After faithfully paying your premiums, receiving a denial from your insurance company can feel like a betrayal. Whether it’s health, homeowners, auto, life, or another form of coverage, insurance is meant to protect you during life’s most difficult moments. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always uphold their end of the bargain, and in South Dakota, this can lead to frustration, financial strain, and legal confusion.
If your insurance claim is denied, remember that you still have options. Often, enlisting the help of a skilled insurance claim denial attorney can significantly impact your case. Here’s how to determine when to seek legal assistance.
When the Denial Letter Does Not Make Sense
Insurance companies must provide a written explanation when they deny a claim. However, the reasons are often vague, overly technical, or just don’t make sense. If you receive a denial letter citing “insufficient evidence,” “policy exclusions,” or “failure to meet filing requirements,” and it’s not clear why, this is a red flag.
When you work with an insurance claim denial attorney, these legal professionals can review your policy and the denial to determine whether the insurer’s justification is valid or merely a tactic to avoid paying. In South Dakota, insurers are bound by a duty of good faith and can be held accountable when they act unfairly.
When the Claim Is Large or Involves Serious Loss
The more money at stake, the more likely an insurer will scrutinize your claim. Whether you’re dealing with a substantial property loss, a serious injury, or the wrongful death of a loved one, the insurance company’s goal is often to minimize its payout.
These high-stakes claims often involve complex evidence, expert opinions, and fine-print policy language. An attorney experienced in insurance disputes can help you navigate this complex claim and advocate for your right to fair compensation.
When the Insurance Company Is Delaying or Not Responding
Silence can be just as damaging as a denial. If your insurer is dragging its feet, not responding to calls, constantly requesting more paperwork, or giving conflicting information, it could be acting in bad faith.
Under South Dakota law, insurance companies are expected to act promptly and fairly. Unreasonable delays can violate those obligations. An insurance claim denial attorney can help cut through the stalling tactics, escalate concerns, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit for bad faith insurance practices.
When You Have Already Appealed, and They Still Won’t Budge
Many insurance companies provide an internal appeal process. Although this can be beneficial, in general, the insurer is the one evaluating its own decision, and typically, the outcomes tend to favor the company.
That is why if you’ve gone through an appeal and still are not getting answers or a fair resolution, it’s time to get legal help. Working with an experienced attorney can move the matter out of the insurer’s hands and into a legal process where your rights carry real weight.
When Your Claim Was Denied for a Technicality
Claims can sometimes be denied because of minor procedural issues, such as submitting a form late, omitting a document, or misunderstanding policy requirements. Although insurers have the right to enforce policy terms, such denials are not always fair or definitive. However, a knowledgeable insurance claim denial attorney can evaluate whether the denial is genuinely warranted or if the insurer is using a technicality as a pretext to avoid payment.
Do Not Fight the Insurance Company Alone — Call Abourezk Law Firm
Dealing with a denied insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already managing the loss that prompted the claim. At Abourezk Law Firm, we’ve spent decades helping individuals stand up to powerful insurance companies and fight for the benefits they’re owed.
If your claim has been denied — or if you’re facing delays, lowball offers, or bad faith tactics — reach out to our office today. We’re ready to evaluate your situation and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.