Most consumers pay for an insurance policy and assume that their insurer will be there when they need them. Unfortunately, not all insurers feel the same. There are some insurance companies that will operate in bad faith to either reduce the adequate settlement amount that an accident victim deserves, or outright deny a valid claim.
When a victim worries that an insurance company isn’t operating in good faith, he or she may be unsure of where to turn to or what to do. Often, insurance companies leave victims feeling helpless, or even make them believe that there are no options for recourse.
This is untrue. If you suspect that your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company is not operating in good faith, you have options. Insurance companies have a duty of good faith toward their clients – as well as third parties – involved in an accident. While the duty varies depending on who the insurer is working for, they cannot lie or engage in fraudulent behavior. When they do, they are held accountable for such actions.
Just because an insurer doesn’t agree with you or pay your claim does not mean that they are acting in bad faith. Instead, there are specific circumstances that qualify for bad faith claims against insurance companies.
How to Identify Bad Faith Tactics
There are common tactics used by insurance companies to minimize how much compensation they pay out in an injury case. These bad faith tactics can include:
- Denying coverage without conducting a proper investigation;
- Employing stalling tactics so that the victim doesn’t receive compensation in a timely manner;
- Not providing written information about why the claim was denied;
- Refusing to negotiate with the accident victim;
- Canceling the insurance policy without legal reasons for doing so;
- Using improper terminology or medical reasons to minimize compensation;
- Using laws inappropriately to deny a claim; or
- Refusing to investigate the claim.
What a Victim Can Do
If you suspect that an insurance company is operating in bad faith, you have the right to file a complaint. You may first want to speak to the insurance claim adjuster’s supervisor to see if the issue can be resolved in-house. If the company as a whole is outright acting in bad faith, you may want to enlist the services of an attorney.
Hire An Attorney Who Works With Bad Faith and Unfair Claims in Kentucky
Not all attorneys in the Louisville area are familiar with bad faith and unfair claims practices. If you think that your insurer or the other party’s insurer is acting in bad faith, look for an attorney who has experience with delayed settlements, unreasonable settlement offers, or denial of claims.
The Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC can help you if you suspect that your insurer is acting in bad faith. We will stand up to big insurance companies and ensure that they pay settlements when compensation is due.
To get started, meet with attorney Seth Gladstein today by calling us for a free consultation. You can also request an appointment online.
