The practice of law regarding insurance is important to individuals as well as the commercial sector. You have to take certain risks in life sometimes. These risks can also have a considerable financial and commercial impact. By insuring yourself against those risks, you enter into a world of policy sheets, policy conditions and (exclusion) clauses. Providing guidance on insurance-related matters for companies and their clients with their business is a core specialism of our firm.
Our Insurance law experts advise clients on claims litigation, policy wording and coverage advice. We guide clients through any issue, helping them to achieve their commercial and legal ambitions.
Insurance law is a beast of its own for which the legislator has set up its own section in the Dutch Civil Code. This section contains the general rules and obligations that apply to both the insurer and the policyholder. It is essential that you realise which obligations apply to you before taking out an insurance, as it will determine the coverage of your insurance and therefore the extent to which you may recover your losses in the event of damage. For example, your obligation to provide information when completing an application form can have (far-reaching) consequences for the award and amount of compensation. The insurer will usually only assess whether you have fulfilled your obligation to provide information when you submit a claim. Our specialists can inform you in advance about the extent of the coverage of a certain insurance policy and your obligations.
Before accepting your claim, the insurance company will assess whether the insurance you have taken out covers your claim and, if so, the amount of compensation that you are entitled to. Unfortunately, the insurance company has a vast number of reasons for denying your claim, some legitimate, some not. An insurance company may for example rely on a lack of coverage, an error in your application or claim, as well as allegations of insurance fraud. Are you considering suing your insurance company for denying your claim or committing other misconduct? Then it is time to level the playing field by contacting one of our insurance law experts.
It is common for liability questions to play an important role in insurance issues. Our multidisciplinary approach allows our experts to see the bigger picture and also cover those aspects. In addition, several of our specialists have worked for insurance companies and therefore were able to gain insight into how the claim assessment framework is applied by insurance companies.
Being injured can have an enormous impact on your life. How you deal with the accident and the consequences is a personal journey. This also applies to the needs that follow. Legal success with the highest possible compensation is not guaranteed, but by paying attention to the person and asking the right questions, I want to assist and unburden the client as much as possible.
I like clarity in the legal debates I have with the counterparty. Legal tug-of-war is a waste if it isn’t clear where you disagree. Discussions are often conducted on paper, which can easily be avoided by simply picking up the phone. Direct contact allows me to quickly focus on the core of the dispute. This ensures a quick settlement of a case.
Sjoerd studied Dutch law at the University of Groningen, with a specialisation in Private Law. After his studies, Sjoerd worked at an insurance company for three years, where he engaged in insurance law, traffic law, and liability law. He was also responsible for conducting legal proceedings.