Has an insurance company denied your claim in Clearwater, Florida, for no apparent reason? Do you believe they have intentionally delayed processing your claim or lied to you about the coverage details? You could be entitled to recover the amount of your original claim plus punitive damages.
Bad faith insurance claims can be difficult to prove, so you will likely need the help of an experienced lawyer who can help. The team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers has more than 119 years of combined experience helping victims get the compensation they deserve, and we have helped them recover tens of millions of dollars.
Contact our Clearwater office today to schedule a free consultation with a Clearwater bad faith insurance lawyer and let us get started helping you. Call us at (727) 493-4418.
How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Clearwater, FL
When you are dealing with an insurance claim, times are already stressful. You may have injuries, and you are likely waiting on compensation to help pay medical bills and other expenses. Things only get more stressful when the insurance company refuses to settle your claim.
The team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you by:
- Reviewing all relevant insurance contracts to understand your coverage details fully
- Gathering evidence to prove the actions of the insurance adjuster
- Assessing all the details of your original claim
- Handling all conversations with the insurance company and adjuster
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement of your claim
- Filing a bad faith lawsuit and litigating your claim when necessary
Get help from an experienced Clearwater personal injury lawyer who can help you get the justice you deserve. Do not let the insurance company take advantage of you while they try to protect their bottom line. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Clearwater bad faith insurance lawyer.
How Common Are Bad Faith Insurance Claims?
It is hard to pinpoint how many bad-faith insurance claims are filed yearly. Bad faith claims happen with health insurance, auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and more. One thing is certain – bad faith claims are on the rise as insurers work harder and harder to protect their bottom lines.
Overview of Bad Faith Insurance Claims
When you purchase insurance, you expect that any valid claims will be paid fairly and promptly. This is especially true when you pay a high price for your premiums. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida is the most expensive state in the country for auto insurance. Unfortunately, many insurance companies still try to avoid paying valid claims.
What Actions Constitute Bad Faith by Insurance Companies?
Some actions that might be considered bad faith include:
- Intentionally delaying the processing of your claim
- Refusing to investigate your claim for no valid reason
- Outright denying your claim without a legitimate reason for denial
- Misrepresenting the details of your coverage after a claim has been filed
- Changing the details of your coverage after a claim is filed
- Intentionally withholding communications during the claims process
Remember that your insurance policy is a contract. This contract includes an implied duty for the insurance company to act in good faith. This means reasonably investigating all submitted claims and paying those that are valid. When an insurance company breaches this duty, they have acted in bad faith.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Receive for a Bad Faith Claim?
Insurers who engage in bad faith practices can be held liable for many types of damages. First, victims of this practice can recover the amount of their original claim. This includes both economic and non-economic damages. Additionally, victims may be entitled to punitive damages in these cases as well.
Punitive damages are intended to punish the insurance company for its wrongful behavior. These damages also help to prevent similar behavior in the future. Florida law typically caps punitive damages to the lesser of $500,000 or three times the compensatory damages. However, this cap may be removed if the victim can prove the insurer’s actions were purely for financial gain.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Florida?
If you have been the victim of bad faith practices, you typically have five years to bring a claim against the insurance company. Keep in mind that you must send a Civil Remedy Notice to the insurance company and Florida’s Department of Financial Services prior to filing a lawsuit. The company has 60 days to respond to this notice.
Failure to file your claim in a timely manner can result in losing all your rights to recover compensation. Since the rules governing bad faith claims can get complex, you should always get help from an experienced lawyer who can help you through the process.
The team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help with your claim to ensure you do not miss your chance to get compensated for your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Clearwater Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers
Are you dealing with an insurance company that is engaging in bad faith practices in Clearwater, Florida? Contact the team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to let us help you hold the insurance company accountable.
You deserve to have your claim resolved fairly and honestly, and we can help make that happen. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Clearwater bad faith insurance attorney and let us get started.
