What You Should Consider When Disputing an Insurance Claim

What You Should Consider When Disputing an Insurance Claim

 

Everyone knows that dealing with the big insurance companies can give you a headache and have you running around in circles with no answers. Policies can be so complex that sadly, insurance companies have often used their inside knowledge to take advantage of insureds through policy loopholes. This can leave insureds at a standstill in regards to their insurance claims and even result in a claim being denied.

Insurance is one of those things that you love to hate but have it anyways. It gives you and your family the protection they will need if something should happen to them or yourself. However, even if you are paying your bill on time each month and never miss a payment, insurance companies will look to find the cheapest way to pay out your claim to save money for themselves, if they pay out at all. This can be the last thing you want to deal with when you’re faced with a loss.

Here are four steps to consider when resolving a dispute with an insurance company.

Gather information

  • Insurance policies aren’t always easily understood by the average person. Ask your agent, broker or insurance representative for clarification about your concern/issue. The rights and responsibilities of all parties are written within the policy (aka contract), however miscommunications can occur.
  • If you have general questions you can contact the IBC Consumer Information Centre (CIC). They can assist with basic questions about policy wording, coverage or how to proceed with a complaint

Get in touch with the insurance companies Complaint Liaison Officer or Ombudsperson

  • Licensed insurers have a complaint resolution process, and someone assigned to enforce this process. This role is regulated by the provincial regulator.
  • If you plan on making a complaint through this channel, be sure to state your complaint clearly, including the expected resolution. Be sure to have all your documentation readily available and take note of all persons you spoke with regarding the complaint as well as what was spoken about. Finally, give the Complaint Liaison Officer or Ombudsperson sufficient time to investigate & respond to your complaint.

Reach out to the GIO (General Insurance OmbudsService)

  • If you’ve gone through your insurers complaint processes and aren’t satisfied you can request a Final Position Letter and contact the GIO. The GIO is an impartial consumer dispute resolution system. It is in place to help you and the insurer resolve disputes about claim-related matters.

Take it to the Federal or Provincial level

  • If your dispute cannot be solved by the GIO, or if the insurance company isn’t a member of the GIO, you can take it a step further by contacting a Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.

Dye & Russell should be your first call if you’re having issues claiming insurance compensation. We have the experience and knowledge of the industry that keep us from being pushed around by policymakers. Let us handle the big insurance companies and take the stress away from you to get you what you deserve.

If you’ve experienced a claim denial or want to dispute a claim, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

 

November 26, 2019
Skye OliverWhat You Should Consider When Disputing an Insurance Claim
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5 Common Liability Claims Faced By Homeowners

5 Common Liability Claims Faced By Homeowners

Home is supposed to be a safe place, not just for you but anyone that comes on to your property. You try to take care of your lawn & trim trees, shovel snow in the winter and fix uneven floorboards on your deck. Sometimes you’re better than other times.

Even with all that upkeep, there are possible hazards in your home and on your property that could cause (accidental) harm to others. A simple slip & fall could land you a hefty bill if a lawsuit is filed & your home insurance policy doesn’t fully cover you.

These are 5 common liability claims that a homeowners could face.

Dog bites
Did you know that most insurance policies cover damages or injuries that are caused by members of your household? Probably. But did you know that pets are often included in that coverage? Apart from some dog breeds, dogs that are at a lower (perceived) risk of biting are considered members of your household & therefore covered by your policy.

In the home or on the property
Accidents ranging from a guest tripping on a carpet that isn’t properly secured or falling through a broken stair are fair game. Even those door-to-door salespeople who come on to your property without your permission. Neglect on your part to clear a sidewalk or path to your front door could mean you’re left on the hook.

Guests under the influence
Hosting a party at home or an event at another location, the liability you have over your guests remains in place. When alcohol is involved and a person becomes intoxicated, any harm they may cause to another person or to property could be your responsibility. Hiring a bartender can help monitor the amount of alcohol guests are consuming.

