Anytime an insurance company wrongfully denies a claim, they are acting in bad faith. The insurance policy between the insurance company and the insured is considered a contract that requires the company to act in good faith. Insurance companies often try to deny a claim for any reason they can or underpay for a claim. Bad faith needs to be proven by the insured by showing how the insurer failed to honor their policy.

Elements of Bad Faith

Insurance companies have a contractual obligation to handle claims in good faith. Yet insurers may deny, delay, or ignore valid claims. Results-oriented legal representation could force your insurer to pay up.

You may have a bad faith insurance case if:

  • Delayed payment. If a company ignores your claim, requests unnecessary documentation, or excessively delays your case instead of paying promptly, it may be bad faith.
  • Failure to fairly investigate the claim. Denying your claim without properly investigating it or assessing damages and liability is an indication of bad faith.
  • Misrepresentation of policy terms. It is illegal to misrepresent the terms of a policy negligently or intentionally, such as through excessive exclusions or ambiguous language.
  • Underpayment of claims. Offering a fast but low settlement is a common tactic to save an insurance company money. Do not accept an offer until first consulting an attorney.
  • Wrongful claim denial. Insurance companies have a reputation for denying claims for any possible reason. Many claim denials depend on illegal exclusions or the company’s vague interpretation of a technicality buried in fine print.

How to Know If You Have a Legitimate Insurance Bad Faith Claim

In most cases, claim denials are not a result of bad faith. There are valid circumstances where your policy may simply not cover the type of damage you suffered. However, if your claim was denied, it is a good idea to thoroughly review your insurance policy. Insurance policies are long, complicated documents with lots of types of damages that aren’t covered. These contracts are meant to be complicated because it helps minimize claims that the insurance company must honor. Complicated policies with lots of exceptions also help protect insurance companies from situations where they may be vulnerable to a lawsuit.

Settlements in Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuits

Do not walk away from a valid insurance claim without a fight. Bad faith can significantly impact your ability to recover benefits the company owes you under your policy. If you believe an insurance company is breaching its legal duties of care to you, contact a West Virginia bad faith attorney to discuss a claim against the insurer for acting in bad faith.

The attorneys at Manchin Injury Law will explain your legal options and work to obtain the compensation you need and deserve after an insurance company has acted in bad faith. Talk to our lawyers about your bad faith case today by contacting us online or by calling us.

Keep in mind that we take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay no legal fees unless we succeed.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

  • Efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly.

    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

Contact Us Today

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