How Should You Proceed if You Suspect that Your Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith?
Insurance policies can play an important role in our lives, and we count on them to live up to the duties implied at the time of purchase when we need them most. The flip side of this is when insurance companies are more committed to turning hefty profits, and some may go beyond the boundaries of the law to make this happen. If you suspect that your insurance company is acting in bad faith, there are things you can do to remedy the matter, and the most important is consulting with an experienced Philadelphia bad faith insurance attorney as soon as you’re able to do so.
Have a Seasoned Bad Faith Attorney in Your Corner
Bad faith cases are legally challenging and may tend to drag on, which is a common tactic used by insurance companies to push claimants like you into accepting less compensation than the amount to which they’re entitled. Bad faith generally refers to engaging in practices that are outside what is acceptable within the insurance industry and placing the interests of the insurance company ahead of those of its insureds.
The burden of proof for claimants is hefty, and insurance companies are very good at covering their bases. In other words, having a determined bad-faith insurance attorney on your side from the outset is the single most important step you can take.
Document Well
Bad faith cases like yours often come down to documentation, which can serve as powerful evidence that refutes the insurance company’s claim of fair dealings. You’ll need to demonstrate the validity of your claim, which can be bolstered by all the following – as applicable:
- A log that details the calls and meetings you had with the insurance rep handling your claim
- Notes about all contact you had with your insurance agent or adjuster regarding your policy and the claims procedure
- Your relevant medical or other bills
- All correspondence between you and the insurance company
- Relevant receipts, reports, photos, and estimates
Bringing a successful insurance claim requires careful documentation of your covered losses in the first place, and these will also be addressed in your bad faith claim. If your insurance company’s practices are deemed to be bad faith, you may also receive punitive damages, which are designed to punish the insurance company rather than to merely compensate you.
If Your Claim Has Been Denied
An insurance company can only deny a claim in Pennsylvania when they have a valid reason for doing so. However, there are instances where insurance companies deny claims out of hand or for invalid reasons. If your claim has been denied, you need to make sure that the insurance company has put the denial, and the basis for the denial, in writing. This written denial letter will be able to shed light on whether the denial is valid or may qualify you for a bad faith claim. Your bad faith case will be specific to the unique circumstances involved, and your practiced bad faith insurance attorney will help to ensure that it proceeds effectively and efficiently forward.
Make the Call to an Experienced Philadelphia Bad Faith Insurance Attorney Today
The skilled Philadelphia bad faith insurance attorneys at HGSK Injury Lawyers dedicate their practice to helping valued clients like you obtain the compensation to which they’re entitled, and we welcome the opportunity to also help you. To learn more, please contact us online or call us at 267-350-6600 and schedule a free consultation today.