Contact top-rated Houston bad faith insurance lawyers at Callender Bowlin if you need urgent assistance after suffering from your insurance company’s unfair practices.
People pay insurance companies for financial coverage of different kinds in terms of need. It could be for damages and losses, medical expenses, automotive and many more. Whatever it is, insurance companies have got you covered – at least, that’s how it should be. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies hold up their end of the bargain.
Callender Bowlin has a long track record of success in maximizing damages and defending the rights of policyholders from insurance companies who have treated them unfairly and violated their covenant. Feel free to browse through the verified testimonials of our satisfied clients in Houston.
As a policyholder, you are bound to a contract with your insurance provider. You pay for your insurance, and in return, they will pay for the damages and losses covered in the policy.
However, some insurance companies act in bad faith and refuse to provide the financial assistance promised. If you are involved in a situation like this, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for bad faith insurance.
Why Choose Callender Bowlin?
Policyholders pay insurance premiums for a reason – that is, to lessen the losses and somehow minimize the economic impact of unfortunate events on their properties.
In exchange for the monthly premiums, insurance companies promise to provide policyholders compensation. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In the event of a disaster, some insurance companies practice bad faith – wrongfully delaying, underpaying and denying valid insurance claims.
Fortunately, there is something you can do about it with the help of a well-trusted law firm, Callender Bowlin.
So why choose us to represent you? There are plenty of reasons why choosing our law firm to handle your case is the optimal choice. Some of these reasons include the following:
- Callender Bowlin is proven to be a reputable law firm
- Our well-experienced lawyers specialize in bad faith insurance claims
- Our firm has a successful track record
- Our firm is built on integrity and values
- Our legal team has extensive experience in handling a variety of cases for years in federal as well as district courts
- Our lawyers are well-versed with the insurance laws and its legal landscape
- You can expect full transparency
- We value our clients’ legal needs
- We fight for the rights of policyholders like you
How Much Do We Charge: We operate on a contingency fee arrangement. This means that our clients do not pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, our fees are contingent upon the successful outcome of the case.
Contact Us Now: If you or a loved one has experienced bad faith from your insurance company or any other unfair practice, you can get help and representation from a Houston insurance lawyer at Callender Bowlin. We’re always available to provide support. Call (713) 955-9719 now or send us a message.
How Can We Help in A Bad Faith Insurance Case?
Bad faith insurance refers to when an insurance provider does not behave in an appropriate and justifiable way in processing a claim. When an insurance provider is proven to be practicing bad faith, policyholders may be able to obtain additional compensation or file a lawsuit to serve as punishment for the unfair behavior.
Generally, bad faith insurance lawyers serve as legal representation for policyholders whose claims have been delayed, undervalued or wrongfully denied by their insurance providers.
An experienced bad faith lawyer can help wronged policyholders in several ways. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Help educate policyholders regarding the insurance laws in the state governing their claim
- Helping policyholders recover the compensation and benefits they are entitled to
- Gather important documents and evidence to prove the insurance provider’s bad faith practices
- File a lawsuit on your behalf
- Serve as legal representation in and outside of court
About Bad Faith Insurance in Houston
No matter how secure you think your insurance policy is, bad faith can occur anytime and anywhere, and the Lone Star state is no exception. Generally, policyholders file insurance claims to cover the damages and other financial losses caused by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters and accidents — both of which commonly occur in Houston, Texas.
According to a report posted on the Houston Public Media, extreme climate change and costly disasters have caused Texas homeowner insurance rates to increase rapidly. Aside from that, Houston was also reported to be one of the top cities with the most car accidents in the U.S., as per the Houston Chronicle.
Due to the prevalence of natural disasters and accidents in Houston, policyholders often file insurance claims for the coverage indicated in their policy to help them recover and get back on their feet.
However, insurance claims are not always processed easily, may be undervalued and may even be sometimes denied by insurance companies. While some insurance companies have no intention to act in bad faith, there are some who practice bad faith in order to avoid paying claims.
What Happens In Bad Faith Insurance?
