An insurance policy is a contract used to indemnify individuals and businesses for covered losses. It is a contract that binds both parties to a set of terms – an insured pays premiums for coverage in exchange for the insurance company paying benefits under the terms of the policy when a loss occurs. However, insurance coverage is a technical and confusing area of the law that impacts almost every single person at some point in his or her life. Often times, insurance coverage disputes arise in a variety of situations and commonly involve complicated and inter-related policy forms, insurance applications and prior dealings between the insured and agent/insurance carrier. When an insurance coverage dispute arises between an insured and insurer, it is important to have experienced lawyers on your side to advise and represent you in obtaining the best outcome.  Our attorneys have represented insureds in an array of coverage disputes, whether it be underpayment of a homeowners claim or a denial of a claim related to a cancer benefit policy.

Often times, when a loss occurs insureds are in very vulnerable and tragic situations.  This can be even more stressful and overwhelming when a dispute arises between an insured and an insurer over a claim.  As a result, Oklahoma courts have created Oklahoma law that places additional obligations on insurance companies when handling insurance claims to ensure that insurers do not take advantage of insureds and insureds are paid properly owed benefits in a timely manner. This is known as an insurer’s duty to handle claims with good faith and fair dealing. Essentially, insurance companies must adequately and timely investigate a claim and pay all benefits that are owed to an insured for a loss. Unfortunately, that all too often is not the case. In our years of representing individuals and businesses, we’ve seen firsthand how far insurance companies will go to avoid paying claims. Individuals and families that have been victims of bad faith tactics by insurance carriers need to find attorneys with the litigation skills and in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry to represent their interests.

Fulmer Sill was founded on the principle of leveling the playing field with insurance companies by influencing the manner in which insurance companies handle claims in Oklahoma through the services and results we provide for our clients. For decades, insurance companies have lobbied to prevent oversight by a federal agency and, with severe budget limitations to most state agencies, insurance companies are able to handle claims with virtually no accountability other than through the courts.  We are the last line of defense to fight back against insurance companies and protect your rights.

COMMON INSURANCE COMPANY BAD FAITH ACTS

  • Unreasonable delays in paying you benefits when the insurance company has all the information necessary to tender benefits
  • Failing to notify insureds that coverage may exist for the loss or explaining how the coverage may be applicable to the loss
  • Denying the validity of your claim regardless of whether the claim is valid under the terms of the policy
  • Delaying an investigation of the claim and/or dragging out the investigation by transferring your claim to multiple adjusters
  • Interpreting the policy language to find a way to deny your claim contrary to oklahoma law
  • Failing or refusing to thoroughly investigate the claim
  • Making you a lowball offer
  • Promising that a claim would be paid and then later refusing to do so

It is crucial to keep in mind that there are numerous deadlines that must be met in the insurance claims process and deadlines for suing an insurance company. Missing one of these deadlines can mean that an insurer can deny your claim and that a court can dismiss your case without any recovery to you. It is important to consult with experienced attorneys as soon as you have a concern about your claim.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT AN INSURANCE OR BAD FAITH CLAIM?

Oklahoma bad faith law is a highly complex and involved practice area that takes a great deal of experience, resources, and knowledge to maximize the results for you. It’s important that you know when your insurance company is acting in bad faith and, if they are, what steps we can take on your behalf. All initial consultations are free, and we don’t charge any up-front fees for representation. We handle all fees on a contingency basis, meaning that unless we’re successful, you don’t have to pay us. If you have further questions, our Fulmer Sill team is always willing to talk through your situation to help you understand what legal options you have regarding your claim. Please contact us at (405)510.0077 for a free consultation or request a case review here.