When you purchase an insurance policy, you are entering into a contract. You pay your premiums with the expectation that if a disaster strikes, whether it is property damage, a car accident, or another covered loss, your insurance provider will honor their end of the bargain by processing your claim fairly and promptly.
Similarly, when you are injured by an insured person and interact with their insurance company, you are often also entitled to an expectation that they will deal with you fairly and promptly.
Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Sometimes, insurance companies prioritize their own profits over their obligations to policyholders and/or claimants. When an insurer unfairly denies, delays, or underpays a legitimate claim, they may be acting in bad faith. This is where a bad faith insurance attorney becomes essential.
What Does a Bad Faith Attorney Do?
A bad faith insurance attorney is a legal professional who works to hold insurance companies accountable when they violate the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Their primary goal is to level the playing field between you and an insurance giant with their vast resources. These attorneys are skilled in identifying and challenging the deceptive tactics that insurers often use to avoid paying claims, such as:
Unreasonable Denials: Refusing to pay a valid claim without a legitimate justification, often citing technicalities or misinterpreting policy language.
Stalling Tactics: Intentionally delaying the investigation or payment process, hoping the policyholder will become frustrated and give up.
Lowball Settlements: Offering payouts that are significantly less than what the policyholder is entitled to based on their actual losses.
Improper Investigations: Failing to conduct a fair and thorough investigation before denying a claim.
Intimidation: Using aggressive or coercive tactics to pressure claimants into accepting unfair terms.
How We Can Help You
If you suspect an insurance company you are dealing with is acting in bad faith, you do not have to fight them alone. An experienced attorney can:
Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation: They will gather documentation, review the policy language, and work with experts to prove that your claim was wrongfully handled.
Navigate Complex Laws: Bad faith laws vary by state. A specialized attorney understands these nuances and knows how to build a case that adheres to local legal requirements.
Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation: Whether through strategic negotiation or taking the insurer to court, your attorney acts as your advocate to secure the compensation you deserve, which may include more than just the original policy benefits, such as damages for economic losses, legal fees, or even punitive damages if the insurance company has acted egregiously.
Protecting Your Rights
Dealing with insurance disputes can be incredibly stressful, especially when you are already managing the fallout from a loss. By partnering with a firm that understands the intricacies of bad faith litigation and is experienced in making insurance companies accountable for their actions, you can ensure that your voice is heard and your interests are protected.
If you feel your insurance company has failed to meet its obligations, reaching out for a consultation with O’Hara Taylor Sloan Cassidy Beck PLLC is the first step toward accountability.