Most people do not expect to fight with their own insurance company. You buy coverage to protect yourself when something goes wrong, not to argue over fine print after an accident or loss. Unfortunately, insurance disputes are far more common than most policyholders realize. A recent study reports that Florida litigation for property insurance claims rose 37% in January 2025.
At Herring & Herring, P.A., located in Sanford, Florida, we represent individuals and families across Central Florida who are dealing with insurance disputes and claim denials. People reach out to our firm for different reasons. Sometimes it is after a serious accident, when medical bills are already piling up. Other times, it is after weeks or even months of phone calls that go nowhere, explanations that keep changing, or a denial letter that does not line up with the coverage they believed they had. What these situations have in common is a breakdown in trust. The insurance company is not honoring the agreement it sold. When that happens, having an insurance dispute lawyer involved can make a real difference by pushing back against unfair handling and forcing the insurer to take the claim seriously.
Why Insurance Claims Are Denied or Delayed
Insurance companies do not say they are denying a claim to save money, but that is often the reality. These problems frequently arise after accidents that result in medical bills, lost income, or long-term injuries. When a personal injury case is involved, insurers often scrutinize every detail in an effort to reduce their exposure.
Insurance companies often point to technical policy language, missing paperwork, or alleged exclusions when denying a claim. In other cases, they do not deny coverage outright. Instead, they drag the process out, requesting the same information repeatedly or offering no clear answers at all, with the expectation that the policyholder will eventually walk away or settle for far less than the claim is worth.
Wrongful Insurance Denials
Not every denial is wrongful. A denial becomes wrongful when the policy clearly covers the claim, but the insurer still refuses to pay. This can happen when key evidence is ignored, the investigation is rushed or incomplete, or an exclusion is applied in ways the policy does not actually allow.
Many policyholders are unsure how to respond to a denial letter. It is common to assume that the insurer’s decision is final, but it is not. In reality, denials can often be challenged, especially when the insurer’s explanation does not align with the policy language.
Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Florida
Florida law requires insurance companies to handle claims in good faith. That means they must investigate claims fairly, communicate honestly, and place the policyholder’s interests on equal footing with their own. When an insurer delays payment without justification, misrepresents coverage, or refuses to settle a valid claim, it may give rise to a bad-faith insurance claim.
A bad faith claim is about more than whether your policy covers a loss. Itt looks at how the insurer handled your claim and whether their actions were fair and lawful. While these cases are often more involved, they serve an important purpose by exposing unfair practices and holding insurers responsible for how they treat policyholders.
Insurance Disputes Connected to Personal Injury Cases
Many insurance disputes arise out of accidents that cause serious injuries. Auto accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other incidents often lead to disagreements over liability coverage, medical payments, or uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits. In these situations, the insurance dispute is often just as important as the underlying injury claim. Delays or denials can prevent injured individuals from accessing necessary medical care or replacing lost income. Our firm understands how insurance disputes intersect with personal injury cases and how insurers attempt to limit payouts when injuries are significant.
Types of Personal Injury Cases Involving Insurance Disputes
Insurance disputes can arise in many types of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability claims, negligent security, and catastrophic injury matters. While every case is different, insurers often rely on similar tactics regardless of the type of loss involved. Understanding how these disputes develop allows our firm to identify problems early and respond effectively.
Breach of Contract and Coverage Disputes
An insurance policy is a contract. When an insurer fails to honor its terms, it may be liable for breach of contract. Coverage disputes often center on exclusions, notice requirements, or disagreements about how policy language should be interpreted.
At Herring & Herring, we bring extensive civil litigation experience to these cases. Our attorneys are prepared to challenge insurers who attempt to rewrite policies after a claim has already occurred.
How We Approach Insurance Disputes and Denied Claims
The first thing we do when a client brings an insurance dispute is figure out exactly what went wrong. We read the policy carefully, review the claim file, and examine every letter and email from the insurer to understand how they reached their decision. Once we have the full picture, we sit down with our client and explain the options, helping them decide the best way to move forward.
Some matters can be resolved once the insurance company realizes the claim will not be ignored. Others need to be pushed further. We approach every case with the expectation that it may end up in court, because being prepared from the outset often puts us in a stronger position long before that point.
About Herring & Herring, P.A.
Herring & Herring, P.A. is a third-generation law firm that has served Central Florida since 1985. From the Herring Building in Sanford, the firm has represented individuals, families, and small businesses in a wide range of legal matters.
Michael S. Herring, Sr., and Scott Herring bring decades of combined experience to insurance disputes and civil litigation. The firm is AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell, rated and known for its practical approach, careful case screening, and commitment to client service. Clients work directly with their attorneys, not a revolving cast of case managers. Communication is straightforward, and expectations are clearly explained from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Disputes
Should I accept my insurance company’s denial?
No. With an experienced attorney, many denials can be challenged, especially when they are based on incomplete investigations or questionable policy interpretations.
What if my insurer delays payment?
Unreasonable delays may violate Florida law and support a bad-faith claim.
Can an insurance dispute be resolved without a lawsuit?
Yes. Some disputes are resolved through negotiation, but litigation may be necessary to compel action.
How long do insurance disputes usually take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the dispute and the insurer’s response. They may be resolved quickly through negotiations or take a longer time if litigation is needed.
What if the dispute involves a serious injury?
Insurance disputes tied to serious injuries require careful handling to protect long-term financial interests.
Herring & Herring, P.A. Protects Policyholders When It Matters Most
Insurance disputes can be frustrating, time-consuming, and financially damaging. When an insurer refuses to honor its obligations, policyholders should not have to face that battle alone. At Herring & Herring, P.A., we help clients challenge unfair claim handling and pursue the benefits they were promised when they purchased coverage.
Contact Herring & Herring, today at (407) 323-6700 or complete our online form for a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights.
