Fort Lauderdale Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith when reviewing, investigating, and paying out on claims. Still, there are times when they do not uphold the rights of claimants and policyholders. If any insurance company has denied or delayed your claim, it is important to understand your legal options. Our Fort Lauderdale bad faith insurance lawyer can explain what those are and help you hold the insurer accountable.

What is Bad Faith?

Insurance policies are legally binding contracts between the insurance company and the policyholder. The policyholder pays monthly or yearly premiums and in exchange, the insurer provides coverage when necessary. For example, after a hurricane damages a home, the owner can file a claim with their homeowners insurance policy to obtain coverage that will help them make the necessary repairs.

Insurance companies are legally obligated to act in good faith. This essentially means reviewing and paying claims in an honest manner. When insurers intentionally mishandle claims or refuse to offer claimants a proper settlement, they are acting in bad faith. Common examples of bad faith include:

• Refusing to acknowledge a claim in a timely manner
• Failing to promptly investigate a claim
• Misrepresenting the facts or the terms within the policy
• Asking policyholders to provide unnecessary documentation or paperwork
• Failing to ask for further documentation from the policyholder in a timely manner
• Delaying a claim without reason
• Offering a lowball settlement
• Unreasonably denying a claim
• Failing to provide payment in a timely manner after approval

Any time you feel that an insurance company has not treated you fairly or honestly, it is important to speak to a Fort Lauderdale bad faith insurance claims lawyer.

Are All Denials Bad Faith?

Contrary to what many people think, an undesirable insurance outcome does not necessarily mean the insurer acted in bad faith. There are times when insurance companies have a right to deny claims. Insurers may deny claims in good faith when any of the following apply:

• The policyholder did not pay premiums, invalidating the policy
• The insurance policy does not cover the claimant
• There is a legitimate dispute over liability or important fact
• The terms of the insurance policy do not cover the type of damage

While the above do give insurance companies reason to deny claims, insurers still have certain duties. They must still respond to and investigate claims promptly. After a denial, they must also provide you with a valid reason for not approving your claim.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

If an insurer has acted in bad faith, you can file a lawsuit against them to obtain the full amount of the claim, your legal fees, and more. At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our Fort Lauderdale bad faith insurance lawyer can help you through the process so you obtain the most successful outcome. Call us today at (954) 990-5251 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to get the legal help you need.