Were you the victim of bad faith insurance practices in Columbia, Missouri? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at (573) 702-3285 for a free consultation with a Columbia bad faith insurance lawyer.
Insurance is supposed to offer peace of mind when life takes an unexpected turn. But when an insurance company delays, denies, or undervalues a valid claim, that promise of protection can vanish. Policyholders who experience this kind of unfair treatment may have grounds for a bad faith claim.
Why Choose Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Bad Faith Insurance Dispute in Columbia, MO?
When you’re facing a bad faith insurance dispute in Columbia, MO, you need trusted advocates who know how to stand up to powerful insurance companies. At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, our Columbia personal injury lawyers bring 100+ years of combined experience to every case.
We’ve recovered over $100 million for clients across Missouri by relentlessly pursuing the justice and compensation they deserve. Our team understands the tactics insurers use to delay or deny valid claims, and we’re prepared to hold them accountable through skilled negotiation or aggressive litigation.
We pride ourselves on personalized service, clear communication, and a proven record of success in complex insurance disputes. You don’t have to face this battle alone—we’re here to protect your rights and fight for fair results. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the dedicated legal support you deserve.
What Constitutes Bad Faith in Missouri?
Missouri law recognizes two main types of bad faith: first-party, when your insurer refuses to pay your claim, and third-party, when your insurer fails to defend you or settle a claim brought against you. Both can expose an insurance company to liability beyond the policy limits.
Examples of bad faith behavior include:
- Failing to acknowledge or respond to a valid claim
- Refusing to investigate or delaying the investigation
- Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage
- Offering unreasonably low settlements
- Failing to pay a judgment within policy limits
- Cancelling or not renewing a policy after a claim is filed
When an insurer acts in bad faith, the law allows policyholders to seek not just contract damages but also compensation for financial harm, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages.
What Damages Are Available in a Bad Faith Insurance Case?
Victims of insurance bad faith can recover more than just the original policy benefits.
Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
- The value of the original claim
- Out-of-pocket expenses and financial losses
- Attorney fees and litigation costs
- Compensation for stress, anxiety, or reputational damage
- Punitive damages for willful or reckless conduct
Our firm works to hold insurers accountable for both the financial and emotional harm caused by their misconduct. We aim to secure justice for clients and deter similar behavior in future cases.
Common Challenges in Bad Faith Insurance Cases
Insurance companies often hide behind complex policy language and legal defenses to justify their decisions. They may argue that a claim was denied for legitimate reasons or that a delay was unavoidable. These arguments can make cases difficult without the right legal support.
Our firm has experience uncovering patterns of internal communications, training materials, and claim-handling practices that reveal the true motives behind bad faith behavior. By exposing these tactics, we strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of a favorable settlement or verdict.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Missouri, most bad faith insurance claims must be filed within five years from the date the bad faith act occurred or the claim was denied. Certain situations, such as fraud or concealment, may alter this timeline.
Waiting too long can make it harder to prove misconduct or recover evidence. Acting quickly ensures that your attorney can obtain claim files, emails, and adjuster notes before they are lost or destroyed.
Contact a Columbia Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer for a Free Consultation
When an insurance company fails to keep its promises, it can cause serious financial and emotional harm. Many policyholders feel powerless against large insurers, but you do not have to face them alone. Legal action can level the playing field and restore your rights.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers represents clients throughout Missouri in complex insurance disputes. We understand how to interpret policies, identify violations, and hold insurers accountable when they act unfairly.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Columbia bad faith insurance attorney.
