Chicago Insurance Policyholder Coverage Attorney

Insurance Coverage for Policyholders

To lure new business, insurance companies like to make very comforting statements on television that you are "in good hands" with them or they are "like a good neighbor" to you. That is, until you, or a small business owner, makes a claim on that insurance policy for benefits paid for through premiums. Suddenly, the insured is facing a whole new department of the insurance company with a whole new set of people, often with a whole new attitude: one intended to save money for the insurance company at the expense of the insured by finding some "clever" way to justify denying coverage under the policy. It may seem like clever business to them, but you have paid thousands of dollars in premiums to prevent just such a financial nightmare.

Friedman & Bonebrake receives complaints from insureds constantly, including from individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses alike. They are outraged by insurer conduct and find that the government, including the department of insurance, is simply not equipped to address their individual complaints against their insurance companies. The few attorneys like Friedman & Bonebrake who represent individual consumers on insurance policy disputes are usually the only recourse for the insured cheated out of coverage for which it has paid dearly. We take very seriously our responsibility to protect consumers against insurance industry abuses.

Unlike most contracts, where two people negotiate over contract terms and then sign the agreement, there is typically no negotiating with insurance companies: the individual either accepts the coverage as it is or doesn't get coverage at all from the insurer. Fortunately in Illinois, contracts drafted by insurance companies on a "take it or leave it" basis must be read in favor of the insured; that is, where the language is vague or ambiguous, that language will be interpreted by the court to the advantage of the insured. Friedman & Bonebrake understands well this and other laws intended to protect insurance consumers and fights tirelessly against the insurance companies armed with this knowledge and experience. The attorneys at Friedman & Bonebrake have represented individuals, small businesses, law firms, and schools against insurers who have unjustifiably denied coverage on property, professional and general liability, workers compensation, disability, life, and health insurance policies. We seek to force the insurer to cover claims and to pay for damages caused by their delay or bad faith.

Unlike personal injury cases, Friedman & Bonebrake often handles insurance coverage matters on an hourly fee basis. However, terms vary depending on the circumstances of the case and can be addressed in a free consultation without obligation.