Insurance Bad Faith Claims
When insurance companies take part in unethical practices, this is referred to as bad faith insurance. These practices can include failing to investigate a claim promptly, unreasonably denying benefits or misinterpreting policy language to avoid paying a claim. In North Dakota, there are laws in place to regulate these practices, ensuring that insurance companies act reasonably and responsibly.
Protecting your rights and best interests is essential if your insurance company has acted in bad faith. The experienced Bismarck attorneys at Knoll Leibel LLP offer skilled representation to victims of bad faith insurance practices. They can help you file a claim to get the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers have four decades of experience defending the rights of policyholders in North Dakota and have a proven track record of success.
Common Examples Of Bad Faith Practices
Bad faith practices by insurance companies can take many forms. Here are some common examples:
- Delaying payment of a claim without a reasonable basis
- Failing to disclose policy limits to the policyholder
- Refusing to settle a claim when liability is clear
- Misrepresenting the language of the insurance policy
- Denying a claim without conducting a proper investigation
These can apply to any type of insurance.
What To Do If You Suspect Bad Faith
If you suspect that your insurance company acted in bad faith, there are legal steps that policyholders can take. Start by gathering all documentation related to your claim, including communication with the insurance company. If you haven’t already, consult a lawyer specializing in insurance law. They can help you understand specific North Dakota statutes or case law that support your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions we often hear when discussing cases with our clients. However, consulting with our insurance bad faith lawyers will provide you with a better understanding of the details of your specific case:
What damages can you recover in an insurance bad faith lawsuit?
In an insurance bad faith lawsuit, you may be able to recover various types of damages. These can include the amount of the original claim, additional damages for emotional distress and potentially punitive damages. Punitive damages punish the insurance company for their misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Under what circumstances would a claim of bad faith be justified?
The circumstances include situations where the company unreasonably delays payment, denies a valid claim without a proper investigation or misinterprets policy language to avoid paying. If the insurance company acts in a manner that is dishonest or unfair, it may be considered bad faith. It’s essential to consult with an attorney to evaluate the specifics of your case.
When are insurance companies allowed to deny a claim?
Insurance companies can deny a claim for a legitimate reason, such as if the claim is not covered under the policy terms or if there is evidence of fraud. They can also deny claims if the policyholder did not pay premiums or filed the claim after the policy expires. However, they must provide a valid explanation for the denial and cannot act in bad faith.
Protect Your Rights With Our Experienced Law Firm
If you believe you have a bad faith insurance case, call Knoll Leibel LLP at 701-255-2010 to schedule a consultation to speak with a skilled insurance bad faith attorney. You can also use our intake page.