
If your insurance claim has been denied, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. You may be wondering what options you have and what rights you have as a policyholder.
You have the right to appeal the denial of your insurance claim. In fact, the insurance company is required by law to provide you with a written explanation of the reason for the denial.
This explanation is often called a "denial letter" and it should include specific information about why your claim was denied, such as a lack of coverage or a policy exclusion. You should carefully review this letter to understand the basis for the denial.
It's essential to act quickly, as you typically have a limited time frame to appeal the denial. This time frame can vary depending on the state you live in and the type of insurance policy you have.
Denied Insurance Claims
Denied insurance claims can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially when you need the coverage the most. Many insurance companies deny claims unfairly or fraudulently to boost their bottom lines.

Insurance companies have different reasons for denying claims, such as not meeting the terms of the contract or making mistakes on forms. However, in some cases, the denial may be unfair or even fraudulent, as mentioned in the DOJ pamphlet.
To fight a denied claim, it's essential to know the terms of your insurance policy and how to file a proper appeal. You should also fill out forms carefully, avoid cashing premium refunds, and only communicate with the insurance company in writing. Seeking advice from an insurance claim denial advocate as soon as possible can also be helpful.
Here are some common types of insurance claims that may be denied:
- First-party insurance claims (seeking compensation from your insurer)
- Third-party insurance claims (seeking compensation from the insurance company of the negligent party who caused the accident)
A denied insurance claim lawyer can help you navigate the process and fight for your rights. They can review the reasons for the denial, provide additional documentation or evidence, contest challenges by the insurer, and even file a lawsuit against the insurer to seek payment.
What to Do About a Denial

If you've received a denial from your insurance company, it's essential to know your options. You can fight an insurance claim denial by knowing the terms of your policy and how to file a proper appeal.
First, review your policy carefully to understand the reasons for the denial. This will help you prepare a strong appeal. Fill out any forms very carefully to avoid mistakes that could be used against you.
Do not cash any premium refunds, as this can be seen as acceptance of the denial. Instead, keep the refund intact to avoid any potential issues. You should only communicate with the insurance company in writing to avoid miscommunication.
Seek advice from an insurance claim denial advocate as soon as possible to ensure you're taking the right steps. They can help you navigate the process and increase your chances of success.
Here are some key steps to consider when appealing a denial:
- Know the terms of your insurance policy and how to file a proper appeal;
- Fill out forms carefully to avoid mistakes;
- Do not cash premium refunds;
- Only communicate with the insurance company in writing;
- Seek advice from an insurance claim denial advocate.
First-Party and Third-Party Denials

When dealing with denied insurance claims, it's essential to understand the difference between first-party and third-party claims. A first-party claim is filed directly with your own insurance company, seeking compensation for damages or losses. On the other hand, a third-party claim is filed against the insurance company of the party responsible for the accident or damage.
If you're dealing with a first-party claim denial, you may need to appeal directly to your insurance company, unless there's clear evidence of wrongdoing. However, if you suspect bad faith on the part of your insurer, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
If your third-party claim has been denied, you can typically file a lawsuit against the insurance company immediately. This is because third-party claims are often more straightforward, and the insurance company is seen as being more accountable for the actions of the party they're insuring.
Here's a breakdown of the two types of claims:
It's worth noting that the requirements for appealing a first-party claim can be more complex than those for a third-party claim. This is why it's often recommended to seek the help of an experienced insurance claims attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand your options.
Why Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies deny claims for a variety of reasons, and it's essential to understand these reasons to navigate the process effectively.
Some insurance companies deny claims because they don't meet the terms of the contract, which can be ambiguous or unclear.
Errors in your claim, no matter how small, can result in a denial. This highlights the importance of double-checking your claim before submitting it.
Your insurance policy outlines how long you have to notify your insurer and the manner in which you should notify them. If you don't follow these instructions, it could give the insurer reason to deny your claim.
Fraud is another reason insurance companies deny claims, which can have serious consequences, including civil or even criminal penalties.
Some insurers act dishonestly to deny claims, a practice known as bad faith. In these cases, it's crucial to work with a denied insurance claims lawyer to fight back against these claims.

