Learning About Bad Faith Claims
Insurance companies are legally obligated to deal fairly and in good faith with clients and customers. So, if an insurance company treats you unfairly, you may be able to move forward with a bad faith claim.
Insurance companies have a duty to good faith dealings because they have such an enormous impact on individual lives. When a company decides to deny or reduce a claim, it can devastate a person’s finances, and it can be difficult for people to fight back as insurance companies have large legal teams. If you feel you have been treated unfairly by an insurance company in Newtown, Yardley or Langhoren talk to a Bucks County personal injury lawyer.
What it Takes to Have a Bad Faith Claim
It is common for individuals to not have the results they want from an insurance claim. Just because you are unhappy with the results does not mean the denial or reduction qualifies as bad faith. For example, the policy may not have had the level of coverage you initially believed.
Insurance negotiations can be complex. There are lots of details and exceptions to assess. Bad faith may be part of the conversation if any of the following are true.
- The damage was not properly investigated.
- Your policy was inaccurately represented.
- Unrealistic pay off timeframe.
- Claim was denied for no reason or an unsatisfactory reason.
If you feel you have been the victim of an insurance company acting in bad faith, talk to a professional. An independent claims adjuster may be able to provide clarity after reviewing your documentation, or you could connect with a New Jersey or Pennsylvania personal injury attorney.
Damage Settlements for Bad Faith Cases
What settlement level is possible for a bad faith insurance case depends on a variety of factors. The particulars of your unique case will be taken into account. It is possible the reputation of the insurance company and any past issues could also be taken into account.
Landing on a damage settlement amount can be extremely complicated. After all, the point of a punitive damage award is to help avoid future infractions. For an insurance company with large assets, a settlement award needs to be high in order for the company to see the expense as a deterrent.
Connect with a Bucks County personal injury lawyer to understand your options. An insurance company working in good faith and providing fair assessments is the backbone of a working relationship between insurance companies and clients. In order for insurance to be useful, people need to be confident they can rely on their policy for protection in the event of accident and injury.
Do you believe an insurance company connected to your claim acted in bad faith? You may have a right to financial compensation. Contact a member of the legal team at Kardos, Rickles & Hand. Our attorneys know how to secure the maximum settlement amount possible. Accidents happen every day. When they happen to you, it is essential you have a lawyer fighting for your rights. Reach out today, call 215-968-6602.
