Olympia Insurance Bad Faith Claim Lawyers

When you sign a contract with anyone, and in this case we’re discussing your insurance company, you and the other party agree to fulfill your part of the contract. If either party fails to do this, they’re acting in “bad faith.” Washington State law requires that your insurance company act in “good faith” in all matters related to providing insurance to residents. However, when insurance companies act in “bad faith,” know that there is help.

Understanding Bad Faith Insurance Claims

Bad Faith Insurance Attorney in Olympia

Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes act in “bad faith” by engaging in a range of unfair practices. Some common examples of bad faith actions by insurance companies include:

Delaying payments deliberately: Insurance companies may intentionally delay the processing or payment of valid claims, causing unnecessary financial strain and hardship for policyholders who are relying on timely compensation.
Failing to thoroughly and promptly investigate claims: Insurers have a duty to conduct a thorough and timely investigation into policyholders’ claims. However, they may neglect their responsibilities by conducting a superficial or incomplete investigation, leading to unjust claim denials or delays.
Refusing to settle your case: When policyholders file claims seeking a fair settlement, insurance companies may unreasonably refuse to engage in settlement negotiations or fail to make a reasonable settlement offer, leaving policyholders without the compensation they deserve.
Denying claims without reasonable cause: Insurance companies must have valid reasons based on policy provisions, coverage limitations, or evidence to deny a claim. However, some insurers wrongfully deny claims without sufficient justification, depriving policyholders of the benefits they are entitled to under their policies.
Failing to make the full settlement payment: Even when insurers acknowledge their obligation to pay a claim, they may attempt to minimize the settlement amount by making partial payments or undervaluing the damages suffered by policyholders. This practice can leave policyholders struggling to cover their losses fully.
It’s important to recognize that these actions by insurance companies can have severe consequences for policyholders who rely on insurance coverage to protect them in times of need. If you believe that your insurance company has acted in bad faith by engaging in any of these practices, it is crucial to seek legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Case Results

$750,000

Neck fracture and shoulder injuries to wheelchair-bound vulnerable adult in Pierce County.

$609,280

Career ending injuries for longshoreman in rear end collision in western Washington.

$600,000

Volunteer worker fell into unmarked pit causing multiple spine and rib fractures in Thurston County.

Our Approach to Bad Faith Insurance Claims

An Insurance Attorney Can Help

When you have a legitimate insurance claim you expect, and deserve, to be compensated promptly and within the reasonable time limits set forth in your policy. When your insurer fails to do this, or if they have wrongly denied your claim, even dropped your coverage for insufficient reason, it’s time to obtain legal counsel so that you receive your full compensation as quickly as possible. Depending on how severely the insurance company has acted in “bad faith” you may be eligible for a considerable amount of compensation.

Insurance companies have the resources, both in dollars and employees, to find any possible reason to delay, discount or deny legitimate claims. Our team of experienced Olympia insurance lawyers will handle your case aggressively to ensure that justice prevails. From our years of working on “bad faith” cases, we’ve learned how the insurance companies handle such cases, and we take appropriate action.

It’s essential to remember that no instances where an insurance company denies benefits will lead to a “bad faith” case. Instances where the denial is without proper cause, outrageous, unreasonable or malicious are done in “bad faith.” Human error may have been the reason for your denial and that’s simply a breach of contract. Our team is always available to take a look at your situation and tell you whether or not you have a real case on your hands.

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How Ron Meyers & Associates Can Help with Bad Faith Insurance Claims Cases

Work with Ron Meyers & Associates

If you feel that your insurance company has acted in “bad faith,” then it’s time to get legal counsel and take aggressive action, if necessary. The team at Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC has helped their clients win millions of dollars in settlements and judgments over their three decades of serving Western Washington. Their many years of experience in this practice area, coupled with their willingness to fight for your rights, has helped them win the trust and respect of hundreds of Western Washington residents. Give us a call or contact us and we’ll set up an initial consultation and explain how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Faith Insurance Claims Cases

In Washington, a bad faith insurance claim arises when an insurance company fails to act in good faith toward its policyholders. This can include unjustifiably denying or delaying valid claims, conducting inadequate investigations, unreasonably refusing to settle a case, denying claims without a reasonable basis, or failing to provide the full settlement payment.

Identifying bad faith insurance practices can be challenging, but there are signs to watch for. These may include unexplained delays in claims processing, inadequate investigation of your claim, unwarranted denial of benefits, lack of communication or responsiveness from the insurer, or offering a settlement amount that is unreasonably low. Consulting with a knowledgeable bad faith insurance attorney in Washington can help you assess your situation and determine if you have a valid claim.

Yes, you have the right to file a lawsuit against your insurance company for acting in bad faith in Washington. By filing a bad faith insurance claim, you can seek compensation for the damages you have suffered due to the insurer’s unfair practices. It is important to consult with an experienced bad faith insurance attorney in Washington who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

If you succeed in a bad faith insurance claim in Washington, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages. These can include the amount owed under the insurance policy, additional financial losses resulting from the insurer’s misconduct, emotional distress, attorney fees, and in some cases, punitive damages intended to punish the insurer for their wrongful actions.

In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a bad faith insurance claim can vary depending on the circumstances. Generally, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the insurance company’s wrongful conduct. However, it is crucial to consult with a Washington-based bad faith insurance attorney promptly to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines and preserve your legal rights.

A skilled bad faith insurance attorney in Washington can provide invaluable assistance in handling your claim. They will evaluate the merits of your case, gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and, if necessary, litigate the case in court. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side increases the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation for the harm caused by the insurer’s bad faith practices.

The duration of a bad faith insurance claim in Washington can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some cases can be resolved through negotiation and settlement, which may take several months. However, if the insurance company refuses to cooperate or a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, extending the timeline. Your attorney will work diligently to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.

If you suspect that your insurance company is acting in bad faith in Washington, it is important to gather documentation related to your claim, including correspondence with the insurer and any relevant policy information. Consult with a skilled bad faith insurance attorney in Washington who can evaluate your case, advise you on your rights, and guide you on the appropriate legal actions to take.

Yes, Washington has laws and regulations in place to protect policyholders from insurance bad faith practices. The Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) provides additional remedies for policyholders who have been subjected to unfair or deceptive acts by their insurance companies. An experienced bad faith insurance attorney in Washington can help you understand your rights under these laws and navigate the legal landscape.

When choosing a bad faith insurance attorney in Washington, consider their experience and track record in handling similar cases, their knowledge of Washington insurance laws, and their ability to effectively communicate and advocate for your rights. It is important to schedule a consultation to discuss your case, ask questions, and assess whether the attorney is the right fit for your needs and goals.