What Are Bad Faith Claims in Property Damage Cases?
When disaster strikes and your property is damaged, you rely on your insurance company to help you recover. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always act in good faith. In some cases, they may delay, underpay, or even deny valid claims, leaving policyholders frustrated and financially burdened. These situations can lead to a bad faith claim.
At Gold, Khourey & Turak (GKT), we have been helping clients in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania for over 45 years to hold insurance companies accountable for acting in bad faith. Here’s what you need to know about bad faith claims in property damage cases.
What Is a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?
Insurance companies have a legal obligation to act in good faith when handling claims. This means they must deal fairly and honestly with policyholders and fulfill their contractual obligations. When an insurer fails to do so, it may constitute bad faith.
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company:
- Unreasonably Delays the Claims Process: Taking an excessive amount of time to investigate or process a claim without justification.
- Denies a Valid Claim Without Explanation: Rejecting a legitimate claim without providing a clear or valid reason for the denial.
- Offers an Unreasonably Low Settlement: Proposing a settlement that is far below the actual value of the damages without justification.
- Fails to Conduct a Proper Investigation: Ignoring evidence, failing to inspect the property, or neglecting to investigate the claim thoroughly.
- Misinterprets Policy Terms: Intentionally misinterpreting or misapplying policy language to deny or limit coverage.
- Uses Misleading or Deceptive Practices: Providing false information or misleading statements to avoid paying the claim.
When insurance companies engage in these tactics, they are putting their profits above your rights as a policyholder.
Examples of Bad Faith in Property Damage Claims
Bad faith practices can occur in a variety of property damage scenarios, including:
- Damage caused by storms, floods, or fires
- Structural damage to a home or business
- Water damage claims involving burst pipes or leaks
- Claims for theft or vandalism
In these situations, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, leaving property owners struggling to recover.
How Gold, Khourey & Turak Can Help
If you believe your insurance company has acted in bad faith, it’s essential to consult an experienced attorney. At GKT, we:
- Evaluate Your Case: We thoroughly review your policy and the circumstances surrounding your claim to determine if bad faith occurred.
- Investigate the Insurance Company’s Actions: Our team gathers evidence to prove that the insurer failed to meet its obligations.
- Negotiate on Your Behalf: We handle all communications with the insurance company to ensure they are held accountable.
- Pursue Legal Action: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose GKT?
For over 45 years, Gold, Khourey & Turak has been a trusted advocate for policyholders in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Our team is dedicated to providing:
- Honest advice
- Personalized service
- Aggressive representation
We understand the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying valid claims—and we know how to fight back.
Contact GKT Today
If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, don’t wait. Contact Gold, Khourey & Turak today to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (304) 845-9750, chat with us live online, or fill out our online form. We’re available 24/7 to offer the honest, reliable legal advice you need.
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.
