When you pay for insurance, you expect the company to hold up their end of the deal. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. If your insurance provider delays, denies, or underpays your valid claim, you may be the victim of bad faith. Seattle Injury Law can help you take action.
Our Seattle insurance bad faith attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $300 million for clients throughout Washington. We know how to handle complex bad faith cases and will work hard to maximize the amount of compensation you recover.
If you believe your insurer acted unfairly, reach out to us today. Your initial consultation is completely free of charge. Call (800) 928-5486 now to speak with one of our Seattle insurance bad faith lawyers.
How Can Seattle Injury Law Help With My Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Washington State?
Fighting an insurance company can be overwhelming when you try to go it on your own, as they have entire departments of professionals working to protect their bottom line. Hiring a respected attorney can force them to take you seriously from the start.
At Seattle Injury Law, we’ll handle every part of your bad faith claim so you can focus on moving forward. When you work with our team, of Seattle insurance bad faith attorneys we can:
- Review your insurance policy to explain your full rights and coverage
- Analyze your claim history to spot any unfair or unlawful practices
- Collect evidence of delays, denials, or deceptive behavior
- Negotiate directly with the insurer for a fair resolution
- File a lawsuit if the company refuses to cooperate
In many cases, victims of bad faith may be entitled to more than just the value of the original claim. Washington law may allow you to recover additional damages, including legal fees and compensation for emotional distress.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith?
Insurance companies are required by law to treat their policyholders fairly. This duty is known as the “implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.” When an insurer puts profits ahead of its policyholders and fails to handle a claim honestly or reasonably, it may be acting in bad faith.
There are many ways this can happen. Examples of bad faith insurance practices include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Denying a valid claim without explanation
- Delaying payment without justification
- Failing to conduct a proper investigation
- Misrepresenting the terms of the policy
- Offering unreasonably low settlements
- Pressuring you to settle quickly or without legal counsel
These tactics can leave you struggling to cover things like medical bills, lost income, and property damage. If your insurer isn’t doing the right thing, a legal claim might be the only way to get the coverage you paid for. Call Seattle Injury Law today to set up a free consultation and get the legal help you need.
What Types of Claims Can Involve Bad Faith in Seattle, WA?
Bad faith can arise in almost any kind of insurance claim. Some of the most common include:
- Auto insurance: Denials after motor vehicle accidents, including car collisions and truck crashes in Seattle, Washington
- Homeowners’ insurance: Coverage disputes after fires, floods, or theft
- Health insurance: Refusing coverage for medically necessary treatments
- Life insurance: Delays in paying out after a loved one’s passing
- Business insurance: Denied claims for property loss or liability
If you’ve run into unfair obstacles during the claims process, speak with a Seattle insurance bad faith lawyer to see if you have grounds for legal action.
What Does Washington Law Say About Insurance Bad Faith?
In Washington, insurance bad faith is taken seriously. The state’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) gives consumers strong protections when dealing with dishonest insurers.
Under the IFCA, you may be entitled to damages if an insurer:
- Unreasonably denies a claim for coverage or payment of benefits
- Violates Washington Administrative Code regulations that govern claims handling
- Acts in a way that violates the Consumer Protection Act
You do not need to prove the insurance company acted maliciously, only that it failed to act reasonably. If you believe your rights were violated, contact a lawyer right away for help taking action.
What Kinds of Evidence Can Help Support My Insurance Bad Faith Claim?
Bad faith isn’t always easy to prove, but strong documentation can make a difference. If you’re concerned about how your insurer is treating you, try to gather the following to help support your bad faith claim:
- A copy of your policy, including any endorsements or amendments
- Written communications between you and the insurer (letters, emails, denial notices)
- Records of phone calls, including dates and names of adjusters
- Notes about delays, misinformation, or contradictory instructions
- Proof of the damages you’ve suffered from the delay or denial
Once we review your file, our legal team of Seattle bad faith insurance lawyers can help determine whether you have a viable claim and how best to proceed.
How Long Do I Have To File a Bad Faith Claim in Washington?
Washington has multiple statute of limitations deadlines that can apply to bad faith claims. If your claim is based on a breach of contract, the time limit is generally six years. Otherwise, if your claim is based on tort law, the time limit is three years instead.
However, there are exceptions to these deadlines in some cases that can adjust the timeframe. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence or prove your case, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Contact Our Seattle Insurance Bad Faith Attorneys To Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’re being mistreated by an insurance company in Seattle, Washington, getting experienced legal help may be one of the decisions you could possibly make. You have the right to fair treatment in these circumstances, and you don’t have to accept unreasonable delays or lowball offers.
At Seattle Injury Law, our Seattle insurance bad faith attorney can help you understand your rights and hold your insurer accountable. We offer free consultations, and you won’t owe anything in attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you.
Contact us today to speak with a Seattle insurance bad faith attorney and get the support you need.