Top Charleston, WV Insurance Lawyers Near You

Do You Have an Insurance Law Problem?

The area of law encompassing insurance in general as well as insurance policies and even claims against an insurance policy is rightfully called insurance law. If you have a problem regarding insurance, whether it be in regards to regulating insurance policies or with the handling of a claim, an experienced Charleston insurance law lawyer can help.

Different Types of Insurance

Insurance is available for almost any type of peril or danger, including natural disasters, theft, property damage, fire and even personal injury claims. The purpose is to protect you in case something damages whatever property you have insured.

Insurance law governs how policies are written, the duties and obligations under individual insurance policies as well as the protection you can receive against third party claims. Insurance law can also protect insurance companies against fraudulent insurance claims.

What happens when my claim is denied?

If you receive a claim denial, whether it's for car, health, homeowners, disability, or any other kind of insurance, you likely have the option to appeal. If you believe your denial was illegal or your insurance provider was acting in bad faith, you should consider consulting with an attorney to discuss your options. In some cases, you will be able to handle the appeal yourself.

What does my insurance cover?

This is where it's important to read the fine print. Every insurance policy — health, home, renters, car, disability, etc. — will list instances in which your coverage is not valid. For example, some health insurance policies cover certain surgeries, but not physical therapy. It's important that you understand what your policy does and does not cover.

How much insurance do I need?

This is best left to your best judgment. If you anticipate having trouble affording premium payments, then you may have no choice but to pay for less coverage. However, if you think that there is a chance that you will need coverage, and any losses will far exceed what you pay in premiums, you should consider purchasing more. Take your budget into account.

Best Time to Seek Legal Help

No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

Types of legal fees:

Bill by the hour: Many attorneys bill by the hour. How much an attorney bills you per hour will vary based on a number of factors. For instance, an attorney's hourly fee may fluctuate based on whether that hour is spent representing you in court or doing research on your case. Attorneys in one practice area may bill you more than attorneys in a different practice area.

Contingent fee: Some lawyers will accept payment via contingent fee. In this arrangement, the lawyer receives a percentage of the total monetary recovery if you win your lawsuit. In sum, the lawyer only gets paid if you win. Contingent fee agreements are limited to specific practice areas in civil law.

Flat fee: For "routine" legal work where the attorney generally knows the amount of time and resources necessary to complete the task, he/she may be willing to bill you a flat fee for services performed.