We’ve all heard it before – insurance companies dragging their feet, refusing to investigate claims, not returning phone calls – it’s infuriating. As a customer, you pay a lot of money to your insurance company every year, but when you finally need them, they won’t do their job.
The truth is, the only thing big insurance companies care about is profit. If they can refuse to pay your claim, they will. Some insurance adjusters are even trained to deny claims initially, so they only have to pay out on the claims people are willing to fight for. I know it may seem like there’s nothing you can do, but you can fight back.
Your insurance company has a duty to act in good faith in the handling and payment of your claim.
When you enter into a contract with an insurance company you form a relationship. As a result of that relationship, the insurance company has a duty to treat you a certain way.
This doesn’t mean they have to pay out on every claim that is filed, it means they have to pay out on claims if they don’t have a reasonable justification to deny them. It also means insurance companies have to promptly and reasonably investigate and respond to your claim.
If your Ohio insurance company doesn’t act in good faith while handling your claim, you may be entitled to damages. You should consider filing a bad faith claim against your insurance company if you have experienced any of the following:
- Failure to investigate your claim
- Inadequate investigation of your claim
- Delay in investigation
- Prolonged or duplicative investigation
- Harassment, oppressive, or exploitative conduct
Before filing a bad faith claim against an insurance company, you should know:
1. This type of claim can only be filed against your own insurance company.
2. You may be entitled to additional compensation for bad faith even if your insurance company ultimately paid your claim.
With big corporations and well-trained insurance companies making decisions, it can sometimes be difficult to get the compensation you deserve. It is important to call an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you navigate these laws.
If your insurance company arbitrarily denied your insurance claim, you have to call me right away at 1 (800) 556-4769. I have the resources and experience necessary to fight for your rights. As an Ohio personal injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
