Have you filed an insurance claim that was denied due to accusations of misrepresentation? Is the insurance company trying to rescind your policy, causing a lapse in coverage? Insurance companies sometimes act in bad faith to deny coverage, especially after an accident. Under Florida insurance laws, insurance companies can be held liable if they don’t uphold their contractual obligations. If your insurance company is acting in bad faith to avoid paying your claim, the attorneys at Anthony-Smith Law can help determine if you are owed compensation.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get the help you deserve by calling 321-900-HELP (321-900-4357) now.
Anthony-Smith Lawyers Can Help with a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Orlando
The insurance system relies on a simple agreement: you pay your premiums, and the insurance company pays your valid claims. But sometimes, insurance companies don’t hold up their end of the deal. They can be held responsible under Florida law if they act unfairly. Insurance companies have a lot of resources and can make it tough to get the money you deserve. That’s why having an experienced Orlando bad faith insurance lawyer on your side can make a big difference.
Anthony-Smith Lawyers are here to help you:
- We’ll check what the insurance company did: We will look closely at how the insurance company handled your claim. We will gather all the evidence needed to show they acted in bad faith.
- We’ll defend you: If the insurance company says the denial or delay of your claim is your fault, we will fight those claims and prove otherwise.
- We’ll bring in experts: Sometimes, we need experts to explain why the insurance company was wrong. We will hire these experts when needed.
- We’ll negotiate for you: We will talk to the insurance company and work hard to get you the money you need and deserve.
Our top attorneys know the tricks and unfair tactics insurance companies use to pressure you into giving up. We will not let them get away with it.
How We Help You:
- Evaluate the Case: First, we review what happened with your claim. We gather documents, talk to witnesses, and collect all the evidence.
- Fight Back: If the insurance company blames you for the problem, we defend you. We show that you did everything right and the company is just trying to avoid paying.
- Bring in Experts: When needed, we bring in professionals who can explain why the insurance company should pay your claim. Their knowledge can be very helpful.
- Negotiate: We talk to the insurance company for you. Our goal is to get you the money you need and deserve without going to court. But if necessary, we are ready to fight in court too.
Why Choose Us?
- Experience: Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurance companies. We know their tricks and how to handle them.
- No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay us unless we win your case. In most cases, the insurance company will have to pay our fees, so you won’t have to pay anything out of your pocket.
- Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case. We will explain your rights and what we can do to help you.
If you think your insurance company is acting unfairly, don’t wait. Call Anthony-Smith Lawyers for a free consultation. We are here to help you get the fair treatment and compensation you deserve. Call us at 321-900-HELP (321-900-4357).
Remember, with Anthony-Smith Lawyers, you don’t pay unless we win. Let us fight for you and get the justice you deserve.
Understanding Bad Faith Insurance Laws in Florida
In Florida, you are sometimes legally obligated to carry certain types of insurance, such as car insurance or homeowners’ insurance. You pay your premiums regularly to keep the policy active. If you do this, the insurance company should only deny your claims for a legitimate reason. This means they must have a valid and honest reason for not paying your claim.
Sometimes insurance companies try to deny claims, undervalue damages, or delay payments without a good reason. These actions can be considered bad faith insurance practices. “Bad faith” means the insurance company is acting dishonestly or unfairly. When this happens, you have the right to take legal action to get the money you deserve. Understanding these laws helps protect you from unfair treatment by your insurance company.
In Orlando, Florida, bad faith insurance claims can fall into two main categories:
First-Party Insurance Claims: These are claims you file with your own insurance company. For example, if you’re in a car accident and need to use your own car insurance to cover the damage, this would be a first-party claim.
Third-Party Insurance Claims: These are claims you file with someone else’s insurance company. For instance, if someone else causes a car accident that damages your car and you need to file a claim against their insurance, this would be a third-party claim.
Examples of third-party claims in Florida include no-fault car insurance claims, where you file a claim with your own insurance regardless of who was at fault and claims that exceed policy limits against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Understanding these distinctions can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you’re treated fairly by the insurance company.
Types of Bad Faith Insurance Claims:
- Auto insurance (car insurance)
- Homeowners insurance
- Renters insurance
- Flood insurance
- Windstorm insurance (wind insurance)
- Fire insurance
- Business liability insurance
- Life insurance
- Professional liability insurance
- Commercial insurance
- Medical insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
How to Know if You’ve Been a Victim of Bad Faith Insurance Practices
It can be frustrating when your insurance company doesn’t treat you fairly. Here are some signs that your insurance company might be acting in bad faith:
- You receive a rescission agreement: Do not sign rescission agreements without speaking to an attorney first. The insurer may attempt to backdate the cancellation of your policy to deny your claim.
- You are accused of wrongdoing: The insurance company may say you misrepresented yourself, your household, or your property. This could lead to a rescission request, which you should not sign.
- Slow Investigation: If the insurance company takes too long to investigate your claim, they might be acting in bad faith. They should start looking into your claim right away.
