Insurance Law
Always Pursuing the Best Possible Result
Fort Worth Insurance Law Attorneys
Comprehensive Legal Support for Tarrant & Dallas County Businesses
Insurance is a critical part of any business. In fact, many types of businesses and business entities are required by law to carry liability insurance. Whether your business is part of the construction, real estate, retail, or hospitality industry, common sense and your own self-interest tell you that you must have insurance to protect your financial future.
Clearly, insurance is critical to your business – but it isn’t always painless getting the insurance company to cover your claim. That is where an experienced Fort Worth insurance attorney can help. Blake & Blake, LLP delivers the comprehensive counsel you need when facing an insurance claim dispute. We know the techniques that yield results and hold the insurance company accountable.
Protect Your Business With Liability Insurance Guidance
Liability insurance for businesses usually takes the form of a commercial general liability (CGL) policy. Liability insurance is intended to pay for claims against your company by third parties who have been injured by your business’s operations. As important as paying judgments obtained against your business, liability insurance generally carries a “duty to defend,” which means that the insurance company must pay for a lawyer to defend you when someone is suing you for claims that would be covered by the policy.
Property & Casualty Insurance
Property or casualty insurance exists to protect your business from damage to your inventory or equipment. For businesses, this type of coverage often takes the form of an endorsement to a CGL policy.
This type of coverage is different from liability insurance in that it is a contract with the insurance company to pay your business for damage to its own property. Property and casualty insurance is called first-party insurance because they compensate the policy owner for its damages; liability insurance is called third-party insurance because it pays for claims asserted against the policy owner by third parties.
Navigating Insurance Claim Disputes
The first step is always to review the policy itself to understand what risks are covered. Next, it is important to determine the cause of your claim. This may sound simple, but often damage or loss will have multiple causes, some of which are covered by the policy and some of which are not. Understanding what your insurance does and does not cover is key to making a successful claim. For example, insurance policies will rarely cover damage caused by flooding (rising water) but will cover damage caused by other natural disasters like wind damage.
Litigation against your insurer is the last resort but may be your only option if the insurance company refuses to cover your claim.
Depending on the situation, an insured business can sue its insurance company for:
Breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing (often simply called “insurance bad faith”)
Violations of the Texas Insurance Code
Get Expert Insurance Claim Assistance From Blake & Blake, LLP
If your business has recently suffered a loss or if you know that someone is thinking of suing your business, you need to talk to a Fort Worth insurance lawyer to make sure you know what your insurance covers and what your insurer may try to deny coverage for. Our insurance lawyers can also help you correctly submit your claim to your insurance company. In the event the insurer denies your claim, we can help by demanding payment and explaining why your business’s claim is covered by the policy.
If your business has an insurance coverage question or needs to press a claim for coverage with your insurer, give Blake & Blake, LLP a call at (817) 497-8889.
Your Local Resource for Insurance Law in Fort Worth and Surrounding Areas
In Fort Worth, navigating the complexities of insurance law can be particularly challenging for local businesses. With the bustling economy in Tarrant and Dallas County, industries such as construction, real estate, and hospitality face unique risks that require tailored insurance solutions. Local government entities, such as the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Department of Insurance, provide resources and guidance to help businesses understand their insurance obligations and rights. However, many business owners still encounter pain points when dealing with insurance claims, especially when it comes to understanding policy coverage and the claims process.
For instance, businesses in Fort Worth often face natural disasters, from severe storms to flooding, which can lead to significant property damage. Unfortunately, many insurance policies have exclusions that can leave business owners vulnerable. Understanding these nuances is crucial, and that’s where our team at Blake & Blake, LLP can assist. We are familiar with the local landscape and the specific challenges that Fort Worth businesses encounter, ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle any insurance disputes that may arise.
Whether you are located in the heart of Fort Worth or in the surrounding areas, we are committed to providing you with the local knowledge and legal support you need to protect your business. If you have questions about your insurance coverage or need assistance with a claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation.
Commonly Asked Questions
What types of businesses in Fort Worth need liability insurance?
In Fort Worth, various types of businesses are required to carry liability
insurance, including those in the construction, real estate, retail, and
hospitality sectors. Liability insurance is essential for protecting your
business from claims made by third parties who may be injured due to your
operations. It not only covers potential judgments against your business
but also provides a legal defense, ensuring that you are not left to navigate
lawsuits alone. Understanding the specific requirements for your industry
can help you maintain compliance and safeguard your financial future.
How can I determine if my insurance claim will be covered?
To determine if your insurance claim will be covered, start by reviewing
your policy in detail. It's crucial to understand the specific risks that
are covered and any exclusions that may apply. Often, claims can be complex,
with multiple causes for damage or loss. For instance, while your policy
may cover wind damage, it might exclude flooding. Consulting with a knowledgeable
attorney in Fort Worth can help clarify your coverage and ensure that
you are prepared to present a strong claim to your insurer.
What should I do if my insurance claim is denied?
If your insurance claim is denied, the first step is to carefully review
the denial letter to understand the reasons provided by the insurer. Often,
claims are denied due to misunderstandings about coverage or insufficient
documentation. You can appeal the denial by providing additional evidence
or clarification. If the insurer remains uncooperative, it may be necessary
to seek legal assistance. An attorney can help you navigate the appeals
process and, if needed, pursue litigation against the insurance company
to ensure you receive the coverage you are entitled to.
At Blake & Blake, LLP, we have experience handling many different kinds of civil cases. Having high-quality counsel on your side can improve your chances of success and make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Our civil litigation attorneys in Fort Worth are ready to discuss your claim – and your initial consultation is free of charge so there is nothing to lose by calling our team today.
“I highly recommend Allen Blake. He strives for results and seeks the best possible outcome.”
Allen Blake defines what an attorney is supposed to be. Mr. Blake went above and beyond to resolve my issue in Texas. There was daily communication and empathized with my concerns being so far away. As my case progressed in litigation, Mr. Blake kept me updated via text messages, e-mails, and phone calls. He explained every possible outcome thoroughly and provided me with the best option. If it wasn’t for Mr. Blake, I do not know where I would be today. I highly recommend Allen Blake. He strives for results and seeks the best possible outcome.