Dealing with an insurance company that fails to honor its obligations can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re going through a personal injury. Insurance companies are required to handle claims fairly and in good faith, but too often, they prioritize profits over their policyholders' rights. If you’ve been unfairly denied coverage, subjected to delays, or offered an inadequate settlement, you may have grounds to pursue a bad-faith insurance claim.
At The Sevey Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting personal injury victims in Roseville and throughout Northern California. With over 25 years of experience, our attorneys know the strategies insurance companies use to decrease payouts, and we are committed to holding them accountable for their unethical practices.
If you believe that your insurance is acting in bad faith, don’t wait. Contact us for a free consultation today.
In California, an insurance company that unreasonably handles its policyholders’ claims is considered to have committed bad faith. Insurance companies must treat their policyholders fairly. Every insurance policy contains an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
There are a wide variety of situations that lead to bad faith insurance claims in California, for example:
There are three types of insurance bad faith damages you may sue for in the state of California: contract damages, tort damages, and punitive damages:
Contract damages are losses that have been caused by the insurance company’s denial of your claim or refusal to pay the policy benefits owed based on the terms of your active policies.
For example, in the case of a health insurance policy, the contract damages would consist of medical bills. For a liability insurance policy, the cost of your defense, in addition to the payment of judgments or settlements on your behalf, would represent the contract damages.
You can claim these damages if you can prove that your insurance company has unreasonably handled your claim. Tort damages include, but are not limited to:
Punitive damages are those that do not have a definite “price tag.” Punitive damages are awarded based on specific legal standards that demonstrate the insurer's worst conduct. To receive punitive damages, you must show that:
Insurance companies must act in good faith when settling claims. However, some brokers engage in bad faith practices to minimize payouts or deny valid claims altogether.
At The Sevey Law Firm, we’ve seen how these unethical practices can impact personal injury cases. Here are some common scenarios where bad-faith insurance practices may come into play:
After a car accident, you expect your insurance company to have your back. However, some insurers may:
Truck accident cases frequently involve severe injuries and substantial damages. Insurance companies may:
Motorcyclists often face unfair bias from insurance adjusters. Bad faith practices in these cases might include:
Pedestrians hit by vehicles often suffer catastrophic injuries. Insurers acting in bad faith may:
Property owners’ insurance companies often try to avoid liability in slip and fall cases. They might:
In the unfortunate event of a fatal accident, grieving families may face additional stress from bad faith insurance practices such as:
We provide compassionate representation to families while aggressively pursuing justice against unethical insurers.
If you believe an insurance company is acting in bad faith in your personal injury case, don't face them alone.
The Sevey Law Firm has over 25 years of practice fighting for the rights of injury victims in Roseville and throughout Northern California. We know the maneuvers insurers use to avoid paying claims, and we have the skills and determination to hold them accountable.
Comprehensive Case Analysis: We meticulously evaluate your case, examining policy terms, claim denials, and any improper actions taken by the insurer.
Strategic Negotiation: Insurance companies often bank on policyholders giving up. We’re skilled negotiators who can effectively challenge their tactics.
Aggressive Litigation When Necessary: If an insurer refuses to act in good faith, we won’t hesitate to take the fight to court. Our attorneys have the trial experience and determination to pursue justice on your behalf.
Client-Focused Advocacy: Your recovery and peace of mind are our top priorities. We keep you informed at every step, providing support while fiercely protecting your rights.
If you’re facing challenges with an insurance company acting in bad faith in your personal injury case, don’t navigate this battle alone. The Sevey Law Firm is here to help. We understand how these unfair practices can delay your recovery, cause unnecessary stress, and jeopardize your financial future.
Our team is committed to holding insurers accountable so you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Our attorneys can review your policy, investigate your bad faith insurance claim, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and, if necessary, pursue litigation so you receive fair compensation for your losses.
The duration of a case varies depending on its complexity and whether it goes to trial. Some cases may settle in a few months, while others could take a year or more if litigation is necessary.