Woodland Hills Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

Woodland Hills Bad Faith Insurance Attorney

When you purchase an insurance policy, you do it because you believe the insurance company will live up to its duty of good faith and fair dealing. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When an insurance company unfairly denies a claim or fails to investigate, it violates California law. If you are facing an unjustly denied claim, you may need a Woodland Hills bad faith insurance lawyer.

The Hobbs Law Group has the skilled litigators you need to achieve a positive outcome. We are a top-rated law firm with years of experience protecting our clients’ rights and helping them get the compensation they are entitled to.

Bad Faith Insurance

Contact Hobbs Law Group 24/7 to schedule a free case review with a Bad Faith Insurance lawyer. You will not pay us anything unless you win.

626-782-4520

Contact Us

Bad Faith Insurance Defined

About 5.3% of insured homes in California filed a property insurance claim in 2023, and in 2021, 4.2 auto accident claims were filed for every 100 insured drivers. Under California Insurance Code 790.03, insurance companies are required to act fairly and honestly.

Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurance company fails to fulfill its obligations to its customers. It involves deceit and often questionable tactics to avoid paying claims in order to save money. Some examples of bad faith insurance include:

• Delayed response to a claim
• Failure to adequately investigate a claim before responding
• Unreasonable denial of claims
• Delaying payment
• Misrepresenting the terms of an insurance policy

Other types of bad-faith actions can include harassment and intimidation during the investigation of a claim, or making the claims process so burdensome as to discourage claimants from completing it.

The Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing

An implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing is an automatic duty required in every insurance policy under California insurance law. It obligates insurance companies to promptly and thoroughly investigate any claim. They also cannot unreasonably delay or withhold payments, and they are prohibited from putting the interests of the company above those of the insured.

If an insurance company only looks for evidence supporting a denial of a claim, it violates the implied covenant of good faith, and the insured may have grounds for a bad-faith insurance case.

Requirements for Filing a Bad Faith Claim in Woodland Hills

In order to file a bad faith insurance claim, you need to meet several legal requirements. If the case involves breach of contract, the California statute of limitations for filing a claim is four years. But depending on the case, the time frame could be shorter.

Some key elements needed to file a bad faith claim are:

• A valid insurance policy with the premium payments up to date
• A properly filed claim under the terms of the insurance policy
• Evidence of bad faith. This could be a lack of investigation, an unreasonable denial, or a low-ball payment.
• Proof of unreasonable conduct. Proof must show the insurer didn’t just make a mistake or act negligently.

Possible Damages in a Bad Faith Insurance Case

Once your attorney has proven that your insurance company acted in bad faith, you may be awarded damages. Some of the possible compensation that you may be entitled to include:

• Payment of the original claim
• Additional compensation for financial losses due to the insurance company’s actions
• Compensation for emotional distress
• Attorney’s fees
• Punitive damages for the most egregious cases

With so much at stake, it’s important to have an experienced attorney by your side, and one who is familiar with the Superior Court of California, along with the staff attorneys at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

Hire a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

If you think your insurance company acted in bad faith in Woodland Hills, CA, you may want to hire a bad-faith insurance lawyer. An experienced attorney familiar with bad faith insurance laws can help you seek damages by:

• Investigating the facts of the case
• Reviewing your insurance policy and the circumstances of your claim
• Reviewing the insurance company’s actions in dealing with your claim to determine if they acted in bad faith
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
• Filing a claim if negotiations do not result in a satisfactory outcome
• Helping you navigate the legal process

FAQs About Woodland Hills, CA Bad Faith Insurance Laws

What Is Bad Faith Insurance Law in California?

Several laws in California regulate insurance companies and their responsibility to act in good faith. The Unfair Claims Settlement Act prohibits insurance companies from practicing unfair settlement actions. They must act in a timely manner when responding to claims. Some common violations include:

• Misrepresenting policy terms
• Failing to respond to claims promptly
• Refusing to pay claims

What to Do if an Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith in Woodland Hills?

If you suspect that your insurance company acted in bad faith in Woodland Hills, the first step is to document everything. Keep copies of emails, letters, and phone calls. Ask the insurance company to put the reason for the denial in writing. If you only get vague explanations or conflicting answers, it could indicate bad-faith dealings. Bring all your documentation to a Woodland Hills bad faith insurance attorney.

Is Bad Faith Hard to Prove?

Bad faith can be difficult to prove, but an experienced attorney can help you navigate the obstacles you may face along the way. The burden of proof falls on the insurance, and not every denied claim is done in bad faith. Your claim must provide evidence that the insurer acted intentionally or recklessly.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Bad Faith Claim in California?

In California, there is no average settlement for a bad-faith insurance claim. The amount depends on the specifics of the case, the claim value, and any additional losses suffered by the insured as a result of the denial. In some cases, if the insurance company’s actions were severe violations, punitive damages may be awarded.

Contact a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

The team at Hobbs Law Group understands how difficult it can be to navigate California insurance laws and how overwhelming it can be if you are dealing with an insurance company that is acting in bad faith. We have the experience and knowledge needed to help you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to talk about your case.