Insurance companies sometimes act in “bad faith” to avoid paying claims after natural disasters, severe storms, floods, and hurricanes, leaving homeowners in financial ruin as they pick up the pieces.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know had an insurance claim that was rejected, delayed, or underpaid in bad faith, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Bad Faith Insurance Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
When there is a natural disaster, homeowners who have paid thousands of dollars for insurance expect to be protected. Unfortunately, insurers often pay only a fraction of the cost of rebuilding their home — even when homeowners thought they were fully covered.
As insurance companies reap record-setting profits, they have become very creative at finding ways to pay less. The good news for you is that they must play by the rules — and when they don’t, you can file a “bad faith” insurance lawsuit.
What is a “Bad Faith” Insurance Claim?
An insurance policy is a legal contract between you and your insurance company. You pay money to an insurer who promises to pay for damage covered under the policy. “Bad faith” is when insurance companies break the law by intentionally refusing to pay legitimate claims.
Examples of Bad Faith
- Inadequately investigating a claim
- Offers of “low-ball” settlement
- Unexplained changes in policy coverage
- Refusal to pay for no reason
- Delaying claim processing or resolution
- Lying about what a policy covers
- Demanding unreasonable proof of loss
El Niño Bad Faith Insurance Claims
Climate experts have predicted that early 2016 will bring one of the strongest El Niño years on record. This unusual weather pattern occurs when warm ocean temperatures disrupt the jet stream, sending severe rainstorms into California.
California experienced severe El Niños in 1982 and 1997, when months of stormy weather caused billions of dollars in damage, severe flooding, landslides, and even tornadoes. The two El Niños resulted in 37% of insurance claims since 1978 — and many disputes. If future El Niños are anything like the past, thousands of people will be filing claims for property damage.
Protect Your Insurance Claim
- Take pictures: Your case will be stronger if you have “before and after” pictures documenting losses to your property.
- Keep important documents in a safe place: Find your policy and make sure it is current.
- Make necessary repairs: Only repair what is necessary to prevent further damage. Wait to make major repairs until after your insurance company has investigated.
- Do not wait to file a claim: There are deadlines to filing claims and lawsuits, so you must act promptly.
- Keep track of expenses: Keep receipts from any repairs you had to make, hotel costs, and other expenses.
Do I have a Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know had an insurance claim that was rejected, delayed, or underpaid in bad faith, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Bad Faith Insurance Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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