After getting hurt in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, you rely on insurance, but if an insurance company fails to adhere to the law, you have the right to hold them accountable through legal action. By working with a Carbondale bad faith insurance lawyer from Marzzacco Niven & Associates, you can get experienced guidance on what to do, starting with a free consultation at your convenience.
Contact us today at 717-231-1640 to discuss your bad faith insurance claim.
Why Choose Marzzacco Niven & Associates for Help With My Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Carbondale, PA?
Offering over 120 years of combined experience in helping Carbondale personal injury clients, our attorneys have secured significant settlements and jury awards for them. We have the negotiation and litigation skills needed to keep insurance companies in check.
Here’s how our Carbondale personal injury lawyers will manage your bad faith insurance case:
- We determine how the insurance company failed to act in good faith.
- We gather documentation and evidence demonstrating the insurer’s breach of its duty.
- We partner with expert witnesses to quantify your losses and the extent of the harm.
- We negotiate to secure a fair and appropriate settlement to correct the wrongdoing.
- We pursue your bad faith insurance claim in court when necessary to get you justice.
We strive to obtain the settlement you need for your original claim and any bad faith actions. If you have questions about an insurance company’s behavior, contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to go to work for you.
What Is a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?
Not every delay in service on an insurance claim constitutes a bad faith action. Yet, when the company cannot provide a reasonable justification or they know they have no grounds for denying your claim, you should speak with a bad faith insurance attorney to assess your situation.
Under Pennsylvania law, you may be able to take action if the insurer does any of the following:
- Changes, deletes, or adds policy terms without your consent or knowledge
- Delays or fails to communicate about the claim without a valid reason
- Does not provide the paperwork you need to complete your claim
- Fails to pay your settlement in a timely manner without a reason
- Offers you less than what they know the claim is worth
- Purposely misinterprets the policy language to your harm
Your insurance policy is a binding legal contract. When the other party breaks the terms of the agreement, you have the right to hold them accountable.
Insurance Actions That Are Not Bad Faith
There are some instances where an insurance company is not acting in bad faith. If you have not upheld your part of the contract, the company may be within its rights to limit or deny payment for a claim on your policy.
For example, the following actions do not fall under the category of bad faith:
- You failed to pay the premiums, and the policy lapsed.
- Your injury or property damage is not covered by the policy.
- You are claiming compensation for someone who is not covered by the policy.
- There is a question about who is liable for the injury or damage.
Understanding the difference between a valid denial and bad faith conduct can help you determine whether your insurer is acting within the law or violating your rights.
Potential Damages in a Carbondale Bad Faith Insurance Claim
When you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you want to receive financial acknowledgment of your losses. When an insurer behaves in bad faith, you are eligible to seek your original damages, plus additional compensation for the impact of their actions.
On top of your economic damages, you could demand:
- Your attorney fees and court costs
- Interest due from the settlement date
- Punitive damages, which set an example to other insurance companies
It is important to speak with your personal injury attorney as soon as you suspect bad faith. Insurance negotiations can take many weeks, and if the company is purposely delaying your payment, you could have limited time to file a bad faith lawsuit.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is only two years from when the company denies your claim.
Contact a Carbondale Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, but they must follow the law and pay what policyholders deserve. When they fail to do so, a Carbondale bad faith insurance attorney from Marzzacco Niven & Associates will serve as your legal advocate to ensure you receive justice and fair treatment. Contact us to arrange a free consultation and let us put our experience, knowledge, and skill to work for you.