estimates that the total amount of outstanding dues ranges into the billions.
Though the damage has been done, states are beginning to initiate sweeping requirements that ensure life insurance companies will be more forthcoming with providing families their due process in securing benefits. In Florida, for instance, laws will requires agencies to vigilantly monitor death records from the Social Security Administration to improve the prospect of a family obtaining the funds. Unclaimed money will be handed over to the state’s Unclaimed Property Program.
If you are interested in further investigating the possibility that you are the beneficiary of an unpaid policy that is being unlawfully withheld from you, contact your local state’s Unclaimed Property Program administration department. Also visit https://unclaimed.org/.
If you have any additional questions or simply need assistance with insurance claims and issues contact Millin & Millin at (956) 631-5600. Our compassion, dedication, and personal attention will get you the RESULTS you deserve.
