Insurance Bad Faith Claims
Millions of Americans regularly pay for various types of insurance in order to protect themselves in the event of an unforeseen event. Inherent to every type of insurance policy is a contractual agreement that the company providing the insurance will act in good faith and deal fairly.
The unfortunate truth is that all insurance companies are businesses, and they are thus always inclined to do whatever is necessary to minimize the amounts they pay on policy claims. While companies will often seek out some types of loophole in the coverage that justifies denying a claim, there are occasions in which tactics are used to delay, deny, or make it excessively difficult for policyholders to obtain benefits.
Such conduct is considered acting in bad faith. Insurance companies are prohibited from violating the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and victims may have legal recourse for the harm they suffered.
Lawyer for Insurance Bad Faith Claims in West Chester, Pennsylvania
If you believe that you have been the victim of an insurance company acting in bad faith, you will want to make sure that you have experienced legal counsel. Ciccarelli Law Offices fights to help bad faith insurance victims get the compensation that they are entitled to.
Our Chester County insurance claim attorneys work as a team for clients in and around Radnor, Plymouth Meeting, Springfield, Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Lancaster, Kennett Square, and West Chester. You can have our lawyers review your case and discuss all of your legal options when you call (610) 719-3190 for a completely free initial consultation.
Overview of Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Chester County
- Which kinds of insurance claims are bad faith commonly associated with?
- What insurance company actions are considered acting in bad faith?
- Where can I find more information about insurance bad faith?
Types of Insurance Bad Faith Claims in Pennsylvania
Insurance claims are considered to either be first party or third party claims. First part claims are those filed by the actual policyholders with their own insurance companies, while third party claims are filed by injured parties against the insurance companies of the negligent parties.
Bad faith claims may arise in virtually any area of insurance, including—but not limited to:
- Auto Accidents;
- Bicycle Accidents;
- Commercial Truck Accidents;
- Construction Accidents;
- Disability Insurance Claims;
- Fire/Arson Claims;
- Homeowner’s Insurance Claims;
- Life Insurance Claims;
- Motorcycle Accidents;
- Property Damage Claims;
- Slip and Fall Injuries; and
- Workplace Injuries.
Bad Faith Insurance Conduct in West Chester
The duties of an insurance company depend on whether the claim is considered a first party or third party claim. In first party claims filed by policyholders, the company is obligated to investigate the claim, determine whether the injury or damage is covered, and pay the policyholder the proper value for the claim.
Third party claims are a bit more complex, as an insurance company typically has a duty to defend a claim (or possibly lawsuit) and possibly provide compensation to the third party. Some of the most common examples of an insurance company acting bad faith include, but are not limited to:
- Delaying an investigation;
- Delaying payment of a claim;
- Deliberately misrepresenting a contract’s language;
- Denying that a valid claim is covered;
- Failing to pay benefits;
- Paying only partial benefits for a claim;
- Refusing to defend a policyholder against a claim or lawsuit;
- Refusing to settle a claim within policy limits; and
- Refusing to investigate a claim.
Pennsylvania Resources for Insurance Bad Faith Claims
Pennsylvania Insurance Department — The state insurance department has a responsibility to protect insurance consumers by administering the laws of the commonwealth pertaining to the regulation of the insurance industry. On this website, you can file a complaint, learn more about various types of insurance coverage, and find answers to frequently asked questions. You can also find product notices, various filings, and learn more about choosing an insurance company.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — The NAIC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five United States territories. You can learn more about the NAIC’s committees and activities, recent news, and upcoming meeting and events on this website. The NAIC website also has special sections dedicated to consumer education with various booklets and guides.
Insured’s Bad Faith as Shield or Sword: Litigation Relief for Insurers? | Marquette Law Review — This 1993 article is a thorough examination of insurance bad faith issues. The article covers a policyholder’s bad faith claim for relief, comparative fault and comparative bad faith, and other issues. You can also learn much more about the differences between the handling of first party and third party claims.
Find a Lawyer for Bad Faith Insurance Claims in West Chester, PA
Do you think that you have been the victim of an insurance company acting in bad faith in regards to your recent claim? Because of the very limited amount of time you have to take action, it will be in your best interest to have legal representation as soon as possible.
Contact Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers
We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.
The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.