Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers / Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers

When you pay your insurance premiums month after month, you expect your provider to uphold their end of the bargain if you ever need to file a claim. Unfortunately, some insurers prioritize protecting their profits over treating policyholders fairly. That's when you need an experienced bad faith insurance lawyer in your corner.

A bad faith insurance attorney knows the unfair tactics insurers use, like delaying or denying valid insurance claims and refusing to pay reasonable settlements. When an insurer violates its obligations, bad faith insurance claim lawyers fight to hold them accountable.

If you believe you have a bad faith insurance claim, contact the insurance lawyers at Munley Law to schedule a free consultation.

What Constitutes Bad Faith?

Bad faith refers to an insurance carrier acting unreasonably or breaking their contractual duties and obligations to you. Some common examples of bad faith insurance practices include:

• Delaying claims or payment with no valid basis for denial
• Unreasonable denial of claims for improper or misleading reasons
• Failure to properly investigate and evaluate a claim
• Refusing to settle for a fair, reasonable amount when liability is clear
• Advising claimants not to obtain legal representation
• Negotiating and making agreements in bad faith with no intention of honoring them

You have legal rights when you buy an insurance policy. If an insurance adjuster violates those rights through deceptive practices, putting their financial interests ahead of yours, they act in bad faith according to insurance law. It's a breach of their duty to act honestly and fairly.

While insurance claims can be complex, there's a difference between reasonable disputes and an insurer deliberately misleading or taking advantage of policyholders. When that line is crossed, legal action might be necessary to enforce your rights.

Our Lawyers Can Help When the Insurance Company Won't Pay

Bad faith insurance lawyers at Munley Law can help level the playing field. We know all the tactics insurers might use to avoid paying valid claims – from unreasonable delays and lowball offers to unjustified denials. Our team will investigate every aspect of your case to gather evidence proving the insurance company breached its contractual duties to you.

Our experienced attorneys have secured major verdicts and settlements from insurance giants in bad faith cases time and time again. We aren't afraid to take on the big providers and their legal teams to enforce your rights as a policyholder. With our law firm advocating for you, you boost your chances of getting the full claim payment and benefits you deserve.

Don't let an insurance company take advantage of you by acting in bad faith. Our personal injury lawyers at Munley Law have decades of experience and can step in to protect you and hold the insurer accountable.

Do I Have a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?

If your insurance company has violated your contract by unreasonably denying a legitimate claim, delaying payment without justification, or failing to investigate your claim correctly, you may have grounds for a bad faith action.

At Munley Law, our experienced bad faith insurance lawyers have been taking on insurance companies for years, and we have the track record to prove it. We dig deep, build bulletproof cases, and won't stop fighting until you get the maximum compensation you deserve for insurance bad faith, delayed payments, claim denials, and other improper insurer conduct.

What Damages Can Be Claimed in Bad Faith Insurance Claims?

In a successful bad faith insurance lawsuit, policyholders may be able to recover the policy benefits originally owed, along with additional damages. This can include monetary compensation for financial losses from the delayed/denied claim, emotional distress, attorney fees, economic hardship, and, in some cases, punitive damages against the insurer.

What Are Examples of Bad Faith Insurance Cases?

Common examples include unreasonably denied claims without proper investigation, failing to promptly pay a valid claim, interpreting policy language unfairly to avoid coverage, delaying or making lowball settlement offers, and neglecting to communicate important policy details to policyholders.

For example, you recently had your roof done when a hurricane blows into the area. Because your roofer used substandard materials, your roof was severely damaged in the storm. When you put a claim into your homeowners insurance, it is denied because the insurance company believes the damage was caused by an “Act of God.” However, even though an Act of God had caused the damage, human negligence is the true cause of the damage.

Know Your Rights as an Insurance Policyholder

As a policyholder, you should expect your insurance company to handle claims promptly, reasonably, and in good faith as outlined in your policy. Deceptive tactics like misrepresenting policies or unreasonably denying valid claims may constitute insurance bad faith. Know what you're entitled to, and don't be afraid of an insurance dispute when they overstep their bounds.

What Can I Do If I Suspect My Insurance Company is Acting in Bad Faith?

If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, it's important to document all interactions and communications with them.

Keep detailed records of phone calls, emails, letters, and any other correspondence. Gather any evidence that shows your claim is valid and that the insurance company is not fulfilling its obligations. This documentation will be important if you need to take legal action.

What Should I Do Before Contacting a Bad Faith Attorney?

Before contacting an attorney, review your insurance policy carefully to understand your coverage and the insurer's responsibilities. Organize all the relevant documents, including your claim file, correspondence with the insurance company, and any evidence supporting your claim.

Make a timeline of events to clearly outline the steps you've taken and the responses you've received. This preparation will help your attorney assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible advice on how to proceed.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer?

Most reputable bad faith attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you owe no upfront costs or fees. They only get paid if your case successfully obtains a settlement or award.

Can I Sue My Insurance Company for Pain and Suffering?

In some cases, yes – if the insurance company's egregious misconduct caused severe emotional harm like anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms, those damages may be recoverable.

Are There Time Limits to Filing a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?

Each state has different statute of limitation timeframes for filing bad faith suits, typically 1-5 years from the insurer's wrongful denial or delay. Acting in a timely manner is recommended.

What Can I Do If My Insurance Company Refuses to Settle My Claim?

If your insurance company refuses to settle your claim fairly, there are several steps you can take. First, review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and the insurer's obligations.

You can file a complaint with your state's insurance department or regulatory agency, which can investigate and assist in resolving the dispute. Some states offer mediation services to help policyholders and insurers reach a fair settlement.

If these steps don't resolve the issue, consult an attorney specializing in insurance bad faith claims. They can help you understand your legal rights and potentially file a bad faith lawsuit to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.

Contact the law office of Munley Law today for a free consultation regarding your bad faith insurance action.