When you are injured in an accident and file an insurance claim, you expect the insurance company to handle your case fairly and pay what the policy promises. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Some insurance companies engage in bad faith practices that delay, reduce, or deny legitimate claims.
When this happens, it can directly affect your personal injury settlement and create unnecessary financial and emotional strain at a time when you need support the most.
Gold, Khourey & Turak has been a trusted advocate for individuals dealing with bad faith insurance practices in the Ohio Valley for nearly 50 years. Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and we understand how insurance companies operate when they place profits ahead of people.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith. This means they must handle claims honestly, promptly, and according to the terms of the policy. Bad faith occurs when an insurer fails to meet that duty.
Bad faith practices may include:
- Unreasonably delaying payment on a valid claim
- Offering a settlement that does not reflect the true value of the injury
- Denying a legitimate claim without a clear explanation
- Failing to properly investigate the claim
- Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage
When an insurance company engages in these tactics, it is not just frustrating. It can also be a violation of the law.
How Bad Faith Practices Impact Personal Injury Settlements
Bad faith insurance practices can significantly affect the outcome of a personal injury case.
Unreasonable Delays
Delays are at the heart of many bad faith insurance practices. When an insurer drags out the claims process through unnecessary requests or prolonged investigations, injured individuals may be left without the financial resources needed to pay medical bills, cover lost wages, or manage daily expenses.
These delays often pressure people to accept less than fair and reasonable compensation simply to move forward.
Reduced Settlement Offers
Some insurers make low settlement offers hoping that financial stress will push claimants to accept less than they deserve. Unfortunately, these offers often fail to cover the full extent of medical expenses, lost income, and long-term damages.
Prolonged Litigation
In more serious situations, bad faith conduct can force a case into extended legal action. When insurers refuse to negotiate fairly, litigation may become necessary, significantly extending the time it takes to reach a resolution.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Settlement
If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith, there are important steps you can take to protect your claim.
- Keep Detailed Records: Save emails, letters, claim forms, and notes from phone calls, including dates, times, and the names of representatives.
- Request Written Explanations: If your claim is delayed or denied, ask the insurer to provide its reasoning in writing.
- Avoid Accepting Low Offers: Once a settlement is accepted, you may lose the right to pursue additional compensation.
- Consult an Attorney: Speak with an experienced bad faith insurance attorney before agreeing to any settlement.
Legal guidance can make a significant difference in protecting both your rights and the value of your settlement.
How Gold, Khourey & Turak Can Help
At Gold, Khourey & Turak, we have decades of experience handling bad faith insurance claims and personal injury cases. Our team knows how to identify unfair insurance practices and take action when insurers fail to meet their obligations.
We review insurance policies and claim histories to determine whether bad faith has occurred. Our attorneys gather documentation and evidence to build strong cases and handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf.
When necessary, we are prepared to take legal action to hold insurers accountable and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.
Contact Gold, Khourey & Turak
If bad faith insurance practices are delaying or complicating your personal injury settlement, you do not have to handle it alone. Gold, Khourey & Turak is here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve under the law.
Our attorneys are available 24/7 by phone at (304) 845-9750, through Live Chat, or by completing our online form.
Need help? Get help. Get GKT.
Michelle Marinacci is a partner at Gold, Khourey & Turak and a leading trial attorney in the areas of insurance bad faith, medical malpractice, and personal injury law.
With more than 25 years of experience, Michelle represents individuals and families who have been seriously injured in accidents or unfairly treated by insurance companies that refuse to honor their obligations.
