Doug Terry Law Blog

June 3, 2025

Insurance Companies Don’t Always React as Policyholders Expect Individuals intentionally enroll in life insurance policies to help financially protect their loved ones in the event of their death. Nobody lives forever, and the loss of life often places intense monetary pressure on surviving family members. Funerals are expensive, and compensating for lost wages and benefits is overwhelming. Life insurance policies provide compensation to eligible beneficiaries that helps them manage these expenses. Unfortunately, collecting a death benefit is not always simple. In fact, in many cases, life insurance companies deny these claims, leaving beneficiaries overwhelmed, frightened, and confused. Death is a tragedy; having to manage an insurance claim denial as one is in mourning can be too much to handle. ... Read more

May 19, 2025

Claim Denials Require Specific and Timely Response Death is expensive, a fact that surprises many who are haven’t had to deal with the loss of a loved one. The combination of funeral expenses and lost monetary support from the deceased often leaves families in financial distress. Life insurance is one way individuals plan for the inevitable. These policies are purchased to protect the financial stability of those left behind when someone passes away. Unfortunately, payment on life insurance claims is not automatic; often, beneficiaries are surprised and concerned when their claims are denied. Policyholders must recognize that they can appeal denied life insurance claims. However, the process can be complicated, so engaging a denied life insurance claims attorney can prove wise. Knowing what t... Read more

May 7, 2025

When No Doesn’t Always Mean No Did you just open your mail to find a denial of your life insurance claim? If so, your emotions are likely running high. Nothing complicates the mourning process more than a claim’s denial. You are already distraught regarding your loss; now you have to worry about the overwhelming financial impact on your life. Times like these are trying, but there is some good news.  In the world of insurance decisions, no does not always mean no.  In pursuit of profitability, insurance companies often deny valid claims. Policyholders have the right to appeal these decisions; a process best pursued with the guidance of a denied life insurance claims attorney. This professional can review your situation and, if appropriate, assume responsibility for managing the appeal on your ... Read more

April 22, 2025

If you have received notification that your insurance carrier has denied your health insurance claim, you are aware, of the stress and anxiety caused by this communication. Many in this position don’t realize how often this happens; in fact, every day many individuals in Oklahoma get this unfortunate news. Knowing how to appeal a denied health insurance claim is important; taking the right steps can impact your insurance company’s response. Because so many people don’t realize they have the right to appeal these decisions, insurance companies continue to regularly deny otherwise valid claims. These actions that are often taken in bad faith result in lower expenses and higher profits, outcomes that incentivize insurance companies to continue these practices. Understanding your rights and decidin... Read more

April 12, 2025

Determining Compensation for Accidents Can Be Confusing Accidents happen all the time. Unfortunately, the costs associated with them can be significant—and, in some cases, life-changing. When an accident is caused by another individual or entity’s negligence, compensation may be available by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is reassuring to many accident victims; the financial recourse can help them move forward with their lives. But what happens when the victim’s negligence also contributed to the accident? The answer to this common question is important. More often than not, responsibility for an accident doesn’t lie solely with one person; the injured party’s negligent actions or inactions may also be partially responsible for the incident. Oklahoma comparative negligence law id... Read more

April 11, 2025

Car insurance is an essential purchase for anyone who drives. Despite that fact, many people aren’t quite sure how their insurance works. If you’ve ever been sued for an accident, you might already understand the insurer’s duty to defend, a fundamental right for policyholders. An insurance company’s duty to defend is a contractual obligation to provide you with a lawyer if you’re sued for an accident. However, some less-than-scrupulous insurance companies may refuse to defend you for unclear reasons. A refusal to defend can be stressful, but, fortunately, you can challenge the insurer’s decision. Here’s a closer look at how. If you have an active car insurance policy, your insurer is obligated to provide you with legal representation if a claim is filed against you. However, there are s... Read more

March 31, 2025

Car insurance companies generally have what’s called a “duty to defend.” This means that if you have an active policy and someone files a lawsuit against you, your insurer is contractually obligated to provide a defense attorney. Before buying a policy, you should make sure you have a thorough understanding — your insurer’s duty to defend applies in most cases, but most policies have some exceptions. Here’s a look at some situations when an insurer might refuse to provide legal representation — and what to do if you must seek representation on your own. Your car insurance company will usually provide you with a lawyer if you cause an accident and the other driver files a lawsuit against you. However, there are some situations when an insurer may refuse to defend you. Reasons Why Insurer... Read more

Health Insurance Companies Regularly Deny Payments Medical treatment is expensive—even seemingly simple procedures can be astronomical. In Oklahoma, most individuals rely on their insurance to cover medical needs. Sadly, health insurance companies across the state regularly deny payment for medical expenses. As you would imagine, this catches most people off guard. After all, they paid for their coverage in good faith, believing their insurance company would be there if necessary. Yet, now they stand with a denial letter, concerned that this decision places full financial responsibility on their shoulders.  A good percentage of those who receive these notifications think their insurance company’s decisions are final. Some who are unable to afford care go without, further endangering their health, ... Read more

March 20, 2025

Taking Action In Response to Insurance Payment Refusal Is Your Right As you recover from your car accident, you are likely overwhelmed with the associated expenses. You may need medical care and major repairs to your vehicle, both of which can be costly.  Additionally, injuries caused by the accident often result in an inability to work, so your earnings may have decreased. Taking all of this into account, you may not be overly concerned.  After all, you can rely on your automobile insurance company to compensate you for your losses.  Or, can you?  Every day accident victims across Oklahoma receive coverage denial letters in their mailboxes. Their insurance companies are refusing to pay their claims. If this scenario sounds familiar, you may be incredibly frustrated. Is there anything you can do? Th... Read more

February 28, 2025

Has your Oklahoma automobile insurer rejected your claim for damages? If so, preparing to take action quickly is the first step in addressing their decision. As a policyholder, you are entitled to file an appeal. In the world of automobile insurance decisions, “no” does not always mean no. To maintain or increase profitability, auto insurance companies regularly deny claims. Some denial reasons are valid – for example, the lack of a specific type of coverage -- but others are simply made in bad faith.  Because most policyholders accept these initial decisions as final, auto insurance companies’ strategies prove successful, and they continue what is often inappropriate behavior. Doing nothing and accepting an insurance denial as final means that you assume financial responsibility for your loss... Read more