Denial of Coverage

When your insurance company wrongfully denies your claim

Overview

Insurance companies have a legal obligation to investigate claims thoroughly and pay valid claims promptly. When an insurer denies your claim without proper justification, you may have a bad faith claim that entitles you to recover not only the benefits owed under your policy but also additional damages for the harm their wrongful conduct has caused.

At Keosian Law LLP, our Los Angeles denial of coverage attorneys have extensive experience challenging wrongful insurance claim denials across all types of policies—homeowners, auto, commercial property, health, disability, and life insurance. We understand the tactics insurers use to avoid paying legitimate claims, and we know how to fight back effectively.

Whether you are dealing with a denied property damage claim after a fire or flood, a rejected personal injury claim, or an improperly denied business interruption claim, our attorneys have the knowledge and tenacity to hold your insurer accountable. From our Sherman Oaks office, we represent policyholders throughout Los Angeles County and across California.

Common Wrongful Denial Tactics

• Misinterpreting policy language to exclude coverage
• Alleging pre-existing damage without credible evidence
• Claiming the loss falls under a policy exclusion
• Failing to conduct a thorough or timely investigation
• Requesting excessive or irrelevant documentation
• Applying policy provisions retroactively
• Relying on biased inspectors or adjusters
• Citing missed deadlines that were never properly communicated
• Denying claims based on technicalities rather than merit
• Offering unreasonably low settlements disguised as full denials

Why Claims Get Denied & Who Is Liable

Insurance claim denials happen for a variety of reasons—some legitimate, many not. Understanding why your claim was denied is the first step toward challenging it. Common categories include:

Policy Interpretation Disputes

Insurers frequently deny claims by interpreting ambiguous policy language in their favor. Under California law, ambiguities in insurance contracts must be interpreted in favor of the policyholder. If your insurer is relying on a narrow reading of your policy to deny coverage, you likely have strong grounds to challenge the denial.

Investigation Failures

Insurers are required to conduct thorough, fair, and unbiased investigations. Denials based on inadequate investigations—such as failing to interview witnesses, ignoring favorable evidence, or relying solely on biased adjusters—may constitute bad faith under California Insurance Code Section 790.03.

Pre-Existing Condition Claims

Insurers sometimes deny claims by alleging that damage or injury existed before the covered event. Without credible evidence supporting this assertion, such denials are often improper and challengeable. Our attorneys work with independent experts to refute these claims.

Liability in denial of coverage cases rests with the insurance company that breached its duty of good faith and fair dealing. In Los Angeles, policyholders file claims in the Los Angeles Superior Court, where judges and juries are experienced with insurance disputes and often sympathetic to wrongfully denied claimants.

What Compensation Covers

When we successfully challenge a wrongful denial, our clients may recover far more than just the original claim amount. Available damages include:

• Policy Benefits: The full amount owed under the terms of your insurance policy.
• Consequential Damages: Additional costs caused by the denial—emergency repairs, temporary housing, storage fees, interest on loans taken to cover expenses.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for anxiety, stress, sleeplessness, and other psychological impacts of having a valid claim wrongfully denied.
• Attorney Fees: In certain cases, the insurer may be required to pay your legal fees.
• Punitive Damages: When the insurer's conduct is particularly egregious—involving oppression, fraud, or malice—California courts may award punitive damages to punish the insurer and deter similar conduct.

The Legal Process for Challenging a Denial

Fighting a wrongful insurance denial requires a strategic, methodical approach. Here is how Keosian Law handles denial of coverage cases:

1. Free Case Evaluation: We review your policy, the denial letter, and all supporting documentation to assess the strength of your case—at no cost.
2. Policy Analysis: Our attorneys conduct a detailed analysis of your insurance policy, identifying coverage provisions the insurer may have overlooked or misinterpreted.
3. Evidence Gathering: We collect independent expert assessments, repair estimates, medical records, or other documentation that supports your claim.
4. Demand & Negotiation: We submit a comprehensive demand to the insurer backed by evidence and legal authority, often resolving claims at this stage.
5. Litigation: If the insurer refuses to act in good faith, we file suit in Los Angeles Superior Court and aggressively litigate for full compensation including bad faith damages.
6. Trial: Our trial-ready attorneys are prepared to present your case to a jury. Insurance companies know we don't bluff—which strengthens our negotiating position at every stage.

Why Choose Keosian Law for Your Denied Claim

Keosian Law LLP brings a unique combination of experience, resources, and determination to every denial of coverage case. Here is why Los Angeles policyholders trust us:

• Proven Track Record: We have a strong record of challenging wrongful denials and pursuing the full compensation our clients are owed. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
• Trial-Ready Approach: Insurance companies settle for more when they know the opposing attorney is willing and able to go to trial. Our attorneys try cases regularly.
• No Fees or Costs Unless We Recover: No attorney fees or costs unless we recover for you.
• Local Knowledge: Based in Sherman Oaks, we understand the Los Angeles legal landscape, local courts, and the judges who hear insurance disputes in the Van Nuys and Downtown LA courthouses.
• Personalized Attention: Every client works directly with an experienced attorney, not a paralegal or case manager.

Don't let your insurance company get away with wrongfully denying your claim. Contact Keosian Law today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you fight back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our legal services and processes.

What should I do if my insurance claim is denied?

How long does an insurer have to respond to my claim in California?

Can I sue my insurance company for denying my claim?

What is the difference between a claim denial and underpayment?

How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a denied claim?

What damages can I recover beyond the denied claim amount?