Insurance is supposed to provide peace of mind and financial security. When insurance companies engage in bad faith practices, that security is shattered, leaving policyholders feeling betrayed and vulnerable. Whether you are facing a wrongful denial, payment delays, or underhanded tactics, or are offered a settlement that falls short of what you are owed, Kantor & Kantor are here to be your voice in the legal arena.
Our mission is simple: to ensure that the hardworking people of Fresno receive the fair treatment and compensation they deserve. With our experienced bad-faith attorneys in Fresno, we are committed to holding insurance companies accountable for their actions and fighting tirelessly to protect your rights.
Our approach is rooted in empathy, expertise, and unwavering dedication to your cause. We will navigate the complexities of your case, explore every legal avenue available, and tirelessly advocate for the outcome you deserve.
At Kantor & Kantor, we are more than just legal professionals – we are people helping people. We are driven by a passion for justice and a commitment to leveling the playing field between policyholders and insurance giants. When you choose us as your bad-faith attorneys, you choose a team that will fight tooth and nail to protect your rights and secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.
What Is Insurance “Bad Faith?”
Insurance is meant to provide peace of mind and a safety net for individuals in times of need. Insurance companies are legally obligated to act in good faith in the handling of your claim. However, when an insurance company fails to fulfill its obligations in good faith, it can lead to devastating consequences for policyholders. Insurance bad faith is a legal term that refers to the improper conduct of an insurance company toward its policyholders. When an insurance company acts in bad faith, it violates its duty to deal fairly and honestly with its customers, often resulting in significant harm to the policyholder.
California Bad Faith Insurance Law
In California, policyholders benefit from the protections outlined in the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, also called the California Insurance Code INS § 790.03. This law explains unfair and deceptive behaviors by insurance firms and mandates that they refrain from engaging in actions including:
- Misrepresenting important information to claimants
- Neglecting to establish reasonable investigation protocols
- Failing to sincerely try to expedite just and equitable settlements of claims
- Needlessly prolonging the investigation or payout process for claims
- Advising claimants against seeking legal counsel.
Bad Faith Tactics Used by Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are profit-driven entities, and, unfortunately, some may resort to bad faith tactics to protect their bottom line at the expense of policyholders. At Kantor & Kantor, we have seen firsthand the tactics insurance companies employ to deny, delay, or underpay valid claims.
1. Delayed, Improper, or Absent Investigation
Insurance companies are obligated to promptly and thoroughly investigate claims made by their policyholders. However, bad faith may arise when an insurer fails to conduct a proper investigation or unreasonably delays the process. This could involve:
- Ignoring crucial evidence related to the claim
- Failing to interview witnesses or obtain necessary documentation
- Disregarding medical reports or expert opinions relevant to the claim
- Dragging out the investigation process without valid reasons.
2. Denial Based on Incomplete or Inaccurate Justification
A hallmark of bad faith is when an insurance company denies a legitimate claim without providing adequate justification or reasoning. Examples of this include:
- Rejecting a claim without providing a clear explanation or citing ambiguous policy language
- Denying benefits based on incorrect interpretations of policy terms
- Using biased or misleading information to support the denial of a claim
- Failing to communicate the specific reasons for denial to the policyholder.
3. Underpayment of Claims
Another tactic used by insurers engaging in bad faith is underpaying valid claims, often in an attempt to minimize their financial obligations. This may involve:
- Offering a settlement amount far below the actual value of the claim
- Disregarding the full extent of damages suffered by the policyholder
- Employing tactics to undervalue medical treatments, property damage, or other losses
- Delaying payment of the claim in the hope that the policyholder will accept a lower settlement out of desperation.
4. Other Unreasonable Conduct by the Insurer
Beyond outright denial of valid claims, insurers can breach their duty of good faith and fair dealing through various forms of unreasonable conduct, including:
- Intentionally prolonging the claim process without valid reasons, causing undue financial strain on the policyholder
- