Fahl & Donaldson, PLLC: Houston Insurance Law Attorneys
What This Page Covers:
- Policyholder Rights: Businesses have the right to full policy disclosure, timely claim investigations, and to appeal denied claims.
- Dispute Resolution Options: Insurance disputes can be resolved through mediation, arbitration, or litigation depending on the circumstances.
- Legal Representation: An attorney can guide businesses through disputes, protecting their interests.
- Why Choose Our Firm: Fahl & Donaldson has extensive experience defending businesses in insurance disputes with proven results across Texas.
When running a business, managing risks is essential, and one of the most significant areas of concern is insurance defense. Whether you’re facing claims related to liability, property damage, or contract disputes, having an attorney skilled in insurance defense can be crucial for protecting your business. An experienced attorney can help your business navigate complex legal processes, negotiate with insurers, and strategize to minimize long-term financial impacts.
At Fahl & Donaldson, we defend insured claims, claims against self-insureds, and claims against parties with a high self-insured retention. We also represent clients directly against claims arising from personal injury, death, property damage, trucking accidents, product liability, professional malpractice, construction disputes, and other disputes. We vigorously represent the insured with a focus on minimizing damages paid by them and their insurer and keeping insurance premiums affordable. While we are accomplished trial lawyers with a long record of courtroom successes, our advocacy extends to mediation and arbitration with the goal of keeping our clients out of court.
Types of Insurance Disputes We Handle at Fahl & Donaldson
Each of the attorneys on our negligence and tort liability team has extensive litigation experience. We provide the agile, effective representation you need to protect your business. Our insurance law attorneys represent insureds, self-insureds, and insurers in the following matters:
- Insurance litigation and appeals
- First-party claims
- Third-party claims
- Claim management consulting
- Motor vehicle claims, including truck accident defense
- Construction claims
- Analysis and interpretation of insurance policies
We litigate a wide variety of insurance matters in Texas state and federal courts, providing skilled advocacy in disputes over the following:
- The nature and extent of coverage held by the insured party
- Alleged insurer bad faith in claim handling
- Alleged insurer violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
- Alleged violations of the Texas Insurance Code
- Misrepresentations or omissions allegedly made by policyholders at the time of application or about the incident from which the claim arises
- The cost of property repairs or medical treatment that may be unnecessary or excessive
Our deep understanding of insurance law allows us to tackle even the most complex disputes with confidence. We are dedicated to safeguarding your interests, whether in negotiation, arbitration, or at trial.
Understanding Your Rights During an Insurance Dispute
Whether the dispute involves denied claims, delayed payments, or disagreements over coverage, knowing your rights can put you in a stronger position to protect your business. Your rights include the following:
Right to Full Policy Disclosure
As a policyholder, you are entitled to receive a full copy of your insurance policy, including all declarations, endorsements, and riders. This is key to understanding the coverage you purchased, any exclusions, and the terms that govern the resolution of disputes.
Right to a Prompt and Fair Investigation
Insurance companies are required by law to investigate claims in a timely and fair manner. They must communicate with you regularly, explain their findings, and provide reasons for any denial or reduction of your claim. Unreasonable delays or failure to investigate can be grounds for legal action.
Right to Appeal a Denied Claim
If your claim is denied, you have the right to dispute that decision. This process typically begins with an internal appeal through the insurer but may lead to mediation, arbitration, or litigation if the issue remains unresolved.
Right to Be Free from Bad Faith Practices
Insurance companies are legally obligated to act in good faith when handling your claims. If an insurer engages in unfair practices – such as denying a valid claim without justification, misrepresenting policy terms, or offering unreasonably low settlements – you may have grounds to file a bad faith insurance claim.
Right to Legal Representation
You have the right to consult with an attorney at any stage of an insurance dispute. Having a skilled insurance defense attorney on your side ensures that your rights are protected and that your business receives the coverage it deserves under the policy. An attorney can also help you navigate complex regulatory issues, prepare for litigation, or negotiate a favorable settlement.
We Make The Complex Understandable
Our insurance law attorneys are highly trained professionals who work to educate our clients and protect their rights. For example, knowing the difference between a first-party claim and a third-party claim can be critical to choosing the proper insurance coverage for yourself or your business. A first-party claim involves the insurance company’s refusal to pay benefits on a claim submitted by a policyholder. Third-party claims arise when an insurance company either fails to defend a suit brought by a third party against an insured or fails to pay on a claim asserted by a third party against the insured.
Knowing your rights is the first step to finding a solution to your legal problems. Our attorneys are committed to guiding you through the process to make sure you receive the coverage you bought. Fahl & Donaldson has a proven record of successful settlements and jury verdicts, and we are comfortable with handling even the most complex cases.
Protect Your Business with Experienced Insurance Defense
At Fahl & Donaldson, we recognize how critical it is for your business to resolve insurance disputes quickly and effectively. Our seasoned attorneys bring a comprehensive understanding of both Texas insurance law and the specific needs of businesses, allowing us to deliver strategic, results-driven solutions. Whether through aggressive litigation, skillful negotiation, or targeted mediation, we’re committed to minimizing your exposure and protecting your bottom line.
Put our extensive experience in insurance defense on your side. Contact us today at (346) 241-7355 or through our contact form to discuss how we can assist your business.