When insurance companies break their promises, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, residents need strong legal help. Marzzacco Niven & Associates offers dedicated support for victims of bad faith insurance practices.
Our Wyomissing bad faith insurance attorneys understand the frustration and financial strain caused by wrongful claim denials or delays. Contact us today at 717-231-1640 for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options.
How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help After a Bad Faith Insurance Dispute in Wyomissing, PA
When you work with our Wyomissing bad faith insurance attorneys, we will:
- Thoroughly review your insurance policy
- Identify areas where the insurer failed to meet obligations
- Gather evidence of bad faith practices
- Calculate the full value of your claim
- Handle all communications with the insurance company
- Prepare your case for litigation if necessary
- Represent your interests aggressively at trial
Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates today for a free consultation and learn how our Wyomissing personal injury lawyers can help you hold your insurance company accountable.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith in Pennsylvania?
Insurance companies in Pennsylvania must deal with policyholders in good faith. Bad faith insurance practices happen when a company unreasonably denies a valid claim or doesn’t investigate and process claims properly.
Common examples of insurance bad faith include:
- Unreasonable delay in processing claims
- Failure to conduct a proper investigation
- Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage
- Making lowball settlement offers
- Unreasonable denial of legitimate claims
- Failing to provide a reason for claim denial
- Using harassing investigation tactics
Pennsylvania law provides significant protections for insurance consumers through the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, which specifically prohibits unfair claim settlement practices.
What Is My Bad-Faith Insurance Case Worth?
Every case is different, but the value of your bad faith insurance claim in Pennsylvania typically depends on the original denied or delayed claim amount plus any additional damages the court may award. These may include interest, attorney’s fees, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
What Types of Damages Are Available?
There are a number of different types of damages available to victims of bad faith insurance practices, but they typically fall into three main categories.
Economic Damages
If your bad faith insurance claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial harm caused by the insurer’s actions.
Economic damages can include:
- The full value of the original claim that was wrongfully denied or delayed
- Interest accrued on the unpaid amount
- Attorney’s fees and litigation expenses
- Additional financial losses resulting from the delay, such as increased repair costs or out-of-pocket medical bills
These damages are designed to restore the policyholder to their original financial position by addressing the direct monetary impact of the insurer’s bad faith conduct.
Non-Economic Damages
Although Pennsylvania does not typically allow recovery for emotional distress in statutory bad faith claims, such damages may be available in separate actions. Non-economic damages are not guaranteed and are generally more limited than economic or punitive damages in statutory bad faith cases.
Punitive Damages
Courts may award punitive damages if the insurer’s conduct was outrageous, reckless, or malicious. These damages are meant to punish and deter bad faith behavior.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wyomissing Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer?
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we know that victims of insurance bad faith face financial struggles. That’s why we take these cases on a contingency fee basis. During your free consultation, we’ll explain our fee structure in detail so you’ll know exactly how it works.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Insurance Bad-faith Incident in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for a bad faith insurance claim is two years from the date the conduct occurs.
However, pinpointing that start date can be tricky:
- For claim denials, the clock usually starts when you receive the formal denial letter
- For unreasonable delays, the timeline may depend on when the delay became clearly unjustified
- For ongoing misconduct, each new act may trigger a new two-year window
Because deadlines can be complex and fact-specific, it is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as you suspect bad faith.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Insurance Bad Faith?
If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith:
- Document everything, including all communications with the insurer
- Request claim denials in writing with specific reasons
- Keep detailed records of all calls, including dates, times, and names
- Save all letters, emails, and claim-related documents
- Follow all policy requirements and deadlines on your end
- Request a complete copy of your insurance policy
- Consult with a bad faith insurance attorney before accepting any settlement
These steps help preserve your rights and strengthen your potential case.
Contact Our Wyomissing Bad Faith Insurance Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you’re facing unfair treatment from an insurer, our Wyomissing bad faith insurance attorneys are ready to help. Marzzacco Niven & Associates brings award-winning legal representation and a proven record of standing up to powerful insurance companies. Call our Wyomissing office today or contact us online to schedule your appointment.