Has the insurance company refused to investigate or pay your claim in Richmond Heights, MO? You could be entitled to compensation for your original claim, any additional expenses you have incurred, and even punitive damages.
Unfortunately, holding the insurance company accountable and getting them to pay up without the help of an experienced Richmond Heights personal injury lawyer may be difficult.
The team at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has 21 years of combined experience fighting to protect the rights of accident and injury victims. We are ready to help you hold the insurance company accountable and get the compensation you deserve. Call us now to schedule a free consultation with a Richmond Heights bad faith insurance lawyer at (314) 932-1066.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Richmond Heights
Bad faith insurance claims are notoriously hard to pursue and win in Richmond Heights, Missouri. A simple denial of your claim is not enough to warrant a victory in a bad faith claim, and insurance companies have teams of lawyers who are prepared to fight you at every turn. Thankfully, there is somewhere you can turn for help.
The team at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you level the playing field by:
- Reviewing all the details of your original claim
- Examining your policy details and other contract information to understand your rights
- Handling all communication with the insurance company and opposing counsel
- Talking to employees or former employees of the company to help establish a pattern of behavior
- Gathering evidence to help you prove your case
- Negotiating a top-dollar settlement that fully compensates you for all your damages
- Filing a lawsuit and taking the insurance company to court when they refuse to negotiate
If you believe you have been the victim of bad faith practices, contact us today to speak to a Richmond Heights bad faith insurance lawyer who is ready to help.
How Common Are Bad Faith Insurance Practices?
Obtaining specific data on the number of bad faith claims filed is difficult. However, all reports seem to indicate that the number of bad faith claims is on the rise. Insured individuals are becoming more aware of their rights, and they are deciding to assert these rights when the insurance company does not hold up its end of the bargain.
Overview of Bad Faith Insurance Claims
When you purchase an insurance policy, the insurance company is legally obligated to investigate and handle all legitimate claims in good faith. This means they should reasonably investigate these claims and pay all valid claims within a reasonable timeframe. They could be on the hook for additional liability when they fail to act in good faith.
Some examples of practices that could be considered bad faith include:
- Denying a claim without any investigation
- Intentional delays in the processing of a claim
- Failure to respond to communications about a claim
- Changing the details of your coverage after a claim has been filed
- Misrepresenting material facts about your coverage
- Grossly undervaluing your claim
If you have experienced any of these types of behaviors, contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to let us help you get the justice you deserve.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Victims of Bad Faith Insurance Practices?
Victims of bad faith insurance practices may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Additionally, you may be able to recover punitive damages in some cases.
Economic damages compensate victims for their financial losses, such as:
- The amount of their original claim
- Additional expenses incurred as a result of the claim denial
Proving the value of these damages is accomplished by using bills, receipts, or other documentation that can show the amount of your financial losses. On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate victims for their intangible losses.
These damages may include all the non-economic damages from your original claim, plus:
- Loss of reputation
- Embarrassment
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety
Finally, you may be able to recover punitive damages in a bad faith insurance claim. These damages are intended to punish the insurance company for its egregious behavior. To obtain punitive damages, you must show clear and convincing evidence that the insurer acted with malice or a total disregard for your rights.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Bad Faith?
In Missouri, you typically have five years to file a bad faith insurance claim. However, determining exactly when the clock starts running is sometimes challenging. Remember that missing the deadline can cause you to lose all your rights to recover any compensation for your damages.
This is why it is so important to seek help from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our Richmond Heights Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers aor a Free Consultation
If you have been the victim of bad faith insurance practices in Richmond Heights, MO, contact the experienced team at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today. We can investigate your claim and help you hold the insurance company accountable for its actions.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Richmond Heights bad faith insurance attorney.
