Legal Corner: Is a denial letter the end of an insurance claim process?

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions.

QUESTION: My insurance company has denied my motorcycle accident claim and sent me a claim denial letter. It was an honest claim, and based upon my policy, it should have covered the accident.

Is this denial the end of my claim process? What can I do if this is not the end?

ANSWER: The insurance company’s denial of a claim is not necessarily the end of the process. It is imperative to be familiar with your insurer’s procedures for contesting or appealing denied claims. Appeals are generally required to be in writing.

Another option is to file a lawsuit against the insurer for wrongful denial of the claim or for breach of contract. If the denial occurred two years from the date of the accident, then the lawsuit against the insurer for breach of contract must be filed within two years of the accident. If the accident occurred before July 1, 2024, then the one-year deadline applies

Please contact an attorney to answer any additional questions that you may have.

QUESTION: If I walk my dogs in a park in Lake Charles, am I required to have them on leashes?

ANSWER: Yes, one is required to have the dogs on leashes.

Section 4-39 City of Lake Charles Code of Ordinances provides:

All dogs permitted in any public park, recreation area, school grounds, and cemeteries shall be on a leash, unless otherwise permitted by specific policy or ordinance.