What Is An Insurance Bad Faith Lawsuit?
Bad Faith Insurance Attorney: What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If you have insurance, you expect your provider to uphold their end of the deal. You pay your premiums, and in return, they should cover legitimate claims for car accidents, home damage, or medical expenses. However, some insurance companies engage in bad faith practices—deliberately denying or delaying claims to protect their profits.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith?
Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurer unfairly denies a valid claim, fails to conduct a thorough investigation, or misinterprets policy language to avoid paying out. Some common examples of bad faith insurance tactics include:
- Offering a settlement far below the actual repair or replacement costs.
- Delaying payment without a valid reason.
- Denying a claim without conducting a fair investigation.
- Misrepresenting policy terms to avoid coverage.
- Unreasonably requiring excessive proof of loss.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If your claim has been denied or undervalued, don’t accept the decision right away. Insurance adjusters handle numerous claims daily and may overlook important details. Follow these steps:
- Request a Review – Speak with your adjuster and ask for a detailed explanation of the denial.
- Appeal to a Supervisor – If the adjuster does not resolve the issue, escalate your claim to a supervisor.
- File a Complaint – Contact your state’s insurance regulatory department if you suspect unfair treatment.
- Gather Evidence – Keep records of all correspondence, medical reports, repair estimates, and policy details.
When to Contact a Bad Faith Insurance Attorney
If you have exhausted all internal appeal options and your claim is still wrongfully denied, it’s time to seek legal help. A bad faith insurance attorney can:
- Negotiate directly with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
- File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to act in good faith.
- Gather evidence to prove the insurance company acted unfairly.
- Help you recover damages beyond the policy limits, including legal fees and punitive damages.
Proving Bad Faith in a Lawsuit
Each state has its own laws regarding bad faith insurance claims, but generally, you must prove that:
- The insurance company wrongfully withheld benefits – The claim was valid under the policy but was denied unfairly.
- The insurer acted unreasonably – Simple negligence isn’t enough. The company must have intentionally avoided paying your claim without a valid reason.
Through the legal discovery process, your attorney may uncover evidence such as:
- Policy misrepresentations
- Failure to properly explain claim denials
- Delays in processing claims
- Lack of reasonable investigation
Why Choose Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers?
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand how frustrating it is to deal with an insurance company that refuses to honor its obligations. Our experienced team fights for policyholders who have been wrongfully denied compensation.
A lawyer’s reputation speaks volumes about their ability to handle cases effectively. Whether you need legal representation for a personal injury claim, medical malpractice, or any other legal matter, choosing an attorney with a proven track record is essential.
Reading online reviews, client testimonials, and industry recognitions can help you gauge a lawyer’s credibility. Tyson Mutrux has built a strong reputation in Missouri, earning a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo and recognition from Expertise as one of the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in St. Louis (2020).
Additionally, he has been honored by The National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40” for his dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients. His attention to detail, strong communication skills, and history of satisfied clients are reflected in numerous positive Google reviews.
We offer free case investigations to evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action.
If you believe you are a victim of bad faith insurance, don’t wait—contact us today at 888 550 4026.