Best Insurance lawyers in Huntingburg, IN

1 Insurance Lawyers in Huntingburg, IN

experienced lawyers

John Elmer Birk

Po Box 136, Huntingburg, IN

Business Estate Planning Insurance +2 +5

1.0/5

1.0

3 Reviews

14 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous

Please read before you hire! Post Divorce- I hired this firm to represent me in my divorce case in 2020 and I couldn't be more dissatisfied with their service. I was assured my case was cut and dried and in the end, it was drug out for over 3 years and I lost everything that was important to me. John failed to get 50/50 custody of my child with 2 GAL reports recommending equal shared custody. The attorney fees I incurred here well over $50,000! I never felt like they had my back, nor felt protected or that they even cared about my situation. When I would try to seek guidance or direction, I never seemed to get a direct or clear answer, which will drive your frustration, then you ask more questions, which will cost you more money. The mistakes that were made on most every filing, I would catch, then be double or triple charged for them to correct. It takes John 2-3 longer than what I would consider normal to comprehend details. While meeting with John to discuss my case or in court, Ive watched him fall asleep right in front of me (not exagerating). I witnessed first hand him yell and talk down to his employees and myself included. He will run your case how he sees fit, if you question him, he will ignore you and not take your calls or threated to withdrawl from your case. I was not informed of my options, then felt misled, then stated I was and I chose not to do this or that. All in all, in my experience, this firm is here to drain as much time and money out of you as possible. Do not make the same mistake I did. Attorneys like this will wreck your life, as if your divorce isn't already hard enough. Post Appeal-While John prides himself on his knowledge of the law. I couldnt disagree more. He cost me several hundred thousand in martial asset, because he didn't include them as the law states. This firm cost me my custody battle, hundreds of thousand in assets, my farm, my business, my personal possessions, and years of my life, while I have now spent over $100,000 in attorney fees. I do not recommend this Firm.

04 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous

He did nothing for me except cause me health issues. Also he gave me another client's information and when I told him I was not confident that he spent $17,000 worth of time on my divorce he actually wanted me to give the evidence of the other client to him. He is worthless as an attorney. I almost died due to his negligence and ended up in the hospital. Also when I brought it to his attention the ex knew the judge and conflict of interest he threatened to fire himself as my attorney. He did nothing to keep me or my children safe. They almost lost their mother due to his negliegence. My best advice is if you hire him, hire him for the opposing party. That is the only way you will get a just and fair representation.

11 May, 2015 by Anonymous

This is the biggest waste of money in my life. After my explanation to him he claimed to be on my side and wanted to take my case. So after the first month I was okay with him and had no issue. Then I got the bill. It started to pile up each month and he was doing less and less. I would pay him a thousand here then there. Then it came time to get dirty and fight and he backed out and told me just to stick with her attorneys proposal. I said no it is not right I want to fight for what is right. It came closer and he kept fighting me on everything. He didn't submit the evidence I had worked for 6 months getting. he didn't submit the proper paper work to the court he didn't even try. It was as if he had never been in a court room or he was really never on my side but there to support them. It was amazingly horrible. He had assured me that he would use the evidence that would have shown the court and judge that they were lying and had no grounds. Just the stuff I did that he assured me was worth it cost over $4000.00. After $8000.00 there was nothing I could do. He actually even threatened to walk out on me the day of the hearing because I was asking him why he didn't do anything he charged me for. Needless to say this guy is a waste of time and money. I could have been in a much better situation if I did it on my own. The judge even told me after the hearing that that the attorney did not go about it the right way and could have prevented a lot of the extra charges if he just would have submitted the documents to the court.

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What an Insurance Lawyer Can Do for You

An insurance lawyer specializes in legal issues related to insurance policies and claims. These lawyers help individuals, businesses, and insurance companies navigate disputes involving insurance coverage, claim denials, bad faith claims, and policy interpretation. Insurance lawyers can represent policyholders who feel they've been unfairly denied coverage, or they can work on behalf of insurance companies to defend against fraudulent or inflated claims.

Whether you're filing a claim, disputing a denial, or dealing with complex coverage issues, an insurance lawyer can provide critical guidance and legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you're entitled to under your policy.

When Should I Hire an Insurance Lawyer?

