Bad Faith Insurance

Health insurance policies cost consumers billions of dollars each year, but some policyholders still fight to receive adequate benefits. Bad faith insurance claims arise either 1) when an insurance company has failed to pay a claim for no reason or 2) when the insurance company has taken a position that goes against the insurance coverage policy.

Big insurance companies are often the source of consumer complaints. Many of these complaints lead to insurance lawsuits over bad faith insurance, hidden fees, discrimination, insurance fraud, and coverage disputes. Sometimes consumers have even purchased supplemental health insurance, life insurance, and/or disability coverage yet still have had their insurance claims denied. Other insurance subject to bad faith litigation include car insurance, home owner insurance, flood and fire insurance, vehicle (auto, truck, boat, RV insurance, etc.), and business insurance.

"Bad Faith Insurance Practices" is a term used to describe the failure of an insurance company to honor its contract by fairly compensating a client’s valid claim. Unless you have recently made a claim or previously experienced how some insurance companies operate, you may not be aware of this problem. You may think: "I pay my premiums, so of course my claim it will be paid if something bad happens." But it doesn't always work that way.

Insurance fraud takes many forms. An insurer refusing to pay a claim may offer any number of these following excuses to defend their breach of contract:

• Your policy was canceled for non-payment of a premium
• Your loss is not covered under the policy
• You did not comply with the policy terms
• Your expenses are unreasonable
• You do not have the correct coverage

Though the excuses are endless, the bottom line is the same: insurance companies gladly accept your premiums but hesitate when it comes to paying your valid claims.

In issues of bad faith insurance, the law has been created to uphold a contract that has been breached. The concept behind bad faith insurance is that it requires both the insurer and the insurance holder to act in a "reasonable" manner.

Laws regarding bad faith insurance are constantly changing. All policyholders have rights, and when bad faith insurance may be occurring, you should immediately seek the advice of a qualified bad faith insurance attorney. At The Higgins Firm, we have the experience and the resources to protect your claims and stand up for your rights against the big insurance companies. Our legal team will evaluate your claim and help guide you through the difficult process of pursuing a bad faith claim. Insurance companies are always more willing to settle quickly with policyholders who are represented by an attorney. Often our reputation and experience will enable us to settle your claim without needing to sue the insurance company.

At The Higgins Firm, we don't charge a fee unless we successfully recover a settlement in your case. If you believe that your claim has been unfairly denied or that the insurance company has acted unreasonably, do not simply let it go. Let us begin right away to defend your rights and get you the settlement you deserve. Your actions could benefit not only you, but also others who have been disadvantaged by the large and powerful insurance companies. You can fight, and together we can win.

For free answers to your legal questions about bad faith insurance claims, please call us toll-free at 800.705.2121 or contact us online.