Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Washington
Insurance companies and the standards, laws, and regulations that apply to them can be very confusing and difficult to deal with. Here at Schauermann Thayer, we have extensive knowledge and experience about what insurance companies should and shouldn’t do when handling your claim. We work to ensure our client are treated fairly and honestly throughout the claims process, and we are here for our clients in the event their insurance companies’ conduct falls below the required standards.
Schauermann Thayer is located at 1700 E 4th Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, across the street from the Vancouver Veterinary Hospital. Call us today at (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What is Insurance Bad Faith?
Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurance company fails to uphold its legal obligation to treat policyholders fairly and honestly. Insurers are required to investigate claims promptly, evaluate them reasonably, and pay valid claims in a timely manner.
When an insurance company unreasonably delays payment, wrongfully denies a claim, misrepresents policy coverage, fails to conduct a proper investigation, or otherwise places its financial interests ahead of its policyholder’s rights, it may be acting in bad faith.
What Is the Purpose of a Bad Faith Claim?
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. They are known for putting their own interests ahead of policyholders. But insurance companies are not above the law. Washington imposes numerous duties on an insurance company. There is a common law duty for the insurance company to act in good faith. There are also specific statutes and regulations that govern insurance company conduct, such as those outlined below:
Bad faith type Insurance lawsuits allow you to seek compensation directly from the insurance company for their misconduct.
First-Party Bad Faith Lawsuits
First-party bad faith happens when your own insurance company has failed to abide by the required insurance standards, policies, and practices. There may be circumstances in which you are a policyholder, and you are filing a claim against your own policy. One example is when you file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim under your own policy. In that circumstance, you are dealing with your own insurance company.
An insurance company may be acting wrongfully by:
- Denying your claim without adequately investigating the facts
- Misrepresenting the terms of your policy
- Excessively delaying your claim
- Ignoring medical evidence that you have presented in support of your injuries
The Washington insurance bad faith attorneys at Schauermann Thayer analyze and handle your personal injury case from the very beginning. That way, we can prepare and present the claim to the best of our ability and help ensure you are treated fairly. If potential insurance bad faith conduct comes into play during the claims process, we are prepared to advocate for our clients and confront insurance companies as necessary.
Contact a Washington Insurance Bad Faith Law Firm
To speak with our Insurance bad faith attorneys in Washington, call us today at (360) 695-4244. You can schedule a free initial consultation with our firm through a phone call or by reaching out to us through our website.