Hiring an insurance lawyer is advisable in several situations, particularly when disputes arise over insurance coverage, claim denials, or bad faith actions. Common reasons to hire an insurance lawyer include:

Denied insurance claims: If your insurance company denies your claim, a lawyer can help determine whether the denial was justified or if you should challenge the decision.
Bad faith insurance practices: If you believe your insurer has acted in bad faith, such as delaying payment or failing to properly investigate your claim, a lawyer can help you pursue legal action.
Underpaid claims: If the insurance company has offered less compensation than you believe your claim is worth, a lawyer can negotiate for a higher payout or file a lawsuit.
Coverage disputes: When there's ambiguity or disagreement about what your policy covers, a lawyer can provide clarity and advocate for your rights under the policy.
Business insurance claims: If you own a business and are dealing with commercial insurance claims (e.g., property damage, liability, or professional indemnity), a lawyer can help ensure your business receives proper coverage.
Third-party claims: If you're being sued for liability and your insurance company refuses to defend or indemnify you, an insurance lawyer can help enforce your coverage rights.
Appealing long-term disability claims: If your disability insurance claim has been denied, a lawyer can assist in gathering evidence and appealing the decision to get the benefits you deserve.

What Does an Insurance Lawyer Do?

An insurance lawyer provides a wide range of services to assist with insurance-related legal issues. These can include:

Reviewing insurance policies: A lawyer can review your insurance policy to ensure you understand your rights and obligations, as well as clarify what coverage is provided.
Filing insurance claims: Assisting with the preparation and filing of claims to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.
Challenging claim denials: If your claim has been denied, a lawyer can investigate the reasons for denial and file appeals or lawsuits to challenge the decision.
Litigating bad faith claims: Representing clients in bad faith insurance cases, where the insurer fails to act in good faith by unfairly delaying, denying, or underpaying a valid claim.
Negotiating settlements: Helping policyholders negotiate settlements with insurance companies to receive fair compensation for claims.
Defending against fraudulent claims: Representing insurance companies to defend against false or exaggerated claims filed by policyholders or third parties.
Handling disputes over policy language: Interpreting complex insurance policies and resolving disputes between the insured and the insurer regarding coverage limits, exclusions, and conditions.

How Are Insurance Lawyers Paid?

Insurance lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways, depending on the nature of the case and the type of insurance issue involved. Common payment structures include:

Contingency fee: For many policyholders disputing claim denials or underpayments, lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means the lawyer only gets paid if they win or settle the case, taking a percentage (usually between 25% and 40%) of the recovered amount.
Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing legal issues, such as bad faith lawsuits or business insurance disputes, insurance lawyers may charge an hourly rate. This rate varies depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
Flat fee: For simpler matters, such as reviewing an insurance policy or helping file a claim, some lawyers charge a flat fee for their services.
Retainer: For businesses or clients with ongoing legal needs, an insurance lawyer may require a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment for future services.

It’s important to clarify the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to avoid unexpected costs.

How Much Does an Insurance Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an insurance lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the payment structure. General cost estimates include:

Contingency fees: If your lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay any fees upfront, but the lawyer will take a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or judgment awarded.
Hourly rates: Hourly rates for insurance lawyers generally range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. Complex cases involving bad faith or high-value business claims may require significant hours, leading to higher legal costs.
Flat fees: For specific services, such as reviewing an insurance policy, lawyers may charge a flat fee ranging from $500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the task.
Retainers: Businesses or individuals seeking ongoing insurance legal services may pay a retainer, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the lawyer and scope of work.

Make sure to discuss costs and payment structures with your lawyer before proceeding to understand how much the services will cost.

How to Check the Credibility of an Insurance Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a reputable insurance lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
Review their experience in insurance law: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in insurance law and have experience with cases like yours.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Search for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s expertise and professionalism.
Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have dealt with similar insurance issues.
Check for industry memberships: Membership in organizations like the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) can indicate the lawyer’s focus on insurance law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with an insurance lawyer, come prepared with the following documents and information:

A copy of your insurance policy: Bring the policy related to your claim or dispute so the lawyer can review the coverage details.
Any correspondence with the insurance company: Provide copies of letters, emails, or other communications between you and your insurer regarding the claim or denial.
Proof of claim and supporting documents: Bring any documentation you have submitted with your claim, including receipts, invoices, photos, medical records, or repair estimates.
List of questions: Prepare a list of questions you want to ask about your case, the legal process, and the potential outcomes.
Timeline of events: Be ready to provide a clear timeline of the incident that led to the claim and any steps you’ve taken with your insurance company.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can ensure that the lawyer has all the information they need to assess your case and provide the best legal advice.