Insurance Bad Faith Attorney Near Me: Fighting Unfair Claims Denials

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Fighting Unfair Claims Denials can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies are required by law to act in good faith when handling claims.

You have rights as a policyholder, and insurance companies must follow specific procedures when handling claims. This includes providing clear explanations for denial decisions.

If your claim has been unfairly denied, it's essential to seek the help of an experienced insurance bad faith attorney. They can help you navigate the complex process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

An insurance bad faith attorney can help you identify potential issues with your claim and develop a strategy to overcome them.

What is Insurance Bad Faith?

Insurance bad faith refers to a legal claim that an insured person can bring against the insurance company when the insurer acts illegally in handling a claim. This can happen when the insurer breaches its contract with the insured.

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In Michigan, bad faith is defined as "arbitrary, reckless, indifferent, or intentional actions or disregard of the interests of the person owed a duty." This highlights the severity of the issue.

Bad faith generally refers to the breach of an insurance contract. If an insurer refuses to pay a claim, defend a lawsuit, or perform an investigation, it can be considered bad faith.

Other times, bad faith occurs when the insurer waits an unreasonable length of time before paying a claim, causing harm to the insured. This can be a frustrating and stressful experience for those affected.

Denying or Undervaluing Claims

Insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith when handling claims. However, they often put their interests ahead of yours.

Denying a claim without a reason is a common tactic used by insurance companies. They must provide a basis for the denial, citing specific policy exclusions and facts related to the claim.

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Refusing to pay the true value of a claim is another way insurance companies undervalue claims. They may offer less money than the claim is worth, leaving you short on funds to make repairs or cover losses.

Insurance companies often have a legal duty to defend a lawsuit, even if there's a question about coverage. Denying a defense to a claim can leave you facing a lawsuit without an attorney.

Here are some common excuses insurance companies use to deny or undervalue claims:

  • Missed payments
  • Information not updated in a timely manner
  • Misrepresentation in the application or policy
  • Damage not covered on the policy

These excuses may not be valid, and you may have a case for bad faith insurance practices.

If you're unsure about the legitimacy of your claim or whether your insurance company is acting in bad faith, consider seeking the advice of an experienced insurance bad faith attorney.

Unfair Insurance Practices

Insurance companies have a reputation for engaging in unfair practices, leaving policyholders in difficult situations. Adjusters and executives are notorious for unlawful acts that can result in denied claims and financial hardship.

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Insurance policies are complex contracts that can be difficult to understand, even for lawyers and judges. This is why insurance adjusters often take advantage of policyholders who don't know what their policy covers.

Maryland law requires insurance companies to act in good faith, but some companies still try to find ways to dodge their obligations. This can include making up reasons to deny a claim or looking for loopholes in the policy.

Insurance adjusters often misrepresent the meaning of policy language to deny claims. They may tell policyholders that a loss is not covered when it actually is. This can be devastating for homeowners or vehicle owners who rely on their insurance to recover from a loss.

Accusing policyholders of fraud or arson is another common tactic used by insurance companies to deny claims. This can be a stressful and intimidating experience for policyholders who are already dealing with a loss.

Lawsuits

You can sue an insurance company for bad faith if it unlawfully delayed, denied, or refused your claim. A lawyer that specializes in insurance cases will review your policy and the denial letter.

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A bad faith insurance lawsuit is similar to any other contract or business lawsuit. The basis of the case is the interpretation of the insurance contract and how it applies to a submitted claim.

You can file a lawsuit against the insurance company if the denial of payment or refusal to defend you was without a proper basis. Our firm recently filed a bad faith insurance lawsuit arising from a wrongful death claim.

Damages in a bad faith insurance lawsuit can include losses suffered by the insured due to the breach of the insurance contract. Damages can also include contract interest, judgment interest, and attorney’s fees.

You can obtain a judgment against the insurance company and then sue them for bad faith if they refused to provide a legal defense. We obtained a judgment against the defendant and he assigned us the right to sue his insurance company.

Exemplary or punitive damages can be awarded in certain egregious cases, but this is a remote chance. There is a remote chance of winning exemplary or punitive damages in certain egregious cases.

The main case in Michigan damages awarded for bad faith is Kewin v Massachusetts Life Ins Co. 16 (1980).

Seeking Help and Guidance

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If you're dealing with an insurance company that's being unfair or dishonest, you need to seek help and guidance from an experienced insurance bad faith attorney. Our lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of policyholders against big insurance companies.

We know that insurance companies sometimes delay payments or decline coverage for no valid reason, which is considered "insurance bad faith." This can be catastrophic to your finances, especially if you're relying on the money to put your life back together.

If you've been the victim of a bad faith insurance claim, we can thoroughly investigate the actions of your insurance company to present a strong case for compensation. We're prepared to work quickly to help you recover the finances you need.

Here are some examples of unfair practices committed by insurance companies that we can help you with:

  • Misrepresenting facts or policy provisions
  • Failing to reach a settlement in good faith when liability is reasonably clear
  • Failing to reasonably explain why a claim was denied
  • Failing to approve or deny coverage within a reasonable time
  • Refusing to pay a claim without conducting a reasonable investigation

We welcome the opportunity to review your situation and discuss which insurance laws may apply to you in a free and confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to win a bad faith claim?

Winning a bad faith claim requires specialized knowledge and expertise. It's a challenging process that demands a deep understanding of California insurance laws and practices.

How much is a bad faith claim worth?

A bad faith claim's worth includes the original policy benefits plus additional damages like emotional distress and attorney fees. Compensation varies by state, so the total amount can differ significantly.

Rodolfo West

Senior Writer

Rodolfo West is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the financial world, Rodolfo has established himself as a trusted voice in the realm of personal finance. His writing portfolio spans a range of topics, including gold investment and investment options, where he provides readers with valuable insights and expert advice.

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