Here are some common reasons insurance claims are denied:
- The damage is not covered: Insurance only covers what is included in the policy.
- Errors in your claim: If there are any mistakes in your claim, it can result in a denial.
- You did not provide proper notification: Your insurance policy outlines how long you have to notify your insurer.
- Fraud: Your insurer may argue that you misrepresented the facts.
- Bad faith: Insurers sometimes act dishonestly to deny claims.
Disputes and Resolution
If your insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to dispute the decision. Insurance companies often deny claims in acts of both good and bad faith.
Common causes of claim denials include alleged breach of the insurance contract, policy exclusions, and improperly filed claims. Insurance companies presume to act in your best interest, but revenue and profit often take precedence over clients and policy beneficiaries.
If you feel your claim was incorrectly denied, you should document correspondence with the insurance company, including records of phone calls, emails, and letters. Keep copies of all correspondence and make notes during in-person or telephone conversations.
Insurance companies are regulated at the state level and are required to act in good faith, avoid unfair trade practices, and follow the terms of the contract. They cannot refuse to pay claims with clearly met liability, fail to make a claim decision within a specified time period, or deny a claim without providing a reason.

If you feel your insurance company falsely denied your claim, you may have grounds for bringing a lawsuit against the company. A lawyer can help you navigate the process and secure the best possible outcome.
Here are some common bad faith actions that may warrant a lawsuit:
- Unreasonably denying a claim
- Denying a claim without an investigation
- Refusing to explain a claim denial
- Refusing or failing to correspond with insureds and other policy beneficiaries
In some cases, attorneys will accept an insurance claim case on a contingency basis, meaning there will be no cost to the client unless the client wins the lawsuit.
Philadelphia Lawyers and Services
Our lawyers at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle, Ltd. have years of experience helping clients receive the insurance benefits they deserve.
Insurance companies often deny claims, delay claims, confuse customers, discriminate against customers based on their credit scores, and refuse to make payouts. This is unacceptable, especially when you've paid for insurance and need to file a legitimate claim.
We offer solutions to help you navigate the complex world of insurance law. Our Hoffman Estates lawyers are prepared to represent your business or organization in the event of a dispute.

We handle a wide range of insurance claims, including Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Auto Insurance, Life Insurance, Insurance Benefits, and Other Insurance Claims.
Here are some of the services we offer:
- Disability Insurance;
- Health Insurance;
- Auto Insurance;
- Life Insurance;
- Insurance Benefits; and
- Other Insurance Claims.
If you're unsure about your rights as a customer of any major insurance company, or if you've had a claim denied, we can help you understand your options and take the next steps.
Personal and Property Issues
If your insurance claim is denied, it's essential to understand the reasons behind the denial. One common reason is failing to notify the insurance company of property damage in a timely manner.
Insurance companies often deny claims due to insufficient proof of damage, which can be a challenge to overcome. You must provide clear documentation of the damage to support your claim.
If you're dealing with a personal injury claim, challenges to liability for the accident and injuries are a common reason for denial. Questions about the severity of the injuries and whether treatment was necessary can also lead to denial.
Here are some common reasons for denied insurance claims:
- Failing to notify the insurance company of the damage in time
- Insufficient proof of the damage
- Challenges to liability for the accident and injuries
- Questions about the severity of the injuries and whether treatment was necessary
Property Damage

Filing a claim for property damage can be a stressful experience, but it's essential to understand the potential reasons for denial.
If you fail to notify the insurance company of the damage in time, your claim might be denied.
You must report any damage to your property as soon as possible to avoid this issue.
Insurance companies often require sufficient proof of the damage, which can include photos, videos, and witness statements.
Without adequate evidence, your claim may be denied.
Some types of property damage might not be covered in your policy due to exclusion clauses, so it's crucial to review your policy carefully before making a claim.
If you're unsure about what's covered, it's always best to ask your insurance provider for clarification.
Suspicions about the cause of the property damage can also lead to a denied claim.
If the insurance company suspects that you intentionally caused the damage, they might deny your claim.

