|
Call Today: 916.714.7672 |
|
 |
Insurance/Bad Faith Most people purchase insurance as protection against loss; injury or a catastrophic event. People who have not had frequent dealings with insurance companies assume, once they own the policy that they are in good hands and will be compensated if they suffer the loss for which they've bought insurance. This is not always true. As many consumers can tell you, insurance companies often look for ways to deny claims, even if their excuses for denying claims are unsubstantiated. The attempt to avoid paying justified claims is what has come to be known as "bad faith". You are placing your "faith" in your insurance company when you buy a policy from them, "bad faith" is the insurance company's breach of your trust, its betrayal in denying your claim for an insincere, fraudulent or false reason. "Bad faith" can also be the result of your insurance company's refusal to pay the full benefits for which you have contracted. For example, you are injured and your medical bills are $25,000.00 and your insurance company agrees to pay only $15,000.00. When an insurer denies your claim, there may be a good reason, but there may also be no reason at all. Many consumers feel that they must automatically agree to a denial of benefits. This is not the case. Question any denial; challenge it. An insurance company approaches a claim as something to avoid if at all legally possible. Insurance companies do not make money paying out claims, but from collecting premiums from policyholders. Bear that in mind when you submit your claim. Your own diligence and complete documentation can be your best weapon in dealing with an insurance company over a disputed claim. We at Guenard & Bozarth are dedicated to making sure that your rights are protected and that insurance companies live up to the "faith" you have placed in them. Click here to go back to our practice areas page.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to protect your legal rights.
|
|||||||||||||||||
 |
|
Sacramento Office 1810 S Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916-447-7177 |
Elk Grove Office 8830 Elk Grove Blvd Elk Grove, CA 95624 916-714-7672 916-714-9031 (fax) |
Copyright 2005 Guenard & Bozarth LLP |
|
Sacramento Personal Injury Practice Areas: |
