Did you file a claim recently only to have your insurance company come back and deny it without providing a valid reason? This might leave you angry, frustrated, and confused about what to do next.
If you haven’t considered it already, think about setting up a consultation with a bad faith lawyer. Your insurer may have acted in bad faith and engaged in unfair practices when denying your claim. This could entitle you to collect compensation if you choose to take legal action.
Find out what you need to know about suing an insurance company below.
What Is Bad Faith?
When you file a claim with an insurance company, you expect the adjuster to consider it carefully before deciding whether to approve it. Unfortunately, this isn’t always how the process plays out.
Some companies act in bad faith. They issue denied claims without giving them the proper attention, violating the terms of their own policies and putting their customers in difficult positions through their breach of contract.
Bad faith laws change from one state to the next, but generally speaking, they apply to any instances in which companies intentionally deny claims without offering sound reasons. Those who have been denied by companies unreasonably should consider hiring bad faith lawyers to help.
When Should You Sue an Insurance Company?
Just because you had a claim denied recently doesn’t automatically mean you should call a bad faith attorney and file a lawsuit against an insurance company. However, you may want to look into suing an insurer if it:
- Denied a valid claim without providing an acceptable reason
- Delayed the processing of a claim for an unreasonable amount of time
- Utilized deceptive tactics to avoid having to approve a claim
An attorney will review the terms of your policy to see whether suing a company makes sense. They might advise you to file a lawsuit against an insurer if they find that it violated this policy.
How Can You Successfully Sue an Insurance Company?
Proving that an insurance company acted in bad faith isn’t always easy. You and your lawyer must work together to compile more than enough evidence showing your unsuccessful efforts to have a valid claim processed.
This evidence might include:
- Detailed phone and email records
- Claim denial letters
- Documents related to your initial claim
Do You Need a Bad Faith Lawyer To Handle Your Case?
Suing an insurance company is a complex process that will often become even more complicated as time passes. Many companies have large legal teams representing them, making filing a successful lawsuit challenging.
For these reasons, you need a bad faith insurance lawyer in your corner to handle your case from the start. They will ensure you don’t make any crucial mistakes that could weaken your case and give an insurer the upper hand in court.
Your attorney will also lead the way when it’s time to gather evidence and create a compelling case. They will take charge during settlement negotiations and take care of presenting your case in court if things proceed to that point.
Reach Out to Us for Help With Taking Legal Action Against Your Insurer
You can — and should — sue an insurance company if you believe it acted in bad faith while processing a claim. However, don’t do so until you have an experienced bad faith lawyer in your corner providing legal representation.
McLaurin Law, PLLC, is here to help those considering filing lawsuits against insurance companies. Contact us at (713) 364-1895 to discuss the specifics of any case involving insurance disputes or insurance fraud.
