If you’ve been involved in a serious accident and filed an insurance claim, only to have your insurer delay or deny the claim, you may be the victim of bad faith insurance practices. When an insurance company acts in bad faith, it not only harms you financially but also disrupts your ability to recover from an injury. If you’re dealing with an insurer who is not living up to their obligations in St. Louis, MO we can help.
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to holding insurance companies accountable for acting in bad faith. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of fighting back against insurance companies that try to take advantage of policyholders in Missouri.
Contact our St. Louis bad faith insurance lawyers today at (314) 444-4444 to learn more and to schedule a free consultation.
How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You with a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in St. Louis, Missouri
Bad faith insurance claims can be complicated and frustrating. Insurers are supposed to act in good faith. This means they are legally obligated to honor your claim and deal with you fairly. When they fail to do this, it may be time to take legal action. At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle the legal challenges of bad faith claims, so you can focus on your recovery.
Here’s how our St. Louis personal injury lawyers can help you:
- Detailed Investigation of Your Claim
- Identifying and Proving Bad Faith Practices
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies
- Litigating Your Bad Faith Claim in Court if Necessary
Call our law offices in St. Louis, Missouri, today or reach out online to get started. Your initial consultation is free of charge.
What Are Some Common Signs of Bad Faith Insurance in St. Louis?
Bad faith insurance is unfortunately all too common. Insurance companies will often try to avoid paying out claims or settle for much less than you deserve. Here are some of the most common signs that your insurance company may be acting in bad faith:
- Unjustified Denials: If your insurer refuses to pay a claim or wrongfully denies it without a reasonable explanation or justification, they may be acting in bad faith. Insurers are required to provide clear reasons for denying coverage. If they cannot do so, it could be a violation of Missouri law.
- Delays in Processing Claims: Insurance companies are required to process claims promptly. If your insurer is unnecessarily delaying the processing of your claim or failing to take action, they may be violating your rights. This could delay your recovery and create unnecessary stress.
- Offering Unreasonably Low Settlements: Another common bad faith practice is offering settlements that do not reflect the true value of your claim. Insurers may try to convince you to accept an amount that is much lower than you deserve. They usually make these offers before you’ve had a chance to fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages.
- Failure to Investigate Claims: Insurance companies are obligated to investigate claims fairly and thoroughly. If your insurer refuses to investigate your claim properly, or if they make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information, this may be considered bad faith.
If you believe your insurance company is treating you unfairly in any way, contact our legal team for help. We can help you determine your legal rights and options.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a St. Louis Bad Faith Claim?
If your insurer has acted in bad faith, you may be entitled to more than just compensation for the initial damages you suffered. In addition to the amount that you should have been paid for your injury, you may also be able to recover:
Economic damages include compensation for the actual losses you’ve sustained, such as:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that are harder to quantify but still significantly impact your life, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
In rare cases of extreme bad faith or egregious conduct by the insurance company, Missouri law allows for punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the insurance company for bad behavior and discourage other companies from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a bad faith insurance claim is generally five years from the date the insurance company failed to act in good faith. This means you have five years to file a lawsuit. That may seem like a long time, but it is always best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is handled in a timely manner.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to take legal action. There are also exceptions that can change the deadline for some cases. That’s why it is important to start your claim process as soon as you notice any signs of bad faith.
Contact Our St. Louis Bad Faith Insurance Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you believe your insurance company has acted in bad faith, contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers. Our St. Louis bad faith insurance attorneys are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We are ready to help you hold your insurer accountable and recover the damages you’re entitled to. Call today to set up a free case review.
