Understanding the Unfair and Bad Faith Practice of Insurance Companies

Fort Worth insurance claims attorneys at FH Law Group have extensive knowledge of the practices and tactics insurers use to disregard their contractual obligations to their insureds.  Our law firm represents clients dealing with frivolous denial letters, tactics to delay, and low-ball settlement offers.  Insurers have a duty to give reasonable answers and to provide status updates regarding your claim.  Insurance companies frequently disregard these duties by engaging in a “war of attrition” aimed at drawing out the claims process with frivolous and redundant requests for information.  Insurers know that many policyholders will buckle under the financial pressure while a claim is pending and accept a grossly inadequate settlement.  At our Tarrant County insurance claims law firm, we anticipate the types of sharp practices used by insurance carriers to deny or lowball legitimate claims.

If your insurance carrier utilizes bad faith practices in investigating, adjusting, or paying your claim in a timely manner, you might have a right to damages beyond mere payment of your claim.  Our law firm has assisted many policyholders in obtaining payment of their claim and other compensation for bad faith practices.  Whether we negotiate the settlement of your claim or pursue a lawsuit based on bad faith, we strive to obtain the maximum compensation for policyholders.

Duties Insurers Owe Their Insured

Our Fort Worth insurance bad faith attorneys take on large insurance companies that refuse to comply with their contractual duties to insurers.  Examples of denials of claims that we handle include:

• Failure to cover homeowners claims for damage by a covered peril
• Refusing to provide a defense to lawsuits under liability policies
• Denials of fire damage claims
• Nonpayment of UM/UIM claims and other 1^st party claims
• Frivolous denial or underpayment of roof damage claims
• Lowballing auto insurance full coverage claims (including losses related to diminished value)
• Unjustified denials of health insurance coverage claim
• Failing to pay long-term disability claims

While insurance policies obligate insurers to offer financial protection from losses, the insurance industry did not become a billion dollar segment of the U.S. economy by promptly and fully paying all valid claims.  When a policyholder is informed that an insurer intends to deny a claim, the insured should request that the language being relied on to justify denial or underpayment be specifically referenced in writing.  This request is important because the insurance carrier is placed in a position of needing to defend the justification they offer if litigation ensues over nonpayment or underpayment of the claim.  When filing a claim, detailed records should be kept regarding all communications with the insurance company, including the following information:

• Time and date of the call
• Person you spoke with
• Summary of information discussed

Protecting Policyholders from Unjustified Denial of Insurance Claims

Fort Worth insurance claims attorneys at FH Law Group invite you to contact us if you are struggling to obtain fair treatment from your carrier for a 1^st party claim (against your own insurer) or a 3^rd party claim against another party’s insurer.  We understand the aggravation and financial challenges of dealing with an insurance company that fails to provide promised benefits or to respond to reasonable requests for communication or updates.  Our law firm is committed to providing the highest quality legal services.  Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (817) 697-4400 or visit our website.