How to Recognize Bad Faith Claims in Property Damage Cases
When your property is damaged—whether due to a water leak, a storm, fire, or another unforeseen event—one of the first steps you likely take is to file a claim with your insurance company. In an ideal world, your insurer would promptly process your claim, provide fair compensation, and help you get your property repaired in a timely manner. However, the reality isn’t always that simple. Sometimes, insurance companies engage in bad faith tactics, making it harder for you to recover the compensation you deserve. Recognizing these bad faith practices early on can help you take action before they complicate your case further.
At Gold, Khourey & Turak (GKT), we’ve been fighting for the rights of Ohio Valley residents for over 45 years, handling both personal injury and bad faith insurance claims. If you find yourself dealing with an insurance company that is refusing to honor your property damage claim, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Here’s how to recognize bad faith in property damage claims and how GKT can assist you in holding the insurer accountable.
What Is Bad Faith in Property Damage Claims?
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company deliberately fails to fulfill its obligations to policyholders. In the context of property damage, bad faith can involve a range of tactics that prevent you from receiving fair compensation for your loss. Some common examples of bad faith in property damage claims include:
- Denying a valid claim without a legitimate reason.
- Unreasonable delays in processing the claim.
- Underestimating the value of your loss.
- Failure to conduct a proper investigation.
- Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage.
How to Recognize Bad Faith Claims in Property Damage Cases
Recognizing bad faith early on in your property damage case can help you avoid further frustration and protect your rights. Here are some red flags to look out for:
- Lack of Communication or Transparency
Insurance companies are legally obligated to communicate with you about the status of your claim. If your insurer stops returning your calls, fails to respond to emails, or gives vague responses, this could be a sign of bad faith. - Lowball Settlement Offers
Offers that are significantly lower than the true value of your damages may be attempts to settle quickly and unfairly. - Delays in Claim Processing
Prolonged claim timelines without valid explanations can indicate the insurer is trying to avoid a fair payout. - Failure to Properly Investigate the Claim
An insurer that does not inspect your property or ignores key facts may be acting in bad faith. - Confusing or Misleading Policy Explanations
Vague or incorrect interpretations of your policy may be used to wrongly deny or limit your claim.
Common Types of Property Damage Claims Affected by Bad Faith
- Homeowner Water Damage Claims: Burst pipes, flooding, or appliance leaks may be downplayed or wrongfully denied.
- Storm Damage Claims: Insurers may underestimate losses from hail, tornadoes, or hurricanes.
- Fire Damage Claims: Claims may be disputed or blamed on the homeowner without justification.
- Vandalism and Theft Claims: Extensive damage or loss may be met with accusations of fraud or misrepresentation.
How Gold, Khourey & Turak (GKT) Can Help
At GKT, we understand how frustrating it can be when an insurance company acts in bad faith after you’ve suffered property damage. Our team of experienced bad faith attorneys is committed to helping you hold insurers accountable for their actions.
Here’s how we can help you:
- Identifying bad faith tactics through a thorough review of your case.
- Gathering evidence and working with experts to support your claim.
- Filing a lawsuit if the insurer’s actions warrant legal action.
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf to ensure you are treated fairly.
Need Help? Get Help. Get GKT.
If you believe your property damage claim has been handled unfairly, don’t wait to act. Gold, Khourey & Turak is here to help you navigate the complexities of bad faith insurance claims and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced attorneys are licensed to practice in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and we’re available 24/7 to assist you.
Call us at (304) 845-9750, chat with us live online, or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Need help? Get help. Get GKT.
Michelle Marinacci joined Gold, Khourey & Turak in 2018 bringing with her 20 years of litigation experience, including prosecuting and defending civil litigation cases and assisting in case decisions at the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
