Are you having issues with an insurance company that has delayed, underpaid, or denied your claim without justification in New Port Richey, FL? Some insurance companies use unlawful tactics to avoid paying valid claims. When an insurance company crosses the line, you may have legal options to hold the company liable for damages.
The New Port Richey bad faith insurance attorneys at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have over 119 years of combined experience and a successful track record of winning cases for our clients, resulting in tens of millions recovered through settlements and jury verdicts.
Call us at (727) 910-5060 to schedule a free consultation.
How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With Your Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Florida
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we have been fighting for the rights of personal injury victims in New Port Richey, Florida, for decades.
When you hire our top-rated New Port Richey personal injury lawyers, you can trust that our legal team will:
- Thoroughly investigate your case to gather the evidence proving your claim
- Identify all parties who are liable for your damages
- Work with leading experts when necessary to gather additional evidence supporting your claim
- Determine how much your case is worth based on your damages
- Handle communications with the insurance company
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court to fight for what is just
Our injury attorneys are recognized locally and nationally for their legal services and commitment to clients. We have awards and top ratings from companies, including Expertise.com and other legal organizations.
Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced New Port Richey bad faith insurance lawyer.
Overview of Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Florida
Bad faith refers to fraud or dishonesty in a transaction. It could mean being untrustworthy, engaging in unfair practices, or failing to perform required duties. Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith when dealing with claimants and policyholders. They must make a reasonable effort to investigate claims and negotiate fair settlements for valid claims.
Florida insurance laws regulate insurance companies that do business within the state and provide grounds for filing lawsuits against them for engaging in bad faith insurance practices.
How to Recognize Bad Faith Insurance Practices in New Port Richey, FL
There are many examples of bad faith insurance practices, including:
- Failing to acknowledge a claim
- Denying a claim without providing a written explanation or reason for the denial
- Refusing to investigate and/or process a claim
- Ignoring communication from the policyholder or claimant regarding the status of the claim
- Misrepresenting the terms of the insurance policy or changing the terms after a claim is filed
- Advising a claimant or policyholder not to seek legal advice from an attorney
- Misrepresenting the law or the facts of the case
- Encouraging someone to accept a settlement offer that is far below the value of the claim
It can be challenging to identify some types of bad-faith insurance practices. If you are unsure whether an insurance company is acting unfairly, talk with an attorney as soon as possible about your legal options.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in New Port Richey, FL?
Generally, you must prove that an insurance company intentionally acted in bad faith to recover damages. Damages for a bad faith insurance claim can include economic damages, such as:
- The value of your initial claim
- Interest on the amount of the claim
- Additional damages caused by the company’s failure to pay the claim promptly
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Attorneys’ fees and costs of filing a bad-faith insurance claim
- Loss of income, if applicable
A claim may also include non-economic damages for the emotional distress, anxiety, and mental anguish caused by the insurance company’s actions. Inconvenience and embarrassment may also be included in non-economic damages.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Florida?
Under Florida law, typically, there is a five-year statute of limitations for bad faith insurance claims. This time period generally begins on the date the claim was denied or when the cause of action accrued, whichever comes first.
Contact Our New Port Richey Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If an insurance company has treated you unfairly, schedule a free case consultation with our New Port Richey bad faith insurance attorneys. The legal team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers aggressively pursues insurance companies when they engage in bad faith to cheat victims out of the money they deserve. Reach out to our law office to schedule a free consultation.