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Bad faith refers to a certain kind of claim an insured person can make against an insurance company. U.S. law requires these providers to act in good faith and deal fairly with those they insure. For instance, they shouldn’t look for ways to escape their obligation to investigate a claim or pay the insured person. If the insurer violates this covenant, a lawyer can help you—the policyholder—make a bad faith claim.

When deciding whether you may have such a case on your hands, you need to pinpoint relevant actions—or lack thereof—on the part of the insurance company. Common reasons insurers get sued for bad faith range from an unjustifiable denial of coverage to failure to communicate important information, like policy limits, to refusing to pay a claim without taking the time to investigate it. Offering money well below the claim’s actual value can also qualify. 

lawyerIf you suspect your insurance company is using bad faith tactics, it’s important to document every detail of your interaction with the claims adjuster. Keep a journal of every phone call, meeting, and email. Save all relevant documents. Ask the claims adjuster to provide written documentation detailing the reasons for their actions—for instance, if they’ve offered money below a claim’s value, they need to explain why.

Depending on how the case progresses, bad faith litigation can result in a settlement with the insurance company, a court verdict, or an arbitration. A lawyer can help ensure you get the outcome you deserve. Bad faith litigation is tricky, and insurance companies have plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Getting a good attorney on your side is essential.

 

For legal help regarding a bad faith claim in the Kalispell, MT, area, look to Best & Westover Law. Their respected team of lawyers has decades of experience in a variety of practice areas, from personal injury to child custody, divorce law, and more. Find out more about their services online. For an appointment, call (406) 752-8731.

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