When you buy insurance, you expect your insurer to act in good faith and honor your policy’s terms. However, not all insurance companies hold up their end of the bargain, and some may even engage in tactics that delay or deny valid claims.
This is illegal, and you can hold the insurance company accountable. If you believe your insurance company is not treating you fairly, a Fayetteville, NC, bad faith insurance lawyer from Whitley Law Firm will empower you through the legal process of recovering your rightful award.
Since 1974, we have answered the call to protect the rights and interests of North Carolinians who have suffered serious injuries. Our Fayetteville personal injury lawyers will use 120–plus years of combined experience to recover your losses. Call us for a free consultation.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurance company does not treat its policyholders honestly or fairly. North Carolina law protects consumers from these practices, and you have the right to hold the insurer accountable.
If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, we encourage you to take immediate action. Insurance companies often hope policyholders will accept unfair decisions or give up after delays.
By contacting our bad faith insurance law firm early, we can guide you on filing your insurance claim and preserve critical evidence that supports your case. Hiring legal representation also lets the insurer know that you will not accept improper treatment.
Examples of Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Insurance companies must act in good faith, but sometimes they use tactics that are unlawful when handling policyholders’ claims. Below are common examples of bad faith practices that policyholders may encounter.
- Unreasonable delays in investigating or paying a claim: The insurer may be stalling by asking for unnecessary paperwork.
- Lack of transparency in handling your claim: The insurer may not provide clear reasons for delays or denials.
- Denying a valid claim without providing a legitimate reason: The insurer rejects your claim without proper explanation.
- Offering a settlement far below what you’re entitled to receive: The insurer provides an offer that doesn’t match the claim’s value.
- Failing to investigate a claim properly: The insurer may neglect to review your claim details thoroughly.
- Misinterpreting policy language to avoid paying the full amount owed: The insurer twists the wording of your policy to reduce or deny payment.
We will carefully assess your situation to determine how the insurance company is handling your claim and advise you on your next steps. Call us for a free consultation to get started. We return all phone calls within 24 hours.
The Whitley Advantage isn’t just one thing – it’s everything.
Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800)785-5000Our Fayetteville, NC, Bad Faith Insurance Attorneys Can Help
When you come to Whitley Law Firm, our bad faith insurance lawyers serving Fayetteville, NC, will talk with you to understand what you experienced with the insurer and determine how we can represent you.
We also will:
- Review your insurance policy and the details of your claim to determine whether bad faith practices occurred. Our attorneys can explain an insurance adjuster’s perspective when they review your claim.
- Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf to challenge unfair denials or delays.
- Gather evidence to prove the insurance company acted in bad faith, which may include internal documents and communications.
- File a lawsuit to pursue compensation for the full value of your claim and additional damages for bad faith.
We Can Lead Your Bad Faith Insurance Case at No Upfront Cost
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay any upfront fees for our representation. This allows you to pursue your case without the financial stress of out-of-pocket legal expenses.
We get paid only if we successfully recover compensation for you. You can focus on holding the insurance company accountable while we handle the legal work. By working on contingency, we make it easier for you to get the help you need, regardless of your financial situation.
Fayetteville Fayetteville, NC, Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Near Me (800)785-5000
Bad Faith Actions Can Affect Any Type of Insurance Policy
Our lawyers can help you with various insurance where bad faith insurance practices can occur, including:
- Homeowners insurance: Delays or denials for property damage or loss claims, particularly after natural disasters or accidents.
- Auto insurance: Underpaying or denying coverage for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, or liability claims.
- Health insurance: Denying necessary medical treatments or failing to cover procedures outlined in the policy.
- Life insurance: Refusing to pay benefits to beneficiaries after the policyholder’s death, often citing policy exclusions.
- Disability insurance: Denying or delaying payments for disability coverage, even with clear medical documentation.
- Business insurance: Failing to honor commercial insurance policies, which can severely harm small business owners.
No matter the type of insurance your claim involves, our Fayetteville, NC, insurance lawyers for bad faith claims will fight for the compensation you deserve.
This firm has always been about people and helping them.
Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800)785-5000Available Compensation in Bad Faith Insurance Cases
If your insurer acted in bad faith, you may be able to recover compensation beyond the original claim amount, including:
- Contractual damages: For the original amount you were owed under your policy.
- Consequential damages: To cover any additional losses you suffered as a result of the insurer’s actions, such as financial losses from delays.
- Emotional distress damages: If the insurer’s actions caused severe stress or other non-economic harm.
- Legal fees and costs: To cover the expenses incurred while fighting the bad faith actions.
- Punitive damages: To punish the insurance company for its misconduct. Courts rarely award these damages, but we can advise if they are possible in your case.
We are committed to the highest quality client service and one-on-one attention.
Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800)785-5000Time Limits for Bad Faith Insurance Claims in North Carolina
North Carolina law typically gives clients three years to file a bad faith insurance lawsuit under the statute of limitations. This period generally begins when the covered incident first occurs.
If you do not take legal action within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation, even if it is clear that the insurer acted unfairly toward you.
Exceptions to the Three-Year Deadline Might Apply to Your Case
We can advise if your situation involves exceptions to the time limit. For example, if you were unaware of the insurer’s bad faith actions at the time they occurred, the statute of limitations may start from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered the misconduct.
Additionally, if you were dealing with other legal matters related to your claim, such as a separate lawsuit or arbitration, your deadline may be affected.
Our Fayetteville, NC, Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers Can Represent You
Bad faith insurance cases are complex and time-sensitive, making it crucial to seek legal guidance right away. The Fayetteville, NC, bad faith insurance lawyers at Whitley Law Firm can build your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The sooner you reach out, the more options we have to hold the insurance company accountable. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.
Learn about what makes us unique and why we are the right firm to help you.
Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800)785-5000