What Does Insurance Bad Faith Mean in Personal Injury Cases?

When you file an insurance claim after a personal injury, you expect your insurance company to treat you fairly. After all, that’s why you pay for coverage. But sometimes, instead of supporting you during a difficult time, insurance companies put profits first. When they delay, underpay, or deny your claim without cause, it may be an example of bad faith.

At Gold, Khourey & Turak, for nearly 50 years we’ve helped people across Ohio and West Virginia hold insurance companies accountable. If you think your insurer isn’t playing fair, here’s what you should know.

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What Is Insurance Bad Faith?

Insurance companies are legally required to act in good faith. That means they must process claims honestly, fairly, and without unnecessary delays. When they don’t, they may be acting in bad faith—and that can have serious consequences for injury victims.

Common examples of bad faith practices include:

1. Unjustified Claim Denials

• Denying a valid claim without providing a legitimate explanation.
• Example: An insurer claims an injury isn’t covered when it clearly falls within the policy.

2. Unreasonable Delays

• Dragging out the claims process, often by repeatedly asking for unnecessary documents.
• Example: A claimant is left waiting for months while their bills pile up.

3. Lowball Settlement Offers

• Offering far less than what the claim is worth, without proper justification.
• Example: An insurer hopes its insured will accept a low offer out of desperation.

4. Misrepresentation of Policy Terms

• Misstating the scope of coverage to avoid paying the full amount owed.
• Example: An insurer tells its insured claimant that their coverage is limited, when it’s not.

5. Failure to Investigate

• Ignoring important evidence or refusing to fully investigate a claim before making a decision.
• Example: Medical records or accident reports are overlooked, and the claim is denied.

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How Bad Faith Insurance Affects Personal Injury Victims

When insurers act in bad faith, they make an already stressful situation worse. This kind of behavior can:

• Delay compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
• Pressure you into accepting less than your claim is worth.
• Extend your emotional and financial stress during an already difficult time.

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How Gold, Khourey & Turak Can Help

If you believe your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, GKT is here to help. Our attorneys are experienced in identifying and proving bad faith practices.

Here’s what we can do:

• Evaluate Your Claim – We’ll review your policy and claim history to identify signs of bad faith.
• Investigate the Insurer’s Actions – We’ll gather documentation and evidence that supports your case.
• Negotiate on Your Behalf – We’ll handle communication with your insurance company and fight for the settlement you deserve.
• Take Legal Action if Necessary – If your insurer won’t act in good faith, we’re ready to take your case to court.

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Why Choose GKT?

At Gold, Khourey & Turak, we understand how frustrating it is to be mistreated by your insurance company—especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury. That’s why we offer:

• Honest Advice – Straightforward, reliable guidance at every step.
• Aggressive Representation – We don’t back down when insurers try to avoid accountability.
• Personalized Service – Every case is different, and we tailor our strategy to fit your situation.

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Contact GKT Today

If your insurance company is acting in bad faith, don’t wait. Call us at (304) 845-9750, chat with us live online, or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to help you take the next step.

Need help? Get help. Get GKT.