Sioux Falls Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

What is Bad Faith Insurance?

Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurance company fails to uphold its duty to treat policyholders fairly and honor their policy agreements. Instead of paying legitimate claims promptly and fully, some insurers may look for ways to minimize or deny claims. When this happens, it is considered “bad faith,” and affected policyholders have the right to take legal action.

Examples of Bad Faith Insurance Practices

Policyholders may encounter various forms of bad faith practices that leave them with financial hardships and emotional distress. Some common examples include:

• Unreasonable Claim Denials: Insurance companies may deny claims without valid reasons, leaving policyholders to shoulder unexpected financial burdens. In many cases, these denials come with vague or unfounded explanations.

• Delays in Claim Processing: Some insurers prolong the processing of claims, causing undue stress and delays in receiving the funds needed for recovery. Prolonged claim evaluations can prevent policyholders from repairing property, paying medical bills, or moving forward after a loss.

• Offering Low Settlements: When insurers provide settlements that are far below the true value of a claim, they may be acting in bad faith. Lowball offers force policyholders to either accept insufficient compensation or enter into a lengthy negotiation process.

• Failure to Investigate: Insurance companies are required to conduct thorough investigations into claims. When they fail to investigate adequately, they may overlook important details, resulting in unjust claim denials.

• Misinterpretation of Policy Language: Insurers may misinterpret or manipulate policy terms to avoid paying claims. This can be particularly frustrating for policyholders who believe they are adequately covered.

How Northern Plains Justice Fights Against Bad Faith Insurance

At Northern Plains Justice, we have experience handling bad faith insurance cases and are committed to holding insurers accountable. Our approach is tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring that their case is handled thoroughly and effectively.

Gathering Evidence

In a bad faith insurance case, evidence is essential to demonstrate the insurance company’s misconduct. We work with clients to collect documentation, including claim records, policy documents, and communication with the insurer, to build a compelling case.

Negotiating Fair Settlements

Our team is skilled in negotiation, striving to secure fair settlements on behalf of our clients. By presenting strong evidence of bad faith practices, we push insurers to reconsider their positions and provide just compensation without needing to go to court.

Taking Legal Action

If insurers refuse to negotiate fairly, we are prepared to take the case to court. Our legal team will present a detailed argument, using the evidence collected to prove that the insurer acted in bad faith. This determination can lead to compensation not only for the original claim but also for additional damages resulting from the insurer’s wrongful actions.

Types of Bad Faith Insurance Cases Our Sioux Fall Attorneys Handle

Insurance companies may engage in bad faith practices across various policy types. Northern Plains Justice represents clients facing difficulties with a range of insurance issues, including:

• Auto Insurance Claims
  Bad faith in auto insurance can involve wrongful claim denials or low settlements for accident-related damages and injuries.

• Homeowner’s Insurance Claims
  For policyholders dealing with property damage from fires, storms, or other perils, bad faith can mean prolonged delays or insufficient payouts.

• Health Insurance Claims
  Unjust denials of coverage for medical treatments can place policyholders at risk. We fight for clients who are denied essential health benefits.

• Disability Insurance Claims
  Insurance companies may refuse to acknowledge legitimate disability claims, preventing policyholders from receiving the support they need.

What to Do if You Suspect Bad Faith Insurance in South Dakota

If you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, there are steps you can take to protect your rights. Here’s a helpful guide for what to do:

Review Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with the terms and coverage limits in your insurance policy. Understanding what you are entitled to is crucial in identifying unfair practices.

Document Everything: Keep a record of all communication with your insurer, including phone calls, emails, and letters. Detailed documentation can strengthen your case if bad faith practices need to be proven.

Request Explanations for Denials: Ask your insurance company to provide a clear, written explanation if they deny your claim or offer a low settlement. This helps to clarify any misunderstandings and can serve as evidence of bad faith if necessary.

Consult a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer: Legal guidance is essential for handling bad faith insurance cases. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation, advise on the best course of action, and work to protect your rights.

Why Choose Northern Plains Justice as Your Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer?

At Northern Plains Justice, we are dedicated to serving clients in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota who face the consequences of bad faith insurance practices. Here’s what sets our firm apart:

• Local Expertise: As a local law firm, we understand the insurance laws and regulations that impact policyholders in South Dakota. This knowledge allows us to effectively address the challenges our clients face.

• Personalized Representation: We treat each case individually, giving our clients the attention and care they deserve. By understanding the unique details of your situation, we develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs.

• Commitment to Justice: We believe that policyholders should not have to battle insurers for fair treatment. Our team is dedicated to holding insurance companies accountable for their actions and securing just outcomes for our clients.

Contact Northern Plains Justice for a Free Consultation

If you believe you’re a victim of bad faith insurance practices in South Dakota, contact Northern Plains Justice. We offer free consultations to review your case and discuss potential next steps. Call us at 605-306-4100, and let us fight for the fair treatment you deserve.

Contact Information

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Address: 4301 W 57th St Unit 121, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 

Phone: 605-306-4100

Email: contact@northernplainsjustice.com

Common Bad Faith Insurance Practices in Vehicle Accidents

• Unjust Denials of Legitimate Claims
  After a serious vehicle accident, some insurers may deny claims without valid reasons, leaving victims to bear the financial burden alone. These denials often lack clear explanations and may disregard important aspects of the accident report.

• Delays in Processing Claims
  Prolonged claim processing is a common issue, especially in cases involving extensive damages or injuries. Delays can create financial strain on accident victims, who may need immediate funds for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, or lost income.

• Low Settlement Offers
  Insurance companies often try to settle for less than the actual claim value. For those involved in severe accidents, lowball offers make it difficult to cover full recovery costs, pushing some victims into lengthy legal battles.

• Insufficient Investigation of Claims
  Insurers are required to thoroughly investigate claims, yet some may neglect to assess critical details or interview witnesses, leading to inaccurate conclusions and claim denials.