Bad Faith Insurance Claims
At Spooner Staggs, our Bad Faith Insurance Practice is dedicated to advocating for seriously injured accident victims and policyholders who have been mistreated by insurance companies.
We understand the complexities of insurance law and the tactics insurers use to avoid paying the money they owe. Our experienced personal injury attorneys specialize in representing seriously injured clients in Oregon who have encountered bad faith practices, ensuring they receive the compensation and justice they deserve.
Understanding Bad Faith Insurance
Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurance company fails to uphold its duty of “good faith and fair dealing” to policyholders. Examples include misrepresenting policy terms, denying valid claims without justification, and delaying or offering unreasonably low settlement amounts. In the recent Moody v Oregon Community Credit Union case, the Oregon Supreme Court gave consumers a powerful legal weapon they can use to force insurance companies to do the right thing.
Why Choose Spooner Staggs for Bad Faith Insurance Claims?
- Legal Expertise: Our attorneys are well-versed in Oregon insurance laws and regulations, providing clients with strategic guidance tailored to their individual cases.
- Personalized Representation: We understand that each case is unique, which is why we take the time to listen to our clients’ stories and review their insurance policies in detail to identify potential violations.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We are relentless in our pursuit of justice for our clients, holding insurance companies accountable for their bad faith practices and fighting for maximum compensation.
Defending Insurance Companies for 50 Years
The first rule of a successful negotiation is: Know Your Opponent. In a insurance bad faith case, your opponents are (1) the insurance industry, and (2) their highly skilled defense law firms.
Fortunately for Spooner Staggs clients, no law firm knows the insurance industry better than we do―our lawyers have spent 50 years as among the insurance industry’s top defense firms for their biggest, toughest cases. We’ve analyzed and encouraged fair outcomes for literally thousands of cases.
This rare experience has given us an insider’s knowledge and understanding into how the insurance industry evaluates, prices, and settles cases. We’ve walked in their shoes, so we know all their tools, tricks, and techniques. We know the buttons to push and the levers to pull to motivate them to settle cases more quickly and for more money.
With an unparalleled understanding of insurance companies cultivated through years of defending them, we bring a uniquely powerful advantage to those seeking justice regarding a bad faith insurance claim.
Common Types of Bad Faith Insurance Practices
- Duty to Investigate Claims: Insurers must conduct thorough investigations before denying or delaying claims. If an insurer fails to do so without a valid reason, they may be acting in bad faith.
- Duty to Uphold Policy Terms: Insurance companies must adhere to the terms of their policies, including honoring legal and financial obligations. Denying valid claims or offering inadequate settlements constitutes bad faith.
- Duty to Defend Policyholders: Insurers are obligated to provide legal representation to policyholders facing lawsuits related to covered losses, regardless of fault.
- Duty to Indemnify: Insurers must pay judgments awarded to third parties as outlined in the policy terms and limits.
Damages Available in Bad Faith Insurance Cases
In cases where an insurer is found to have acted in bad faith, policy limits do not restrict recovery. Clients may be entitled to various types of damages, including economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, non-economic damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages designed to punish the insurer and prevent similar misconduct in the future. The risk of needing to pay hefty punitive damages can scare a heel-dragging insurance company into coming to the table with a fair settlement offer.
How We Handle Bad Faith Insurance Claims
Our attorneys employ various strategies to address bad faith insurance practices, including:
- Direct Communication: We engage with insurance companies on behalf of our clients, highlighting allegations of bad faith and advocating for fair treatment.
- Demand Letters: We send formal demand letters outlining our clients’ losses and requesting fair compensation from the insurer.
- Litigation: If negotiations fails to get our clients what they deserve, we are always ready to file lawsuits and aggressively pursue justice through the legal system.
Consult with Our Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers
If you believe your insurance company has acted in bad faith, it is essential to seek legal guidance promptly. Our experienced bad faith insurance lawyers at Spooner Staggs law firm are here to help you understand your rights and options. We offer personalized attention and dedicated representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today for a Consultation
At Spooner Staggs Trial Lawyers, our Bad Faith Insurance Practice Group is committed to protecting the rights of policyholders in Oregon. With our extensive experience and unwavering dedication, we stand ready to advocate for you against insurance companies that engage in bad faith practices. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in seeking justice and fair compensation.