Finally, failing to take steps to mitigate the damage and loss can also result in a denied claim.
By taking prompt action to minimize the damage, you can help ensure that your claim is processed smoothly.
Here are some common reasons for denied property damage claims:
- Failing to notify the insurance company of the damage in time
- Insufficient proof of the damage
- The type of property damage is not covered in your policy due to exclusion clauses
- Suspicions about the cause of the property damage
- Failing to take steps to mitigate the damage and loss
Personal Injury
If you're dealing with a personal injury from an accident, you're likely to file a claim against the liable party's insurance company. This type of claim is commonly denied.
Challenges to liability for the accident and injuries are a major reason for denials. Questions about the severity of the injuries and whether treatment was necessary also come up often.
Insufficient proof that the accident was the true cause of your injuries is another common issue. This can be a tough hurdle to overcome.
Here are some reasons why personal injury claims are often denied:
- Challenges to liability for the accident and injuries
- Questions about the severity of the injuries and whether treatment was necessary
- Insufficient proof that the accident was the true cause of your injuries
Life and Insurance
Losing a loved one is tragic enough, and if they protected you with life insurance coverage, it can be a relief to have less financial stress during your grief. However, life insurance claims are regularly denied due to several reasons.

The contestability period is a common reason for denied life insurance claims. This period, typically two years, allows the insurance company to investigate the policyholder's death and verify the information provided.
Lapsed policies are another reason for denied life insurance claims. If the policyholder fails to pay premiums, the policy will lapse, and the insurance company will not honor the claim.
Alleging the policy was based on false information is a serious reason for a denied life insurance claim. This can happen if the policyholder provided incorrect information when applying for the policy.
Here are some common reasons for denied life insurance claims:
- The death occurred during the contestability period
- The policy did not cover the type of death
- Lapsed policies
- Alleging the policy was based on false information
Lawyer Assistance and Advice
If you've had an insurance claim denied, you're not alone. Insurance companies denying claims is a common occurrence. Many businesses and not-for-profit organizations have been in your shoes and have sought the help of a denied insurance claim lawyer.
A denied insurance claim lawyer can review the reasons for the denial and provide any additional documentation or evidence to prove your claim. They can also contest challenges by the insurer and file a lawsuit against the insurer to seek payment.

Insurance companies who deny claims through bad faith actions are susceptible to legal action from the policyholder. Common bad faith actions include unreasonably denying a claim, denying a claim without an investigation, refusing to explain a claim denial, and refusing or failing to correspond with insureds and other policy beneficiaries.
You may be able to sue an insurance company for bad faith if they take too long to investigate your case, do not offer a settlement when one is reasonable, or do not provide you with a valid reason for a denial. A lawyer can advise on your case and represent you in your lawsuit.
Here are some common types of insurance claims that a denied insurance claim lawyer can help with:
- Disability Insurance;
- Health Insurance;
- Auto Insurance;
- Life Insurance;
- Insurance Benefits; and
- Other Insurance Claims.
Chicago and Lawyer Services
If you're facing a denied insurance claim in Chicago, you're not alone. Many businesses and individuals have been in your shoes, and with the right help, you can get the benefits you deserve.

MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle, Ltd. has a team of experienced lawyers who specialize in insurance law and can help you navigate the complex process of appealing a denied claim.
In Chicago, insurance claim denials can be stressful and frustrating, but a lawyer can help. A Chicago insurance claim denial lawyer from Anspach Law Office can review the facts of your case and discuss your options with you.
The denied insurance claim lawyer at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle, Ltd. has years of experience helping clients receive the insurance benefits they deserve.
Here are some areas where a lawyer can help with a denied insurance claim in Chicago:
• Disability Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Auto Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Insurance Benefits
• Other Insurance Claims
With a lawyer's help, you can review the reasons for the denial, provide additional documentation or evidence to prove your claim, contest challenges by the insurer, file a lawsuit against the insurer to seek payment, and even file a bad faith lawsuit against the insurer in extreme cases.
Sources
- https://www.pmllegal.com/insurance-attorney/denied-insurance-claim/
- https://www.heroldlaw.com/blog/2022/04/lawyer-denied-insurance-claim-2/
- https://www.consumerlawpa.com/philadelphia-consumer-lawyer/insurance-claim-denials/
- https://www.anspachlawoffice.com/citystate/chicago-denied-insurance-claim-attorney/
- https://www.gft.law/fort-lauderdale-denied-insurance-claim-lawyer/
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