When your insurance company acts in bad faith, it could be really frustrating for a policyholder. Understanding how insurance companies work can help you make better and more informed decisions in dealing with your claim. So, why does bad faith insurance happen?
While insurance companies exist to provide financial coverage for their policyholders, it is important to keep in mind that it is still business. Like any business, insurance companies are in it to make profit. By delaying compensation, paying less or refusing to pay any money at all, insurance companies can limit their liability exposure and keep more money.
In general, bad faith insurance arises when insurance providers fail to adhere to the contract between them and their policyholders. Bad faith could manifest in different forms. Some of the examples of bad faith practices may include but are not limited to the following:
- Lowball settlement offers
- Failure to investigate claims
- Failure to defend the claim
- Delaying claims processing
- Unreasonable claim denial
- Misrepresentation of policy terms
- Misrepresentation of insurance laws
- Threatening policyholders
- Coverage denials
- Canceling or changing the terms of the insurance policy after filing a claim
- Putting insurance company profits over a valid claim of a policyholder
The Duty of Good Faith
When you enter into a contract, there is an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. This means each party must fulfill the terms of the agreement, especially in an insurance policy,
Since the concept of insurance is a matter that’s vested with public interest, insurance companies must uphold several duties to policyholders, including:
- Investigating a claim thoroughly and properly;
- Defending the insured in a liability insurance regarding covered claims against him;
- Indemnifying or paying settlement costs and court-ordered damages when a covered claim had been substantiated;
- Settling under reasonable circumstances to protect the insured from further losses and potential litigation.
If an insurer unreasonably and unfairly fails to fulfill these obligations, they are breaching their duty of good faith, thereby exposing themselves to a possible bad faith insurance claim.
Legal Consequences Of Bad Faith Insurance
Like any other misconduct, bad faith practices have legal consequences. When an insurance provider engages in bad faith, the wronged policyholder may be eligible to obtain compensation and file a claim or lawsuit against the insurance company. If the insurance company is proven to practice bad faith, they may be liable to provide the following to the policyholder:
Compensatory damages
This type of damages aims to compensate policyholders for the actual damages and other financial losses they have sustained as a result of the insurance provider’s bad faith, such as lost wages, medical expenses and property damage.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages, on the other hand, are designed to serve as punishment for misconduct by the insurance company. It focuses not on compensating the policyholders but rather on deterring or dissuading the insurance companies from committing bad faith practices.
In the state of Texas, if you have a bad faith claim and are able to prove that your insurance provider is indeed practicing bad faith, you may be entitled to receive a higher amount of compensation than what was indicated in your insurance policy. You may recover three times your actual or compensatory damages, also known as “Treble damages.”
Role of A Specialized Attorney
Dealing with insurance claims can be a difficult task, especially if you think your insurance provider is unfairly dealing with you. Having an attorney who specializes in bad faith insurance claims is crucial in ensuring that you are well aware of your rights as a policyholder and that you receive the fair compensation you deserve in accordance with your policy.
An experienced bad faith insurance lawyer can strengthen your claim. From identifying important details of your contract with the insurance provider to negotiating on your behalf to representing you in court (if the situation calls for it), the role of a specialized attorney in a bad faith claim is crucial to ensuring that your rights as a policyholder are being fought for.
Working With A Local Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer
If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, hiring a local bad faith insurance lawyer can be very beneficial for your case for several reasons. Some of these reasons include:
- They have an extensive knowledge of the state’s insurance laws governing your claim
- They can provide you with legal guidance as you process your claim
- They can gather essential documents relevant to your case
- They are good negotiators
- They can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf
- Having a local bad faith insurance lawyer helps strengthen the credibility of your claim
Call A Houston Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Now
A highly reputable Houston bad faith insurance lawyer is within reach as you try to navigate a complicated claims process. Our firm fearlessly represents people who have been deprived of proper compensation under covered claims.
With our vast resources and network of legal experts, we are ready to face powerful insurance companies. We can confidently handle your case – and winning is the only option.
If you or a loved one has experienced bad faith from your insurer or any other unfair practice, contact us now at (713) 955-9719 or send us a message for a free comprehensive case review to discover how we can support you during this challenging time.
