Why Do Insurance Companies Delay Settlements?
April 6, 2023
“My insurance company protects me.” Of course, most people believe this. Isn’t it the premise upon which insurance companies operate? If so, then why do insurance companies delay settlements? Individuals in Oklahoma and across the country have faith that the companies which insure their health, their cars, their businesses, and their property have their best interests at heart. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The loyalty of insurance agents and representatives is to the companies that employ them, and to their management and shareholders -- not to you. All of their actions are based on the bottom line. Insurance companies, regardless of the types of coverage they provide, are businesses. And, just like any other business, their primary goal is to make as much money as possible. ... Read more
What Do You Do When an Uninsured Driver Hits You?
March 21, 2023
Any vehicle accident is traumatic, but if the other driver has no insurance, you may be left wondering what to do after an uninsured driver hits you. Your car may be severely damaged, and you or your passengers may be injured. The fact that the other driver has no insurance, and probably not nearly enough money to pay for the harm done, can only worsen your anxiety. These situations are why you buy insurance, specifically uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage. Doug Terry Law represents those who have been mistreated and abused by insurance companies. But the reality is that, as aggravating as insurance companies can be, if you drive, you legally must have insurance. You should also pay for as much UM coverage as you can budget. UM coverage is not required by Oklahoma law, but insurance companies... Read more
Health Insurance Claim Denial Reasons
March 8, 2023
Health insurance claim denial reasons vary on the situation and the language of your policy. Reasons a health insurance claim are denied may be legitimate. The company could also fail in its duty and avoid paying for a treatment covered by the policy. These denials may be for a small amount of money for a simple procedure or a costly, possibly life-saving treatment. If you think your claim denial was a mistake, or if you believe your insurance company mistreats you, get legal advice from an experienced insurance lawyer. When your insurance claim is denied, attorney Doug Terry is here to help represent you and your best interests. Why Do Health Insurance Claims Get Denied? Paperwork Errors or Insufficient Information There may be typographical errors, or the insurance company may have the wrong recor... Read more
Suing a Health Insurance Company for Bad Faith
February 21, 2023
If your health insurance company is giving you the run-around concerning paying a large claim, you might think about suing the health insurance company for bad faith. “Bad faith” is a legal term for an insurance company going beyond bad service or making an honest mistake. It breaks the law in its dealings with you, cheating you out of the insurance benefits you’re paying for. Doug Terry represents those who’ve been denied insurance coverage through illegal actions by their carriers. He helps those with all kinds of insurance, including medical coverage. Healthcare, especially treatments for life-threatening and chronic conditions, is costly. Few of us can afford to pay for it ourselves, which is why we have health insurance. Doug Terry knows how to file a lawsuit against a health insurance company... Read more
What Is an Example of Bad Faith?
February 8, 2023
When your insurance company refuses to pay a claim that you believe you deserve to receive, you may hear the term “bad faith” used to describe the situation. But what is an example of bad faith, and what does it mean? It simply means that an insurance company doesn’t follow through on the terms of your policy when you submit a claim. It means that you believe the insurance company is being dishonest when it comes to fulfilling its promises to you. Some examples of insurance bad faith tactics include: Altering the terms of the insurance policy after you file a claim. Coercing the policyholder to sign documents that could reduce the claim payment without giving a full explanation. Coercing or paying doctors to testify that certain health procedures are not necessary. Creating deadlines ... Read more
Do Insurance Companies Try to Get Out of Paying?
January 28, 2023
When you buy insurance, you may think that it's a simple transaction. You pay your premiums, and your insurance company will reimburse you if something goes wrong. You know that there are listed exceptions, but what happens if you think something should be covered? Do insurance companies try to get out of paying? Can an insurance company refuse to pay out? What if an Insurance Company Doesn’t Pay a Claim? When you file an insurance claim, your insurance company might approve it, reject it, or say you're owed a different amount. Their decision is not supposed to be whatever they feel like paying. An insurance policy is a contract with two equal parties. You have the right to be fully reimbursed for any claims you submit in line with the terms of your policy. Your insurance company has the right to p... Read more
How to Appeal a Health Insurance Claim Denial
January 16, 2023
Knowing how to appeal a health insurance claim denial is essential when your health and finances are at stake. Oklahoma’s system includes an internal appeal by the insurance company plus an external review if the insurer’s review doesn’t go your way. This system is less than perfect, and the results aren’t always what they should be. But Doug Terry Law can help you find the best way to appeal a health insurance claim denial. The U.S. has the world’s most expensive health care, so you should have the best medical coverage you can afford. Not getting preventative care or avoiding medical treatment because you can’t afford it is a medical disaster waiting to happen. Most insurance companies treat their customers fairly, but health insurers sometimes make the wrong decisions. At Doug Terry Law, we ... Read more
Jury Awards $200 Million in Insurance Bad Faith Verdict for Denial of Cancer Treatment
April 15, 2022
On April 5, 2022, a jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, rendered an insurance bad faith verdict against Sierra Health and Life Insurance Company (a subsidiary of United Healthcare) in the amount of $200 million. The award included $40 million in compensatory damages for the physical, mental, and emotional harm caused to Sierra policyholder Bill Eskew resulting from Sierra’s malicious and oppressive denial of Bill's health insurance claim for cancer treatment. It also included an award of $160 million in punitive damages, which are designed to punish Sierra for its conduct in denying Mr. Eskew’s claim. The punitive damages are also designed to deter Sierra and other health insurance companies from engaging in similar conduct in the future. Awarded Damages in Case Against Sierra Health & Life Insurance Com... Read more
What Happens if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied?
November 10, 2019
What Happens if Your Insurance Claim Is Denied? When you regularly make your insurance payments then face the unpleasant surprise of your insurer denying a claim, you may wonder, what next? What happens if your insurance claim is denied? We bank on our insurance policies to save us from financial ruin when things go wrong. In other words, we count on insurance companies to do the right thing when bad times come. When our insurance claims are denied, it can feel like a betrayal. Types of Insurance Claim Denials Auto Insurance Homeowner's Insurance Health Insurance Contact us about your claim denial. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win. One individual will hold many different policies over the course of their life. You probably have health insurance, auto insurance and maybe e... Read more
Proton Therapy Support Groups for Cancer Patients
July 24, 2019
It can be a relief knowing you're not alone. There are proton therapy support groups for cancer patients ready to help you. Cancer is a threat not only to your life and health, but to your finances, job and family. It’s often the greatest challenge a person has ever faced in their life, so it shouldn’t be surprising that there are cancer patient support groups nationwide. What’s starting to become more common are support groups for current and past patients who have received proton therapy as treatment. What Is Proton Therapy? Proton therapy is the the most precise form of radiation treatment for cancer patients. Protons have been used to treat cancer in humans since the 1950s. Proton therapy is a form of radiation treatment used by radiation oncologists to kill cancer cells. It can be more accur... Read more
