What are bad faith insurance attorneys?

Insurance is not a luxury anymore. It has become a legal mandate in most cases. So, when you buy an insurance policy, you automatically assume that the insurer will honor the contract and provide you with the right coverage in times of need. But what if you are wrong? Instances have popped up where it is clear as daylight that the insurance companies have acted in bad faith by denying legitimate claims or delaying payments without any valid reasons. You will need a bad faith insurance attorney if you have fallen victim to such ills.  If you believe your insurer has wronged you, consulting our experts is the best thing you can do to determine the legal options you have at your disposal.

What is bad faith insurance?

Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurer fails to uphold their contractual obligations in an unfair or deceptive manner. This can include many things, including unreasonable delays, denial of valid claims or even misleading policyholders about coverage details. In essence, it basically refers to any unethical tactics used by insurance companies to deny your rightful claim.  In such cases, the policyholder has legal recourse. Seek assistance from an insurance bad faith attorney to navigate the complexities of these cases and fight for fair compensation.

Understanding bad faith insurance

Bad faith insurance applies to a whole host of insurance policy types. Home insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and life insurance are just some of the major ones to come to mind. It is important to note that disagreements between the insurer and policyholders can be quite common, bad faith is something when the insurer deliberately disregards legitimate claims. Here are the key signs to watch for.

• Failure to respond to claim inquiries on time.
• Ignoring or dismissing critical evidence that supports the policyholder’s claims.
• Not providing a reasonable explanation for denying or undervaluing the claim.
• Misleading policyholders about their coverage rights and limitations.

Talk with your bad faith insurance lawyer to determine if the actions of the insurer constitute bad faith and what legal remedies are available.

Fighting bad faith insurance

If you feel all the odds are stacked against you, here is what you should do in a step by step manner.

• Document everything: Keep records of all communications from the insurer.
• Request written explanation: In case of a claim denial, ask for a detailed reason in writing.
• Review policy: Gloss over the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to find the coverage limits.
• Seek legal assistance: Contact an insurance bad faith attorney to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.
• Complaint: Every state has regulators overseeing insurance companies. A formal complaint can help put additional pressure on the insurer.
• Pursue legal action: If all else fails, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover damages.

So, you see how important a skilled bad faith insurance attorney is to the entire process? They help you build a strong case and help you get fair compensation.

Proving bad faith in a bad faith insurance claim

If you are looking to win the bad faith insurance claim, you will need to prove that the insurer has acted unfairly. To do this, your bad faith insurance lawyer will try to prove that.

• The insurer has denied a valid claim without a reasonable basis.
• The insurer failed to investigate or process the claim promptly.
• The policyholder has suffered both financially and emotionally due to the insurer’s inaction.

Legal experts will need to use evidence such as policy documents, correspondence, expert testimonies and records of similar past conduct by the insurer. Proving a bad faith case will need a strategic legal approach, which is why working with the right bad faith insurance lawyer is essential.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that dealing with bad faith insurance cases can be emotionally and financially draining. Above all, frustrating. Fortunately, you have the law on your side. If you believe yourself to be a victim, professionals can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. For professional assistance, learn more about the Law Office of Ilya E. Lerma LLC. We are committed to protecting your rights as a policyholder. Contact Ilya Law today to schedule a consultation today.

FAQs

What damages can I recover in a bad faith insurance lawsuit? Well, all this is going to depend on the lawsuit. In most cases compensatory damages are offered to the policyholder, which include the original claim amount, along with the damages for distress and legal fees. For cases where the misconduct is severe or egregious, punitive damages might also come into play when claiming damages for bad faith insurance. What qualifies as bad faith insurance? While the term “bad faith” is an encompassing one, in terms of insurance, this basically means the insurer’s refusal to honor a legitimate claim, denying payments without a valid cause or reason, or misrepresenting policy details to avoid coverage. Do I need to hire a lawyer for a bad faith insurance claim? Yes. We highly recommend choosing a lawyer for a bad faith insurance claim if you want to build a strong case against your insurer. Plus, they also help you gather evidence and take legal action if necessary. Visit our bad faith insurance lawyer page now and learn more about how we can help. Don’t wait if you smell foul play. Consulting our experts empowers you with all the legal rights to come out of this mess with the deserving claim.