Bad Faith Insurance Attorneys in Oklahoma City

We Take on Insurance Companies for You

Insurance is a reality of living in today’s age. You can’t finance a home, drive a car, or go to the doctor without it. That is, unless you are independently wealthy and have the ability to pay cash for the financial consequences of things such as a tornado, car wreck, or catastrophic illness. Since most of us do not have that ability, we rely on insurance policies to protect us from the devastating financial impact something like this may cause.

Insurance companies have endlessly lobbied to prevent federal oversight 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. This is why we take pride in being bad faith insurance attorneys in OKC and serving the local residents.

Call (405) 433-7414or contact onlinefor a free consultation with a bad faith insurance lawyer in Oklahoma City.

Common Insurance Company Bad Faith Acts

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

It is crucial to keep in mind that there are strict 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 insurance company 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.

How Do Insurance Policies Work

An insurance policy is a contract that binds both parties to a set of terms — the insured pays premiums in exchange for the insurance company’s promise to pay benefits under the terms of the policy when a covered loss occurs. In other words, we pay money for the insurance company’s promise to financially protect us if something happens. However, when a loss occurs, the insured is in a vulnerable situation. While the insured may be trying to heal from physical injuries or clean up from a devastating storm, they must also deal with their insurance company to get the benefits for which they paid their insurance premium.

Because of this vulnerability, as well as the fact the insurance company wrote the policy and is making the decision on whether it will pay benefits, Oklahoma law places certain obligations on insurance companies to ensure insurance consumers are not taken advantage of and are paid benefits in a timely manner. This is known as an “insurer’s duty to handle claims with good faith and fair dealing.”

What Should a Good Faith Insurance Company Do

Essentially, an insurance company must thoroughly investigate your claim, fairly evaluate the results of its investigation, and promptly pay the benefits it owes you. Unfortunately, all too often this is not the case. In our decades of representing individuals and businesses, we’ve seen firsthand how far insurance companies will go to avoid paying claims. Because of this, it is important that victims of bad faith tactics by insurance carriers find attorneys with an in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry to represent their interests.

Frequently Asked Questions about Insurance Bad Faith Claims in Oklahoma

What is insurance bad faith?

Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurance company unreasonably denies a claim, fails to properly investigate a claim, or fails to act in the best interests of the policyholder.

What laws govern insurance bad faith claims in Oklahoma?

Insurance bad faith claims in Oklahoma are primarily governed by case law and statutes such as Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which outlines regulations concerning insurance practices.

What damages can I recover in an insurance bad faith claim in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, if you prevail in an insurance bad faith claim, you may be entitled to recover damages including the amount of the original claim, consequential damages, emotional distress damages, attorney's fees, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Is there a time limit for filing an insurance bad faith claim in Oklahoma?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing an insurance bad faith claim in Oklahoma. Typically, the deadline is within two years from the date the bad faith conduct occurred or was discovered.

Can I sue my insurance company for bad faith without first filing a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department?

While it's not a strict requirement, it's generally advisable to exhaust administrative remedies by filing a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department before pursuing legal action against your insurance company for bad faith.

Do I need an attorney to file an insurance bad faith claim in Oklahoma?

While you're not required to have an attorney, it's highly recommended to seek legal representation experienced in handling insurance bad faith claims. An attorney can help navigate the complexities of the legal process and work to maximize your chances of success.

Can I file a bad faith claim against any type of insurance company in Oklahoma?

Yes, you can file a bad faith claim against any type of insurance company, including health, auto, homeowners, and commercial insurance providers, if you believe they have acted in bad faith.

What steps should I take if I believe my insurance company is acting in bad faith?

Document all communications with your insurance company, gather evidence supporting your claim, consider filing a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department, and consult with an experienced attorney to explore your legal options.

Please contact us at (405) 433-7414or onlinefor a free consultation. Hablamos español.