Insurance Bad Faith And Other Insurance-Related Legal Disputes
When insurers stand in the way of policyholders’ rightful benefits after a covered event (such as an accident, a fire or a judgment after a lawsuit), these policyholders may seek justice through legal action, often by bringing insurance bad faith claims. Bad faith claims present evidence that insurers have committed one or more of these wrongs:
- They undervalue legitimate claims.
- They deny valid claims.
- They delay payout for claims in an apparent attempt to discourage the claimant to the point of dropping claims.
- They fail to meet the terms of properly issued, paid-up insurance policies.
The Law Office of Michael A. France has built a name for itself as a litigation firm that takes on complex and challenging contract disputes, including insurance-related claims. When we represent a plaintiff, we believe the evidence supports the plaintiff’s claim. We represent clients in insurance bad faith scenarios when we feel confident that we can win on their behalf in a court of law. Then we skillfully and zealously pursue just outcomes.
The Law Office of Michael A. France Stays Trial-Ready
Some litigation firms are all bark and no bite. They appear to threaten to take cases to court when, in fact, they intend to settle out of court. Our trial lawyers, on the other hand. are committed to take well-documented claims before a judge and jury.
Our law practice consists of 100% litigation. When cases come to our attention, they have reached the point where aggressive advocacy is the only way forward. All clients have our reassurance that we will prepare as if for trial and stay ready until a case is resolved appropriately.
Do Not Undervalue Your Right To Benefits
Plaintiffs in insurance law matters often feel intimidated by insurance companies with large legal teams that try to strong-arm them into believing myths about their own positions, such as the following:
- That they are not justified in bringing claims for benefits.
- That they don’t have valid claims.
- That their policies (or policies of liable parties after auto accidents or similar events) do not cover what the claimants are asking for.
- That they will not be paid the benefits that they deserve.
The Law Office of Michael A. France understands these tactics very well and fights on behalf of policyholders and others who have the right to proper benefits.
Florida Insurance Bad Faith Claims We Handle
We address various bad-faith insurance matters, including:
- Homeowners insurance disputes involving hurricane damage, sinkholes, fire loss, water damage, roof failure and mold. Florida homeowners can face aggressive claim denials or underpayments after storms, making it difficult to recover fully without legal support.
- Auto insurance bad faith claims, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection disputes and property damage claims.
- Life insurance claim denials based on alleged material misrepresentation, policy lapse or suicide exclusions. We work to challenge improper denials and recover rightful benefits.
- Commercial property insurance claims involving business interruption, structural damage and liability exposure.
- Boat and marine insurance claims, which are especially relevant in Florida, cover vessel damage, theft and liability issues arising from accidents on the water.
Our attorney can help ensure the claim is properly evaluated and that the insurance company is held accountable under Florida law.
What Next When Insurance Companies Act Unfairly?
Insurance companies are expected to act in good faith, but that does not always happen. Some insurers delay responses, undervalue claims or look for reasons to deny coverage altogether. These actions can place a huge financial strain on individuals and families who rely on their policies for protection.
Under Florida law, policyholders have rights when an insurer acts unfairly. One key law is Florida Statute 624.155, which allows individuals to pursue a bad faith claim when an insurance company fails to settle a valid claim in a timely or reasonable manner. This law creates a path for holding insurers legally responsible for their conduct.
Common warning signs include:
- Repeated delays
- Lack of communication
- Low settlement offers
- Outright denials without clear justification
We can step in to challenge these tactics and push for a fair resolution.
What To Expect During The Legal Process
Many hesitate to take legal action because they do not know what the process entails. Having a clear picture of the steps can make the situation feel more manageable and less intimidating. A typical insurance dispute may involve the following stages:
- An initial consultation to review the policy and claim details
- A thorough investigation to gather evidence and assess damages
- Filing a formal claim or legal complaint against the insurer
- Discovery, where both sides exchange information and documents
- Negotiation or mediation aimed at reaching a settlement
- Trial, if a fair agreement cannot be reached
Insurance companies have legal teams working to protect their interests, so it is critical for policyholders to have knowledgeable representation on their side as well.
Is An Insurer Putting Up Roadblocks?
CALL or send an email inquiry to schedule a consultation and learn about our insurance litigation capabilities.