First Party Insurance Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri

When disaster strikes—whether it’s property damage, injury, or loss—most people expect their insurance policy to provide protection. After all, insurance is meant to give peace of mind during difficult times. But when your insurance company delays, underpays, or denies your rightful claim, that peace of mind can quickly turn into frustration and financial stress.

At SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, we know how emotionally and financially draining it can be when your insurer doesn’t uphold its end of the bargain. For families and individuals in Kansas City, Missouri, Springfield, Missouri, and the Kansas City metropolitan area, we fight to protect your rights as a policyholder.

With 98 years of combined legal experience, our firm brings unmatched knowledge, dedication, and honesty to every case. Our word is our bond, and we believe that when experience meets integrity, results naturally follow. Our proven track record of success, both in and out of court, reflects that belief.

If your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to us at SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer today to discuss your first-party insurance claim.

What Is a First Party Insurance Claim?

A first-party insurance claim is a claim you file directly with your own insurance provider. This type of claim arises when you suffer a loss covered under your policy, such as damage to your property, theft, fire, storm loss, or even medical payments. 

Unlike third-party claims—where you seek compensation from someone else’s insurer—a first-party claim is between you and your own insurance company.

These claims may include:

• Property damage: When your home, business, or personal property is damaged by a covered event.
  

• Vehicle losses: When your car is damaged or totaled in an accident or natural disaster.
  

• Health or medical benefits: When your health insurance should cover specific treatments or procedures.
  

• Disability or life insurance claims: When your insurer delays or denies rightful benefits under your policy.

In all these cases, your insurer has a duty to act in good faith and honor the terms of your policy. When they don’t, that’s when we step in.

Common Bad Faith Insurance Practices

Unfortunately, not all insurance companies handle claims fairly. Some employ tactics designed to minimize payouts or delay resolutions, hoping claimants will give up.

Common bad faith practices include:

• Unreasonable delays: Taking too long to process or pay a claim without valid reasons.
  

• Lowball offers: Offering far less compensation than your losses justify.
  

• Denial without investigation: Refusing claims without properly reviewing evidence.
  

• Misrepresentation: Providing misleading information about coverage or policy terms.
  

• Failure to communicate: Ignoring calls, emails, or requests for documentation.

These behaviors violate the principle of good faith and fair dealing that insurance companies owe their policyholders. When this happens, our attorneys hold insurers accountable and fight to recover what’s rightfully yours.

How We Help Clients With First Party Insurance Disputes

When you’re facing an uncooperative insurer, having an experienced first party insurance attorney on your side can make a difference. At SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, we assist clients by identifying unfair treatment and pursuing rightful compensation.

Here’s how we help our clients:

• Evaluating your policy: We review the terms and conditions to confirm what’s covered.
  

• Investigating your loss: We gather evidence, photos, and documentation to support your claim.
  

• Challenging denials: We analyze the insurer’s reasoning and build a strong case for appeal.
  

• Negotiating settlements: We handle discussions with the insurer to pursue fair compensation.
  

• Litigating when necessary: If the insurance company won’t cooperate, we’re prepared to take your case to court.

Every situation is unique, but our goal remains the same: to uphold your rights, recover your losses, and restore your peace of mind. When insurance companies fail to meet their obligations, we make sure their policyholders receive the justice they deserve.

Types of First Party Insurance Claims We Handle

We represent clients across a wide range of first-party insurance issues. Whether it’s storm damage, a denied medical claim, or a refused disability payout, we’re ready to step in and take action.

Some of the most common claims we handle include:

• Homeowners insurance claims: Wind, fire, water, or storm damage to your property.
  

• Auto insurance claims: Damage or loss involving your vehicle.
  

• Health and medical claims: Denied or delayed payments for covered procedures.
  

• Disability insurance claims: Wrongful denials of short- or long-term disability benefits.
  

• Life insurance disputes: Delays or denials in paying out death benefits to rightful beneficiaries.

Regardless of the type of insurance involved, we advocate for fair treatment and full payment under your policy. When insurance companies fail to live up to their promises, you deserve an advocate who’ll stand by you and demand accountability.

What to Do If Your Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

If your insurance provider denies or underpays your claim, don’t give up. There are steps you can take to protect your rights and strengthen your position.

Important steps to take include:

• Request written reasons for denial: Insurers must provide a clear explanation for why your claim was denied.
  

• Review your policy: Verify the terms, coverage limits, and exclusions.
  

• Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, estimates, and receipts.
  

• Avoid signing or accepting low offers: Once you agree to a settlement, you may lose the right to dispute it.
  

• Contact a first-party insurance attorney: A lawyer can review your claim, identify bad faith actions, and pursue compensation.

Insurance companies rely on policyholders feeling powerless. By taking these proactive steps—and seeking experienced legal help—you can protect your rights and increase your chances of a fair outcome.

Before moving on, it’s worth noting that delays or denials don’t always mean your insurer acted in bad faith. But when those actions are unreasonable, you may be entitled to damages beyond your original claim.

Why Work With a First Party Insurance Attorney 

Insurance disputes can be stressful and confusing. Having the right legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Here’s why working with a knowledgeable attorney is so important:

• Leveling the playing field: Insurance companies have vast resources and legal teams. We make sure your voice is heard.
  

• Holding insurers accountable: We challenge and counter bad faith tactics and unfair practices.
  

• Maximizing recovery: We pursue every available benefit and legal remedy you’re entitled to under your policy.
  

• Reducing your stress: We handle communication and negotiation so you can focus on moving forward.

When you hire SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, you’re not just hiring legal representation—you’re gaining advocates who are committed to standing up for fairness, honesty, and justice. We believe policyholders deserve respect and transparency, and we fight tirelessly to make sure they receive both.

Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover

When an insurance company acts in bad faith, the consequences can go beyond the original loss. You may be entitled to additional compensation.

Possible recoverable damages include:

• Policy benefits: The full amount your insurer should’ve paid under your policy.
  

• Interest and penalties: Compensation for unreasonable delays or withheld payments.
  

• Emotional distress: Damages for the stress caused by unfair treatment.
  

• Attorney’s fees and costs: In some cases, the insurer may be required to pay your legal expenses.
  

• Punitive damages: When conduct is especially egregious, courts may impose additional penalties on the insurer.

Every case is different, but our goal is always the same—to hold insurance companies accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. If your insurer failed to act in good faith, we’ll pursue every available avenue to make things right.

Holding Insurance Companies Accountable

Insurance companies have a legal duty to treat their policyholders fairly. When they fail to do so, we step in to demand justice. Whether through negotiation or litigation, our focus is always on obtaining the compensation you deserve and restoring your financial stability.