Falling trees
The extra weight of snow and ice weigh down small trees and branches makes them prime candidates for snapping off and crashing into whatever’s below. It’s a good idea to trim trees and any overhang in the fall before things freeze.

Domestic workers
It is becoming more common for families to hire help around the home. From nanny’s to maintenance workers each person hired to work on your property increases your liability should that person get injured while at work. Sometimes workers can have workers compensation in the event of lost wages, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

 

 

August 28, 2019
Skye Oliver5 Common Liability Claims Faced By Homeowners
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Summer BBQ safety tips

Summer BBQ safety tips

There are few things that go better with a summer evening than a cold beverage and barbecue.  But barbecues can cause serious injury if they aren’t used properly. To help keep your summer full of delicious barbecue, as well as safe for you and your loved ones, here are some tips from The Government of Canada:

  1. Do a safety check

Before you start barbecuing it’s important to do a safety check of your grill—especially if it hasn’t been sitting unused for a long period of time. Look for blocked burners, damaged seals and leaks in the hoses or fittings. To check for leaks in the hose or fittings coat the hose and fittings with a soapy water solution. If bubbles form and grow that’s a sign of a leak.

Also, make sure your grill is clean. Cleaning excess grease or fat build-up on your barbeque can remove a source of fuel for dangerous flare-ups and help keep you safe.

  1. Make sure it’s in a safe location

How you position your grill can prevent a fire from happening. Barbeques should be used outdoors (not indoors or under overhangs, enclosures, etc.) in a well-ventilated area and be at least three meters away from any building on an even surface. Also, keep an eye out for other items nearby that could catch fire, like umbrellas or hanging baskets.

  1. Turn on with caution

Before you even think about grilling it’s important that you have read the instructions that came with from the barbecue’s manufacturer to get to know your grill and how to operate it properly.

While going about lighting your barbeque never have the lid closed or lean over the barbeque. If you’re using a gas-powered grill and it doesn’t light right away turn off the gas valve and wait for the gas to go away before re-lighting.

  1. Have the proper tools handy

Preventing an injury can only happen if you’re ready. Make sure you prevent burns by cooking with long-handled utensils and heat-resistant mitts. Have a spray water-bottle handy to help manage flare-ups and a fire extinguisher close in case of a fire.

Also, be very careful while using metal-bristled barbeque brushes. The bristles can come loose, stick to your grill and eventually end up in your food—which can result in serious digestive injuries. Inspect your brush and your grill carefully for loose bristles, throw away brushes when you notice bristles becoming loose, replace brushes often and consider buying non-metal barbeque brushes.

  1. Pay attention

While you’re barbequing never leave the grill unattended and be aware of how much food you are loading onto it. If a fire starts they spread quickly, so your grill needs constant attention. Also, over-loading your grill (especially with fatty meat) can cause an excess of oil or grease and create large flare-ups.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

 

 

August 14, 2018
gray_adminSummer BBQ safety tips
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Slip and Fall Prevention During April Showers

Slip and Fall Prevention During April Showers

You’ve experienced it at one point or another. While walking to grab coffee on a lunch break a lapse of attention hits, and you’re distracted by something your boss said earlier. Suddenly your foot slides, your back twists, and soon you’re looking at the sky while seeing stars, even though its still daytime.

The rainy season is upon us. April showers have arrived. While we wait for May’s flowers to bloom, there are some necessary steps to take in order to avoid harmful injuries caused by puddles and lack of visibility.

Although you can say to yourself “it won’t happen to me”, or “I’m a cautious person”, heightened precautions can never harm, only help. The pain, suffering, and lack of income that can be experienced after a fall can be avoided using these tips and tricks.

At Home

Do you remember your mother always nagging at you to wipe your shoes on the welcome mat before you entered the house? Well, she had a good point. Wiping your shoes off after coming inside is a simple yet effective way of preventing accidents. If your shoes aren’t wet, you won’t slip, easy and your mother’s homemade pie.

