Bad faith insurance claims are a common occurrence but can be difficult to understand. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and give you the best chance at a successful resolution in which you feel seen, heard, and are awarded the compensation that you’re entitled to.
What is a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?
Insurance companies owe a duty of “good faith” to those they insure. This duty calls for insurers and their policyholders to treat each other fairly. Additionally, acting in good faith requires the insurance company to investigate claims in a timely manner, fairly, and diligently. On the other hand, it also requires policy holders to submit their claims promptly and assess losses incurred with as much accuracy as possible.
That background knowledge assists in our understanding of what it means for an insurance company to act in bad faith. The Ontario Insurance Act states that “No person shall engage in any unfair or deceptive act or practice.” With this in mind, “bad faith” can be described as a conscious act of wrongdoing, or acting dishonestly within an improper or illegal design. A key distinction that sets bad faith apart from negligence is that bad faith must involve acting with ill intention, as opposed to negligence which can just be poor judgment.
With that definition in mind, some examples of insurance companies acting in bad faith include:
- An insurance company interpreting their policies in an unreasonable manner
- An insurance company denying a policy holder’s benefits without medical certification that concludes that the policyholder is able to return to work
- An insurance company refusing to come to a decision on a claim in a timely manner
When Should I Connect With A Lawyer?
If you’ve been denied coverage or are at odds with your insurance company about what is payable under your plan, it is time to consult a personal injury lawyer. Many bad faith cases involve disability insurance claims, accident benefits claims, fire loss claims, property loss claims, car Insurance claims for injury or death, and life insurance claims.
At Beckett, our team has countless hours of experience dealing with each of these types of claims. When it comes to facing the big insurance companies, the support, expertise, and knowledge of a personal injury lawyer are essential in giving you the best chance at success.
We know that each case has its own unique set of challenges and background. Whatever your case may be, we’re dedicated to providing you with compassion, care, and support on your journey with us. We’re ready to listen to your personal situation, provide guidance and help determine what the next steps are for your specific case.
When you’re ready to connect with experienced lawyers at Beckett, contact our team for a free case evaluation.
Published on January 24, 2022
