Bad Faith Insurance Claims
Every month, we pay insurance premiums under the presumption that when we are in need, our insurance company will be there to provide compensation in emergency situations. However, oftentimes when an emergency situation occurs and a policy holder is in need, payments are unreasonably delayed, denied, or underpaid by the insurance carrier. If this has happened to you or your loved ones, you have most likely been a victim of bad faith insurance, an increasingly common practice among insurance companies who find that it is often more profitable not to pay out legitimate claims.
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people a year find themselves in what they feel is the helpless position of being denied payment or shortchanged on their rightful claim. Some insurance companies intentionally misinterpret policy language, while others withhold or deny coverage for frivolous reasons, counting on the fact that the average citizen will accept their fate without defending themselves or pursuing their legal rights. Few people seek representation.
To prove a claim in court, the injured party need only show that the insurer failed to honor the policy contract and that they had no reason to not pay the claim fairly. In looking at the actions of the insurer, courts look to what a reasonable insurer would do in a similar situation. If the claim is proved, the policy-holder can recover both the benefits of the insurance claims, plus any expenditures incurred while litigating the claim.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of bad faith practices by an insurance company, do not hesitate to contact the Edwards Law Firm to explore your legal options.
