Dealing with a declined insurance claim can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. Insurance companies are legally obligated to act in good faith when handling claims, which means they must promptly, fairly, and honestly process claims. Should you suspect that your insurance provider has engaged in bad faith practices by unjustly rejecting your claim, you have the right to fight back. This blog will explore ways to file a bad faith insurance claim.
Review Your Policy
Initiating the process of filing a bad faith insurance claim involves conducting a comprehensive review of the complete version of your insurance contract. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your policy, paying special attention to the coverage, limits, and any applicable exclusions. Doing so will help determine whether the denial or handling of your claim is justified or constitutes bad faith.
Collect Evidence
Gather all relevant evidence of the insurance company's bad faith behavior as part of the legal process. This includes validation of loss, invoices for medical care covered by a medical payment agreement, and evaluations for the mending or substituting of personal belongings.
Furthermore, ensure to document your interactions with representatives from the insurance company, and maintain records of the dates, individuals you conversed with, and the discussion topics. Eventually, this documentation will help establish that you have diligently followed the necessary procedures in pursuing your claim and that it is valid and justifiable.
Appeal the Denial
Before filing a formal bad faith insurance claim, it is important to exhaust all available avenues for appeal. Review the denial carefully. Then, compose a written request detailing your demand.
Emphasize that you are prepared to pursue legal action unless the denial is overturned or you are offered a fair and well-grounded explanation for the rejection. It's crucial to allow the insurance company to address your claim before resorting to litigation. Sometimes, the denial may have stemmed from an oversight or miscalculation, and an internal review could resolve the issue.
File a Claim Against the Company
If the insurance company persists in denying your claim in bad faith, escalate the matter by filing a formal lawsuit against the company. Consider seeking the assistance of an attorney experienced in handling bad faith insurance claims to guide you through the process. They can help you prepare legal documentation and effectively represent your interests.
Contact a Bad Faith Insurance Attorney!
Filing insurance bad faith in storm damage claims or any other situation requires seeking the guidance of a qualified attorney. At the Law Offices of Jeff Martin, our team is dedicated to providing unparalleled legal support and advocacy for individuals facing the daunting challenges of insurance bad faith claims. Call our Law firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for more information on how to file a bad faith insurance claim!