Gulfport Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer

For many people, insurance is a safety net. People rely on their insurance policies to recover after experiencing a disaster, such as a car accident, house fire, or storm damage. The financial burden often falls on the policyholder when an insurer fails to deliver on its promises.

Unfortunately, some insurers act in bad faith. That often means denying or delaying valid claims or offering settlements far below what you deserve. These practices are unfair and illegal, and you have the right to take legal action.

Whether it’s an auto accident claim after a collision on U.S. Highway 90 or a life insurance claim following a loved one’s passing, bad faith practices add to the stress and uncertainty of already difficult circumstances.

If you’re dealing with an insurance company that isn’t living up to its obligations, you need a Gulfport insurance bad faith lawyer. At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we will make sure that these insurers hold up their part of the contract. Find out how we can assist with your claim.

Bad faith actions can happen with any type of insurance, including homeowner’s, auto, health, and life insurance policies.

It may be hard to know if your insurer engaged in bad faith. Sometimes, insurers often rely on confusing language, legal loopholes, and bureaucratic tactics to avoid paying claims. Some red flags may include:

• Unreasonable delays: If your claim is stuck in limbo for months without explanation, it could signal bad faith.
• Inadequate investigation: An insurer must properly investigate your claim before making a decision. A rushed or incomplete investigation is a warning sign.
• Unexplained denials: If your claim is denied without a clear reason or justification, the insurer may be acting in an improper manner.
• Lowball offers: Receiving a settlement offer that doesn’t come close to covering your losses is a common tactic with these insurers.
• Poor communication: Ignoring phone calls, emails, or other attempts to contact them could indicate an attempt to frustrate you into giving up.

If you suspect bad faith, you will want to document every interaction with the insurer. By keeping copies of correspondence, policy documents, and records of the incident, you can strengthen your claim.

Reaching out to a Gulfport bad faith insurance lawyer can also help you determine whether your insurance company is using illegal tactics.

Mississippi law protects policyholders from bad faith insurance practices. Under state law, insurers owe their policyholders a duty of good faith and fair dealing. When an insurer violates this duty, the policyholder may have grounds for a bad faith lawsuit.

Bad faith claims can involve two types of damages:

• Compensatory damages cover financial losses, such as unpaid claims or out-of-pocket expenses.
• Punitive damages may be awarded if the insurer’s actions were especially egregious.

With a successful lawsuit, you can receive compensation for your losses. However, proving bad faith requires showing that the insurer’s actions were intentional, unreasonable, or malicious.

Records are important, and they can provide valuable evidence if your case escalates.

If the insurer continues to act unfairly, you may want to file a formal complaint with the Mississippi Department of Insurance (MDI). The MDI investigates consumer complaints, and in some cases, they may help mediate disputes.

If you want to take legal action, consult a Gulfport bad faith insurance lawyer. During the consultation, they can assess whether the insurer violated their obligation to act in good faith and advise you on pursuing compensation. You may be able to collect the amount the insurer owes, additional financial losses, emotional distress, and punitive damages for egregious misconduct.

Bad faith insurance claims are complicated, and insurers who engage in these practices will be willing to pull every tactic to avoid paying out what is owed to you. However, working with an experienced legal team can ensure the insurer is held accountable for their actions.