Jason Stephens | February 21, 2025 | Personal Injury
When you buy an insurance policy, you expect your provider to act fairly and meet their obligations. However, some insurers engage in bad faith practices to avoid paying legitimate claims.
If you believe your insurance company is acting unfairly, you may have legal recourse. Hiring an experienced Fort Worth bad faith insurance lawyer is a good idea. They will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
Bad faith insurance happens when an insurer wrongly denies, delays, or undervalues a valid claim. This often occurs without a good reason.
Examples of bad faith insurance practices include:
- Unjustified Claim Denials: rejecting a valid claim without providing a legitimate reason
- Unreasonable Delays: failing to investigate or process a claim in a timely manner
- Lowball Settlements: offering significantly less than what a claim is worth
- Misrepresenting Policy Terms: providing false or misleading information about coverage.
- Failure to Communicate: ignoring policyholder inquiries or failing to provide claim updates
Insurance companies are legally required to handle claims fairly and in good faith under Texas law. Policyholders may receive compensation for their losses when they fail to do so.
Texas Bad Faith Insurance Laws
Texas law provides strong protections for policyholders who experience bad faith insurance practices. Texas law requires insurance companies to handle claims fairly and honestly.
If a court decides that an insurer acted in bad faith, it holds the insurer liable for damages. This may include compensation beyond the original request.
Additionally, Texas sets a two-year statute of limitations for filing a bad faith insurance lawsuit. It is essential to pursue action within two years from the date of the insurer’s wrongful act. A Fort Worth bad faith insurance attorney can help you file in time.
Steps to Take If Your Insurance Company Acts in Bad Faith
If you suspect that your insurer is acting in bad faith, taking the following steps can help strengthen your case:
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of all communication with your insurer. Evidence includes emails, letters, and summaries of phone calls.
- Request a written explanation. If the claims department denies or delays your claim, ask them for a written explanation outlining the reason for their decision.
- Review your policy. Understand the terms and coverage limits outlined in your insurance policy.
The best recourse against bad faith insurance is to seek legal assistance. A bad faith insurance lawyer can assess your situation, negotiate with the insurer, and take legal action if necessary.
How an Attorney Can Help with Bad Faith Insurance in Fort Worth
Insurance companies often prioritize their profits over policyholders’ rights. They might pressure claimants to accept unfair settlements or try to discourage them from seeking the compensation they deserve. Many people feel overwhelmed when dealing with bad faith insurance practices, but you don’t have to face this alone.
Seeking legal help can level the playing field and protect your rights. A skilled attorney knows how to handle tough insurance laws. They can fight wrongful denials and hold insurers responsible.
Having an attorney with experience fighting insurance companies is key. An attorney can:
- Investigate your claim and identify bad faith practices
- Gather evidence to support your case
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Take your case to court if necessary
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This allows all individuals to get affordable, accessible legal representation.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000
