Insurance companies are supposed to honor the policies that individuals pay for, but that doesn’t always happen. If your insurer is not treating you fairly, a Baton Rouge insurance claims lawyer can help.
The lawyers at Barcus Arenas, PLLC, have nearly 20 years of combined legal experience. When your insurance claim has been delayed, denied, or undervalued, our bad faith insurance lawyer in Baton Rouge can step in and help you obtain the compensation you are owed.
Why Hire a Baton Rouge Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer?
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company fails to uphold its legal duty to treat policyholders fairly and honestly. Insurers are required to evaluate claims promptly, communicate clearly, and pay valid claims within a reasonable timeframe. When they don’t, they may be acting in bad faith.
Handling an insurance claim on your own can be an uphill battle. A Baton Rouge bad faith insurance lawyer can help by:
- Analyzing your claim: We can review your policy, analyze the insurer’s conduct, and identify whether their actions violate Louisiana’s bad faith laws.
- Gathering supporting evidence: We can collect documentation such as claim correspondence, adjuster reports, expert opinions, and internal insurer communications to strengthen your case.
- Handling communication with the insurer: We can manage all interactions with the insurance company so you don’t say anything that could be used against you.
- Negotiating a fair settlement: We can push back against lowball offers and work toward a settlement that reflects the full value of your losses.
- Filing a lawsuit: We can take your case to court if the insurer refuses to act in good faith.
A denial rises to the point of being in bad faith when the insurer’s actions are unreasonable, deceptive, or intentionally harmful.
For a free legal consultation with a bad faith insurance lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call (800) 941-1041
Types of Compensation Available in a Bad Faith Insurance Claim
A successful bad faith claim can go beyond recovering the original amount owed under your policy, as Louisiana law allows policyholders to pursue additional damages when insurers act improperly. You may be entitled to;
- Policy benefits owed: You can recover the amount the insurer should have paid under the policy.
- Consequential damages: You can seek compensation for additional losses caused by the insurer’s actions, such as financial hardship or property deterioration.
- Statutory penalties: You may be entitled to punitive damages if your insurer’s conduct was particularly malicious or egregious.
- Attorney’s fees and costs: You can recover the legal expenses associated with pursuing your claim.
- Emotional distress damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover compensation for the stress and hardship caused by the insurer’s conduct.
A bad faith insurance attorney in Baton Rouge can help make sure you receive compensation for all of your losses.
Baton Rouge Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Near Me
(800) 941-1041
How Long Do You Have to File a Bad Faith Claim in Louisiana?
Like most legal claims, bad faith insurance claims are subject to deadlines. The exact deadline for your claim will depend on the type of claim you filed, when the bad faith act occurred, and the specifics of your policy. An attorney can help make sure you file a claim on time.
Click to contact our Insurance Claims Lawyers in Baton Rouge today
Common Types of Insurance Bad Faith in Baton Rouge
Common examples of bad faith actions from insurance companies include:
- Unreasonable claim denials: The insurer refuses to pay a valid claim without a legitimate reason or misrepresents policy terms to justify the denial.
- Delaying claim processing: The company drags out the claims process without justification, hoping you will give up or accept less than you are owed.
- Failure to investigate properly: The insurer neglects to conduct a fair and thorough investigation before denying or underpaying a claim.
- Lowball settlement offers: The company offers significantly less than the claim is worth without a valid basis.
- Misrepresentation of policy language: The insurer provides misleading information about what the policy covers.
- Failure to communicate: The company ignores calls, emails, or requests for updates, leaving you in the dark.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Louisiana Bad Faith Insurance Laws
Louisiana enforces specific laws designed to protect policyholders from unfair insurance practices. Under RS 22:1892, insurers must:
- Adjust claims fairly and promptly: They are required to evaluate claims based on the facts and policy terms without unnecessary delay.
- Pay claims within required timeframes: Insurers must issue payment within a certain period after receiving satisfactory proof of loss.
- Act in good faith toward policyholders: They must treat policyholders honestly and avoid deceptive practices.
And when insurers deny a claim, they are also required to give you a clear and specific reason. If they fail to meet these obligations, policyholders may be entitled to penalties in addition to the original claim amount.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Bad Faith
If you believe your insurance company is acting unfairly, it’s important to take these steps:
- Review your policy carefully: Make sure you understand your coverage, exclusions, and obligations under the policy.
- Request written explanations: Ask the insurer to provide detailed reasons for any delays, denials, or reduced payments.
- Document everything: Keep records of all communications, including emails, letters, phone calls, and claim documents.
- Avoid accepting a settlement: Don’t agree to a settlement before consulting a lawyer.
- Seek legal guidance: Our Baton Rouge bad faith insurance claim lawyers can evaluate your case and determine whether you have grounds for a bad faith claim.
Speak to Our Bad Faith Insurance Attorneys in Baton Rouge
Dealing with an insurance company that refuses to play fair can be frustrating and financially draining. You deserve to be treated fairly according to the terms of your policy, and our experienced team is here to step in and fight to make sure that you are.
If your insurer is acting in bad faith, we encourage you to turn to our bad faith insurance attorneys in Baton Rouge. At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, we can deal with insurers on your behalf and help secure the compensation you deserve.
Book a free consultation to discuss your situation with a lawyer.
Call or text (800) 941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
