Did your insurance company deny your claim without a valid reason in Lakeland, FL? Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Reach out today at (863) 251-6196 to learn how we can help with your claim.
Insurance is meant to provide peace of mind, but unfair practices can cause frustration and financial stress. If your insurer has delayed, underpaid, or wrongfully denied your claim, you may be facing bad faith practices. Under Florida law, insurance companies must treat policyholders fairly, and if they don’t, you may have the right to take legal action.
Working with a Lakeland bad faith insurance lawyer can help you understand your rights and build a strong case. Contact Winters & Yonker today to schedule a free consultation.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Lakeland
Insurance companies are businesses. Sometimes they put profits before people. Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you level the playing field and push back against unfair tactics.
Here’s how a Lakeland bad faith insurance attorney can help:
- Review your insurance policy and the details of your claim
- Investigate how the insurer handled your request
- Identify violations of Florida’s insurance laws
- Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
- File a bad faith claim and represent you in court, if needed
For more help understanding how insurance disputes work in Lakeland, Florida, visit an insurance resource page that breaks down policyholder rights, insurance duties, and steps to take after a denial.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith?
Bad faith happens when an insurance company doesn’t handle a claim honestly or fairly. All insurance companies in Florida are required to act in good faith. When they don’t, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
Examples of bad faith include:
- Denying a valid claim without a good reason
- Delaying payment or investigation of a claim
- Offering much less money than the claim is worth
- Failing to communicate or explain why a claim was denied
- Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage
These actions can happen in many types of insurance, including auto, homeowners, health, and business coverage. If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
How Common Is Bad Faith in Florida Insurance Claims?
Florida has seen a rise in insurance disputes in recent years. Natural disasters, property damage, and car accidents are common reasons for claims. When insurance companies face large losses, they sometimes look for ways to delay or deny payouts.
State law requires insurers to handle claims promptly and fairly. When they don’t, policyholders have the right to seek legal help. The Florida Department of Financial Services receives thousands of complaints each year related to delayed payments, low settlements, and claim mishandling.
Overview of Bad Faith Insurance Disputes
Bad faith insurance disputes occur when an insurer fails to fulfill its obligations to a policyholder, causing unnecessary frustration and financial strain. Insurance companies are required to handle claims fairly, investigate them promptly, and pay out claims as required by the policy.
When they fail to do so, it may constitute bad faith, giving you the right to seek legal action.
What Are an Insurance Company’s Obligations?
Insurance companies are supposed to:
- Investigate claims quickly and fairly
- Communicate clearly and often with policyholders
- Pay claims in full when required by the policy
- Explain any claim denial or delay
If they don’t follow these rules, you may have a bad faith case. Florida law allows you to recover more than just the original claim amount.
What Damages Can You Recover if Your Insurance Company Acts in Bad Faith?
If your insurer acted in bad faith, you may be able to get compensation for:
- The original amount owed under your policy
- Extra costs caused by the delay or denial (like interest or late fees)
- Emotional distress or inconvenience
- Attorney’s fees and court costs
In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages if the company acted intentionally or recklessly.
What Types of Insurance Claims Can Involve Bad Faith?
Bad faith can happen with many types of insurance, including:
- Car accident claims
- Property damage or homeowners’ insurance
- Medical or health insurance claims
- Life insurance disputes
- Business interruption coverage
If your claim was denied or unfairly delayed, it’s important to get legal advice. Not every denial is bad faith, but a lawyer can help you find out.
Steps To Take if You Suspect Bad Faith Insurance
If you think your insurance company is acting in bad faith, here’s what you should do:
- Review your policy to understand your coverage and rights
- Request a written explanation for the denial or delay
- Keep records of all communication with your insurer
- Gather documents such as photos, receipts, and claim paperwork
- Talk to a lawyer to see if you have a bad-faith claim
More tips like these are available on an insurance claim legal resource page with step-by-step guidance for policyholders.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lakeland Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer
If your insurance company wrongfully denied your claim or treated you unfairly in Lakeland, Florida, you may have a case for bad faith. Florida law protects policyholders, and you don’t have to accept a low offer or delay without question.
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you hold the insurance company accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Lakeland bad faith insurance lawyer.
