Making Your Liability Insurance Count
Everyone makes mistakes. Accidents happen. This is why you purchase liability insurance. Liability insurance provides the peace of mind that your insurance company is there to protect you when a claim is made against you.
However, not every insurer is willing to honor its liability insurance policies. If your insurer doesn’t fulfill the duties inherent in your contract, you could face financial disaster.
However, you have the right to hold the insurance company accountable for following your contract. At Oksenendler Law, P.C., we specialize in taking action against insurers that refuse to honor their policies. Schedule your appointment with our skilled insurance attorneys today to discuss how we can help you get the protection you’re owed.
Why Liability Insurance Matters
Liability insurance protections can come from many policies, including:
- Car insurance
- Landlord coverage
- Homeowner’s insurance
- Business policies
- Errors and omissions coverage
These policies protect policyholders by imposing two duties on the insurance company:
- The duty to defend you even if the claims against you are false or fraudulent
- The duty to indemnify you
When it appears likely that a claim against you could exceed your policy limits, an insurer has an obligation to try to settle the case within the limits to ensure that you and your assets are protected. In the event of a settlement or a judgment against you, your insurer must pay the amounts owed.
If the company does not defend or indemnify you, it breaches its duty. You have the right to file a claim for failure to defend or failure to indemnify and request that the court order the insurer to pay the judgment in full. You can talk to the experts at Oksenendler Law, P.C. to learn more about whether your insurer is in breach of duty.
Stepping In When Insurers Fail to Honor Obligations
Liability insurance also serves to protect people and businesses who are injured or damaged by the conduct of others. If you are injured or your business is damaged due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation from those responsible. If you go to trial or arbitration and win a judgment, their insurance company must pay you and treat you fairly.
All too often, insurers fail to live up to their obligations. They either refuse to defend or pay a settlement or judgment they owe. Sometimes, insurers will start defending and indemnifying their policyholders but then turn their backs on them by withdrawing from the defense or refusing to settle a claim. Some insurers will defend but then reserve the right to withdraw from the defense. Some will even file suit against their policyholders to try to get money back.
When this happens, it’s time to get help. You can contact our skilled insurance litigation attorneys to fight against negligent insurers and ensure they honor their obligations.
Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Liability Insurance Attorney
Over the years, Oksenendler Law, P.C. has represented many clients with these kinds of problems. If you believe your insurer has refused to defend you or your business, refused to pay all or part of a settlement or judgment, or even filed suit against you, we can help. Contact us to learn how our lawyers can get you the coverage and protection you are owed. We invite you to send us an email or call (415) 733-1050 today.
