Bad Faith Insurance Claims
Insurance companies are required to uphold the promises made in their policies and act in good faith when handling claims. When an insurer delays, denies, or fails to properly investigate or pay a valid claim, it may be acting in bad faith. These actions can leave policyholders struggling with financial hardship, stress, and uncertainty when they need support the most.
What Is Bad Faith?
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company prioritizes its own interests over the obligations it has to its policyholders. While insurers have a legal duty to treat customers fairly and give their claims serious consideration, some fail to meet these responsibilities. Common examples of bad faith include:
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Unreasonable delays in processing a claim
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Denying a claim without a valid reason
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Failing to conduct a proper investigation
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Offering significantly less compensation than what the policy allows
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Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage
Understanding Your Insurance Contract
Insurance policies can be complicated, often filled with terms that seem straightforward but may carry specialized legal interpretations. Courts generally interpret unclear or ambiguous terms in favor of the insured, not the insurer. That means if your policy’s language is confusing, you have the right to expect it to be read in a way that benefits you.
Importantly, you do not need to prove that your insurance company intended to harm you. To bring a bad faith claim, you only need to show that the company failed to honor its contract and did not have a legitimate reason to deny or delay your benefits.
Protecting Policyholders’ Rights
At The Helton Law Office, we help individuals and businesses hold insurance companies accountable when they fail to act in good faith. Our attorneys have extensive experience analyzing insurance contracts, identifying improper claim handling, and pursuing legal remedies to recover what clients are rightfully owed.
If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, it’s important to act quickly. Our team can review your case, explain your rights, and fight to ensure that your insurer upholds its obligations. Contact us now for a consultation.