Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers
An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company under which both parties must act in good faith and follow the terms of the contract. When an insurance company unreasonably withholds the benefits of your policy, or wrongfully rejects your claim, it is considered to be acting in bad faith under the contract. Bad faith insurance practices can take place at any stage of the claims process and can include:
- Denial of insurance benefits due under a policy
- Delay in response to a claim
- Failure to promptly and thoroughly investigate a claim
- A low offer to compensate justified damages
Unfortunately, Tennessee has one of the worst records in the nation of insurance companies denying claims. At Gilreath & Associates, our Tennessee attorneys know how to win when fighting insurance companies. We have handled a wide variety of insurance bad faith cases, and we have the expertise to help you successfully resolve your claim.
What To Do If Your Claim Is Rejected
If your insurance claim is turned down you should:
First, keep in mind that the mere refusal to pay a claim on the part of an insurance company does not necessarily amount to bad faith. You must establish that the insurance company:
- Had no reasonable basis for denying your claim
- Was or should have been aware there was no basis for denying your claim
- Acted with reckless disregard for the facts or your rights
Next, review your insurance policy as it relates to the relevant terms of the claim and notify your insurance agent immediately if you feel your insurance claim was unreasonably rejected. Make sure to document all contacts and communications with your insurance company.
If you feel you have a claim for bad faith, you should:
- Collect all of the correspondence you have had with your insurance company
- Write a letter to the company's director of claims and include copies of your correspondence with the company to date. Be sure to cite the terms of your policy and why you feel your claim should be covered.
- In addition, send a letter to the Tennessee Department of Insurance commissioner and request a review of your case.
If you suspect your insurance company is handling your claim in bad faith, contact us today. Our qualified insurance bad faith attorneys at Gilreath & Associates can advise you of your legal rights and ensure you get the compensation to which you are entitled.
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