Ohio Bad Faith Insurance Claim Denial Lawyers
Every insurance company owes its insured a duty of good faith, which is implied by law into every insurance policy. When an insurance company breaches this duty, an insured may pursue a claim for bad faith against his or her insurer. An insurance company fails to act in good faith when its refusal to pay a claim, or the full value of a claim, is not reasonably justified. The following factors are considered when determining whether an insurance company has acted in bad faith:
- The probability of the insured's liability
- The amount of the policy limits
- The extent of the claimant's damages
- The adequacy of the insurer's investigation
- The adequacy of the defense provided by the insurer
- Whether the insurer followed the defense attorney's advice regarding settlement
- Whether the insurer heeded its own adjusters' advice regarding settlement
- The insurer's willingness to engage in settlement negotiations
- Whether the insured made any misrepresentations that may have misled the insurer in settlement negotiations
- The openness of the communication between the insurer and the insured
- Whether the insured kept the insured informed of settlement negotiations
- Any other conduct demonstrating that the insurer felt or showed greater concern for its financial interest than it did for its insured's financial risk
Insurance companies have a duty to adequately and fairly evaluate and pay claims. Unfortunately, however, the insurance industry is increasingly denying and limiting payment of claims. Insurance companies that do so without reasonable justification, or as the result of an unfair, inadequate or one-sided claim investigation, may be held liable for bad faith. Both compensatory and punitive damages may be available in successful bad faith claims.
The bad faith insurance claim litigation attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber aggressively pursue the full extent of their clients' rights under their insurance policies. SS&L's lawyers are particularly adept at recognizing, investigating and proving bad faith conduct on behalf of insurance companies seeking to limit their insured's rights to payment under their policies.
If you have had an insurance claim denied, whether it be a claim for medical benefits or for property loss, damage or theft, or your insurance company has delayed payment of your claim or offered an unreasonably low amount as payment for a claim, and you believe you are not being treated fairly, contact the insurance coverage dispute and bad faith attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber to protect your rights.
Free Consultation · Contingency Fees · Spanish and Ukrainian Interpreters
Should you file a lawsuit? You won't know until you talk to an experienced attorney. Contact us or call us at (888) 633-0360 to arrange a free, confidential consultation. You can get answers, find out what happened, and help prevent similar needless injuries from happening to other people, too.
We handle our cases on a contingency-fee basis: if we can't help you recover money damages, you won't pay attorneys' fees. When you meet with us to discuss your case, it will be with an attorney, not an investigator or paralegal. We also have Spanish and Ukrainian interpreters available. Contact us today to get us started on investigating your claim from our Cleveland headquarters.
Experienced, Sophisticated, Reputable.
For more than 65 years, the attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber have represented clients in lawsuits against large insurance companies throughout Ohio and beyond. Our attorneys have access to the most sophisticated technical and medical resources available to investigate and prepare your case to win. When the insurance company lawyers see our name on the lawsuit, they know it is well researched, carefully investigated and thoroughly prepared. For you, that means insurance company lawyers come to the table prepared to discuss a full and fair settlement - or we'll see them in court.
Remember, if you have a claim, there is most likely a statute of limitations clock running, after which you won't have the right to file a lawsuit. Protect your rights by contacting us today or calling us at (888) 633-0360.
