Yes, but you have to do it correctly.

When your insurance company does not pay out for covered losses, you may have grounds for a lawsuit to get the money owed to you. However, this process can be complicated and there are some legal “loop holes” that have to be met before you can fully recover the amount owed, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.  Without the help of someone who is familiar with insurance company tactics and bad faith insurance laws, you can lose some of your rights.

At the Law Offices of Gary Bruce, our bad faith insurance attorneys are well versed in both Georgia and Alabama law and can help you recover the compensation you are owed. We have worked for and against insurance companies, and we know how to approach and effectively resolve these cases for our clients.

What is a Bad Faith Claim Against an Insurance Company?

 A bad faith claim against an insurance company can be made when your insurance company does not pay a claim to you or even a third party who was owed money. When you diligently pay your insurance premiums, you are entitled to a duty from the insurance company that they uphold their end of the agreement to pay as required by the policy.

When an insurance company does not uphold their end of the agreement, or GAMBLES with your case, they can be found to be negligent in handling the claim or even acting in bad faith. Either way, you may have a claim against your insurance company. Claims usually arise when the company:

  • Denies your claim without cause.
  • Offers only a fraction of what is owed or less than what is fair.
  • Delays your claim without cause.
  • Asks you to provide information not relevant to the claim.
  • Fails to provide necessary information to you.
  • Doesn’t pay a claim when a lawsuit is pending against you and exposes you to a judgment over and above your coverage.

What Kinds of Insurance Companies Can Be Sued for Bad Faith?

You pay for insurance as a safeguard against unforeseen accidents. When a car accident, accidental death, severe weather damage, or other destructive event occurs, you expect to be taken care of by your insurance company. Bad faith lawsuits can be brought against providers of:

  • Car insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Accidental death insurance
  • Homeowners insurance

Do I Need a Lawyer to Sue My Insurance Company?

The average person is in for a hard fight without an experienced lawyer who sues insurance companies on his or her side. Files must be documented, and letters and demands should be sent with supporting documentation and references to specific statutes. In fact, in Georgia, certain information has to be sent before a claim can even be advanced.  You also must watch out for shortened statutes of limitations in your contracts. Sometimes courts have held that lawsuits have to be filed in a matter of months instead of years.

Fighting back against an insurance company can be difficult. Insurance companies employ many tactics to keep money in their pockets and avoid paying claims. They also have vast resources to fund their efforts. 

The team at the Law Offices of Gary Bruce knows how to identify bad faith actions and recover damages to punish the insurance company.  We will handle investigations, paperwork, and any other necessary steps to achieve a favorable outcome for you.

Call Us to Schedule Your Free Consultation

Do not let the powerful insurance companies discourage you, intimidate you, or make you think that you cannot recover fair compensation. You have a right to the compensation you paid for, and the Law Offices of Gary Bruce can help protect that right. Let’s make sure you recover every element of damages owed. 

If you think your insurance company is acting in bad faith, call 706-786-4517 to schedule your free consultation with one of our bad faith insurance attorneys. We serve the communities of Columbus, Ft Moore (formerly Ft Benning), and southwest Georgia, as well as Phenix City, Opelika, Eufaula, and middle Alabama.