Do you believe that your claim for insurance benefits in York, Pennsylvania, was denied in bad faith? Don’t hesitate to contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates. Our award-winning York bad faith insurance lawyers can help you enforce the terms of your contract and fight for the financial award you need to get back on your feet.
Since 2008, our law firm has been a passionate advocate for victims of bad-faith insurance practices in York and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With over 120 years of combined experience, our attorneys have helped clients like you take on powerful corporations and win tens of millions in benefits, settlements, and jury awards.
Schedule a free consultation with our team by contacting our York, PA, law office today or call (717) 995-8998.
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How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help You Fight Bad Faith Insurance Practices in York
When does an insurance company have to approve a claim for benefits? How can you know if a denial is made in bad faith? What other actions could potentially be considered bad faith? What will you have to prove to recover the initial value of your claim and the additional damages?
Bad faith lawsuits can be incredibly challenging. They require an in-depth understanding of insurance law, contract law, and the underlying legal challenges of initial claims that are made. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate your case and find answers to tough questions on your own. Our York personal injury lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we appreciate that the insurance company doesn’t have your best interests at heart. It will try to manipulate the claims process for its own benefit and limit or prevent the financial payout you deserve.
When you turn to our trusted legal team for help after an unfair denial of benefits, we can help to ensure that your rights are heard and that you’re given every opportunity to get the compensation you need.
Count on us to:
- Carefully review the details of your underlying claim for benefits
- Analyze the terms of the insurance policy through which you’re seeking payment
- Investigate your accident to ensure that all necessary information and evidence is included in your claim
- Identify the specific bad faith practices the insurance company used during the claims process
- Gather evidence to demonstrate the insurance company’s unlawful actions
- Force the insurance provider to engage in meaningful settlement negotiations
- Represent your best interests at trial if the insurance company refuses to take responsibility for its bad faith practices and offer you a fair deal
You’ve had your claim for insurance benefits denied or undervalued. Money is tight. Hiring a personal injury attorney near you in York, PA shouldn’t add to the stress you’re under. That’s why our law firm works on contingency.
We don’t get paid unless you do. End of story.
Contact our law office in York, Pennsylvania, to learn more. Your first consultation is free.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
An insurance policy is a contract between two parties – the insured and the insurer. Both parties have a legal obligation to comply with the terms of the policy. In other words, as long as the insured pays the policy premiums, the insurance company has a legal obligation to consider any claims that are submitted in good faith.
Good faith simply means giving a claim an honest, fair review before making a decision. If there’s a legitimate basis for paying the claim, the insurance company has a responsibility to do so.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are in business to make money. They can make money by denying claims and/or getting claimants to accept payouts for less than they really deserve.
Tactics designed to sidestep proper consideration and payment of insurance claims are known as “bad faith.”
How Does Pennsylvania Define Bad Faith?
There is no single definition of “bad faith” in Pennsylvania state law.
However, courts have held that bad faith practices occur when an insurance company:
- Denies benefits under a policy without a reasonable basis; and
- Knew or recklessly disregarded the lack of a reasonable basis.
In other words, an insurance company knows it doesn’t have the grounds to deny a claim for benefits but does it anyway.
Pennsylvania law requires plaintiffs in bad faith insurance actions to prove their cases by clear and convincing evidence. This burden of proof is substantially higher than in other types of personal injury cases.
Examples of Bad Faith Insurance
Bad faith insurance practices can come in many forms.
Some of the most notable examples of bad faith insurance include:
- Denying a claim for insurance benefits without justification or explanation
- Delaying the claims process without a reason
- Failing to conduct a prompt investigation into a claim for benefits
- Misinterpreting the terms of a policy
- Changing the terms of a policy once a claim has been submitted
- Threatening a claimant with a low-ball offer
- Offering less than a claim is actually worth
- Requiring the claimant to complete unnecessary documents and paperwork
- Making unreasonable demands on the claimant
- Failing to communicate with the claimant
- Failing to issue payment within 20 days of a settlement
Ultimately, anything an insurance company tries to do to sidestep its responsibility to pay on a claim can be considered bad faith. If you suspect that an insurance company made you jump through unnecessary hoops, failed to give your claim the attention it deserved, or flat-out rejected your request for benefits without a reason, call Marzzacco Niven & Associates. We can help you assess your situation and potentially build a compelling claim to get you the compensation you deserve.
Are Insurance Claims Always Denied in Bad Faith?
No. Insurance companies in York, PA, do reserve the right to deny claims in some situations. They can also extend the claims process in certain situations. Just because a claim is denied or the claims process is delayed doesn’t automatically mean the company is acting in bad faith.
A claim for insurance benefits might be denied if:
- There is no valid insurance policy
- The claimant is not covered by the terms of the policy
- The policy has lapsed due to a lack of payment
- There is a genuine dispute regarding causation and/or liability
- The insurance company needs additional time or resources to investigate a claim
Ask questions if a claim for benefits is denied after a car accident in York, PA. If the insurance company offers an explanation, it may have a legitimate basis for denying your claim. On the other hand, if the insurance company is cagey or tries to avoid your questions, it might be a red flag that they’ve engaged in underhanded bad faith practices.
What Damages Can I Get In a York, PA Bad Faith Lawsuit?
By filing a bad faith lawsuit in York, PA, you can seek damages for:
- The initial value of your insurance claim;
- Interest on the value of your claim (equal to the prime rate plus 3 percent); and
- Court costs and attorney’s fees.
Punitive damages can also be awarded in some situations. Pennsylvania law requires proof that the insurance company’s conduct was intentional or fraudulent.
Decades of Experience Handling All Types of Bad Faith Litigation in York
No matter how you were injured or what types of losses you’ve suffered, you have the right to have your claim for insurance benefits considered fairly.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we’re here to help you navigate bad faith claims involving:
- Car insurance
- Homeowner’s Insurance
- Business Insurance
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Property insurance
- Liability insurance
- Malpractice insurance
Whether you were hit by a car in York, PA, or injured in an act of medical malpractice, our attorneys can help you fight to get the insurance benefits you need to get back on your feet. Call our law office to find out how we can help you make the insurance company take your claim seriously and extend the monetary award you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Bad Faith Lawsuit in York, Pennsylvania?
Generally speaking, you’ll have two years from the date of a bad faith act in Pennsylvania to file a bad faith insurance lawsuit.
Once the statute of limitations runs out, so will your opportunity to demand the financial justice you need and deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced York Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer
Do you suspect that your claim for insurance benefits was wrongfully denied after an accident in York, Pennsylvania? Demand accountability by calling the trusted team of litigators at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for help.
Our York bad faith insurance lawyers have 120+ years of experience taking on powerful insurers across the state. We understand you’ll have one shot at receiving compensation, and we’re ready to put the full force of our law firm behind your case
Contact our York, PA, law office to set up a free consultation now.