- Unjustified Denial: When the insurance company denies your claim without a good reason or proper investigation, it’s a sign of bad faith. They should have a legitimate reason for not paying.
- No Explanation: If your claim is denied and the insurance company doesn’t explain why, this is another sign of bad faith. You deserve to know the reason for the denial.
- Reduced Value: When the insurance company reduces the amount of money they offer without explaining why, they might be acting unfairly. They should give a clear reason for any changes to the claim value.
- Altered Claims: If the insurance company tries to settle a claim that has been changed without your knowledge, this is a serious issue. You should be aware of and agree to any changes made to your claim.
- Misrepresentation: Sometimes, insurance companies might give false information to make you accept a lower settlement. This dishonest behavior is a sign of bad faith.
- Lack of Communication: If the insurance company doesn’t answer your questions or communicate with you about your claim, they might be acting in bad faith. You have the right to clear and timely communication.
If you notice any of these signs, your insurance company might be acting in bad faith. It’s important to know your rights and take action to get the fair treatment and compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Value of Your Bad Faith Insurance Case
When it comes to determining the value of your bad faith insurance claim, several factors are considered:
- Time Spent: The amount of time and effort you’ve put into trying to get the insurance company to respond appropriately can affect the value of your claim.
- Additional Damage: Any additional property damage that occurred due to delayed payments or denial of your claim can also impact the value of your case.
- Health and Wellbeing: The impact on your health and wellbeing because of the insurance company’s actions can be factored into the value of your claim.
- Actions of the Insurance Company: The nature of the insurance company’s actions, including any deceptive or unfair practices, can also affect the value of your case.
If you’ve suffered damage because of an insurance company’s wrongful conduct, Anthony-Smith Law will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available for your claim.
If you’ve been a victim of bad faith insurance practices, you may be entitled to different types of damages:
Economic Damages: These are financial losses you’ve suffered because of the insurance company’s actions. They may include:
- Additional property damage caused by delayed repairs.
- Interest charges you’ve had to pay because your damage claim was denied or delayed.
- Lost wages and income due to the insurance company’s actions.
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs incurred while fighting the insurance company.
Non-Economic Damages: These are non-financial losses you’ve experienced because of the insurer’s actions. They may include:
- Pain and suffering caused by the insurance company’s actions.
- Anxiety and stress.
- Depression.
- Emotional distress.
- Inconvenience caused by the insurance company’s behavior.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are meant to punish the insurance company for willful misconduct. They are not meant to compensate you for a specific loss but to penalize the insurance company for acting unfairly.
Understanding these different types of damages can help you assess the full impact of the insurance company’s actions and seek appropriate compensation.
Time Limits for Filing a Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuit in Florida
In Florida, if you’ve been a victim of bad faith insurance practices, it’s important to know the time limits for taking legal action.
Bad Faith Insurance Claims: The statute of limitations for filing a bad faith insurance claim in Florida is typically five years. However, this can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Your insurance contract may have its own time limits for taking legal action. It’s important to review your policy carefully.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline: If you miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit, you could lose your right to compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to act promptly and seek legal advice as soon as possible.
How Anthony-Smith Law Will Help: If you believe you’ve been a victim of bad faith insurance practices, ASL can help. We can start the legal process and take steps to preserve your right to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. 321-900-HELP (321-900-4357)
Legitimate Reasons Why Your Claim Might Be Denied
Please be advised that even if a denial or rescission seems legit, it’s a good idea to have an attorney look at it. We are here to help you, and there’s never a charge to have us review your policy and the denial or rescission request. Consultations are free, and we may be able to negotiate a better outcome for you.
Sometimes, insurance companies do have good reasons to deny a claim. Here are some legitimate reasons why your claim might be denied:
- Risk Not Covered: If the event or damage you are claiming isn’t covered by your policy, the insurance company can deny your claim. Always check what is included in your policy.
- Liability Dispute: If there is a disagreement about who is at fault or responsible for the damage, the insurance company may deny your claim until the issue is resolved.
- Incomplete Information: Your claim might be denied if you haven’t provided all the necessary information. Make sure you submit all required documents and details.
- Late Filing: Insurance companies require you to file claims within a certain time frame. If you miss this deadline, your claim can be denied.
- Unpaid Premiums: If you haven’t paid your insurance premiums, your policy may not be active. Without an active policy, your claim will be denied.
- Understanding these reasons can help you avoid problems when filing a claim and ensure you get the coverage you need.
Get a Free Case Review to Check for Bad Faith
Insurance companies are good at hiding bad faith actions. Even if their reason seems legitimate, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. Anthony-Smith bad faith insurance lawyers can help.
- Free Evaluation: Our lawyers will look at your case for free.
- Know Your Rights: We will explain your legal rights and the insurance company’s obligations.
Contact our law firm for a free case review today. This can help you understand if the insurance company is acting in bad faith and what you can do about it. ASL Can Help! Call the help hotline: 321-900-HELP (321-900-4357).