Furthermore, it’s prudent to keep your eyes peeled for spills and muddy tracks dragged inside by family members or visitors. When the weather is especially rainy, it can be easy to find puddles of the outdoor downpour on your kitchen floor.

Out and About 

The first step to slip and fall prevention on the go starts with your footwear. It’s imperative to invest in a pair of non-skid shoes for the rainy season. That means that unfortunately, your favourite pair of high heeled pumps or your old sneakers with the flat soles are best to be thrown to the back of the closet for the springtime. 

When you are out of the house doing errands, you are at a higher risk for slips than within the familiar confines of your home. From the workplace kitchen to the department store, be quick to observe if anyone has left a spill on the floor. Spilled liquids such as beverages, soap, or grease can be slippery without appearing hazardous, so be careful to watch your step.

Additionally, be mindful when using staircases. Handrails are meant to be gripped, and can prevent slips on patches of liquid that even a trained eye couldn’t detect. Furthermore, while climbing the stairs, do not carry objects that obstruct your line of sight.

When you’re young, slipping doesn’t appear to be the most threatening thing that could occur. As you age, however, the risks associated with falling increase dramatically. Furthermore, the financial and emotional burdens that an injury can inflict upon individuals can be highly stressful.

Have you recently been injured on the sidewalk or at your workplace due to unsafe conditions caused by the rainy season? At Dye and Russell, we strive to ensure that those dealing with a personal injury get properly reimbursed to pay for the treatment of their injuries. Our clients don’t pay us until their cases are settled or won, because the last thing they need is another expense.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

April 25, 2016
gray_adminSlip and Fall Prevention During April Showers
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Why the Onus is on you to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

Why the Onus is on you to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents

The day you become a homeowner, you take on responsibility for something bigger than yourself. While settling into your new house can feel like you are living in the physical manifestation of your hard work, there are crucial things to take caution of once you are handed the keys. In a country that boasts its four seasons proudly each year, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of pedestrians passing by your property.

While summertime yields generally hazard-free sidewalks, the other seasons are not so accommodating. When winter hits, morning commutes and afternoon walks can transform from leisurely strolls to calculated steps to ensure minimal danger.

Yes, pedestrians and visitors are expected to take reasonable precautions while walking, but it your job to ensure they are not subjected to unexpected hazards. As a homeowner, you are required to take the care necessary to ensure the safety of guests and those traversing across your property.

Every personal injury case is not black and white. However, you can be held personally liable for an accident if you were previously aware of a hazardous condition and did not correct the issue or forewarn guests of the danger.

Do any of these dangerous conditions exist on your property?

  • Recently washed floors or spills
  • Uneven terrain such as potholes or lopsided staircases
  • Snowy or icy sidewalks
  • Unfinished flooring
  • Poor lighting
  • Missing handrails

In short, if you knew that your floors were still wet from being mopped, didn’t warn your guests, and one of them happened to slip and injure themselves – the onus is on you.

Although you may know to take caution while walking in your freshly mopped kitchen, your guests are unaware of the hazard. So if a visitor is injured on your property, he or she has the legal right to sue for the suffering inflicted by the accident, any medical expenses, and the loss of income incurred due to your negligence.

The emotional and physical aspects of an injury can be both immensely painful and financially stressful. At Dye and Russell, we strive to ensure that victims of homeowner negligence get the proper compensation to pay for the treatment of their injuries. Were sympathetic to the difficulties that injured individuals face, and we offer free case evaluations with no obligation. Our clients don’t pay until their cases are settled or won, because the last thing they need is another expense.

So homeowners, if you see an ice patch on your driveway, salt it. If you have a pothole on your sidewalk, fill it. If you see anything that could cause danger to pedestrians and guests, address it.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

April 4, 2016
gray_adminWhy the Onus is on you to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents
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