Insurance Disputes

Insurers protect their bottom line. We protect you.

When an insurer delays, underpays, or denies your claim, it’s not a “misunderstanding”—it’s a problem that can cost you medical care, income, and stability. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM), you get the entire team from day one: attorneys, investigators, and case managers who move quickly to secure documents, apply Michigan law, and push your claim to resolution.

Free consultation • No fee unless we win
Call 248-584-1300 or 1-855-LISS-LAW
2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072 — Serving Metro Detroit and all of Michigan

Michigan law—plain English

• 12% penalty interest for late first-party payments. If your insurer doesn’t pay a clean claim on time, Michigan’s Uniform Trade Practices Act allows 12% simple interest until paid.
• Unfair claims practices are outlawed. Michigan lists specific unfair claim settlement practices—like failing to promptly and fairly settle a claim when liability is clear.
• Attorney fees for unreasonable PIP denials. In auto no-fault cases, courts may award attorney fees against an insurer that unreasonably refuses or delays paying benefits.
• “Bad faith” tort? Michigan generally does not recognize a separate tort claim for first-party bad faith; remedies are typically contract, statutory interest, and fee-shifting where allowed.
• State help: You can file a complaint with DIFS (Department of Insurance and Financial Services), which can investigate and enforce Michigan insurance laws.

Bottom line: If your benefits are delayed or denied, Michigan law gives you tools—we know how to use them.

We handle these denied or underpaid claims

• Michigan No-Fault (PIP) auto benefits: medical bills, attendant care, mileage/reimbursement, wage loss.
• Property & homeowners: water/fire/storm, theft, additional living expenses. United Policyholders
• UM/UIM auto claims (underinsured/uninsured motorist).
• Commercial & landlord policies: building/contents loss, business interruption.
• Other first-party coverages: med-pay, collision/comp, and specialty riders.

How insurers try to avoid paying (and how we respond)

• “Reasonable dispute” pretext: We counter with medical records, provider affidavits, and expert reports showing the claim was overdue under Michigan law.
• Lowball offers: We build a trial-ready damages package—future care, wage loss, life-care planning—to anchor real value.
• Stalling & document churn: We send preservation and production demands and, where appropriate, pursue penalty interest and fees.
• IME cut-offs: We challenge biased findings with treating-provider testimony and independent experts.

What to do if your claim is denied or delayed

1. Get it in writing (denial letter, EOB, explanation).
2. Save everything: policy, declarations, bills, receipts, photos, adjuster emails.
3. Don’t give a recorded statement or sign broad releases before speaking with us.
4. Call LSM. We’ll review coverage, deadlines, and next steps—fast.
5. Optional: File a DIFS complaint if appropriate (we can guide you).

Results that matter

Our team has recovered significant payments and benefits after improper denials and delays in no-fault, property, and UM/UIM claims. Every case is unique; results aren’t guaranteed—but preparation and speed consistently improve outcomes.

How LSM helps on denied-claim cases

• Policy & coverage analysis: We read the fine print—endorsements, exclusions, coordination of benefits.
• Evidence & timelines: We build a clean record, track statutory payment deadlines, and calculate penalty interest.
• Expert support: Medical, construction, and accounting experts for damage scope and future losses.
• Negotiation & litigation: We press for full value; if needed, we file suit and pursue all available remedies, including interest and attorney fees where the law allows.

FAQs: Denied Insurance Claims in Michigan

Do I have a “bad faith” claim?
Michigan generally doesn’t recognize a separate tort for first-party bad faith. Remedies usually include contract damages, 12% penalty interest, and attorney fees in certain no-fault cases.

How long will this take?
It depends on the coverage, evidence, and whether the carrier negotiates in good faith. We move quickly on preservation and deadlines to keep your claim on track.

Should I also file with DIFS?
Often helpful. DIFS can investigate and ensure compliance with Michigan insurance laws (they can’t order a specific payout, but they can enforce rules). We’ll advise case-by-case.

What can I do right now?
Get the denial in writing, gather your policy and bills, and call LSM. We’ll review your rights and next steps—at no cost.

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