Consumers who purchase insurance policies to safeguard themselves in the event that something unforeseen or unpredictable happens are protected by laws that ensure they are treated fairly their insurers. Under these laws, insurance providers that breech their legal duty to properly handle a claim and treat a customer fairly can be held accountable for the claims and any damages victims suffered when policyholders file bad faith insurance claims.
At Schimmel & Parks, APLC, our legal team has helped many clients throughout Southern California after they were mistreated by their insurance companies following a home insurance claim, auto claim, and other insurance policy claims. If you or someone you love believes you may have valid cause to file a bad faith insurance claim, our team can help you better understand your rights and the merits of your case during a free consultation.
To help you get a better picture of bad faith insurance claims, here are 3 key points you should know:
- There are laws – Insurance policies are contractual obligations between you and the insurance provider. When an insurance provider breeches their duties as outlined in a contract, such as not paying a claim when there is valid coverage, they can be held accountable for breeching their contract. In addition to contractual law, insurance companies are also held in check by laws and regulations that require them to treat customers fairly and to handle their claims in a prompt and appropriate manner.
- You can exercise your rights – It is important to know that if you have had a claim denied or if you have received less than what you believe you are entitled to under your policy, you do have rights and you can and should exercise them. This includes your right to file appeals of decisions you do not agree with, as well as your right to pursue a bad faith insurance claim in the event that insurance companies are unwilling to move from their position on your claim.
- Working with a lawyer is crucial – Because the insurance industry can be hazy and complex, and because bad faith insurance claims involve complex areas of law, it is critical that policyholders work with proven attorneys to help them protect their rights during the claim process. Remember, insurers are in business because they collect premiums from policyholders and go to great lengths to fight, minimize, and deny claims. When you work with an experienced lawyer who knows how to fight back against insurance companies and the resources they use, you level the playing field, and put yourself in a strong position to recover what you are owed.
Bad faith insurance claims can be challenging, but our firm has extensive experience in this legal area and is familiar with the tactics and procedures used by insurance providers when handling customer claims or defending against them. Our team of award-winning lawyers has earned a reputation as seasoned consumer rights’ advocates. Over the years, we have demonstrated an ability to handle complex cases against some of the largest insurance companies, and we have utilized more than 50 years of collective experience to help our client obtain fair outcomes in many different types of cases, including those that resolved in settlement or trial. When you bring your case to us, you can have confidence that we will fight aggressively on your behalf.
If you would like to discuss your case with an attorney from our firm, contact Schimmel & Parks, APLC today. We proudly serve clients throughout Southern California.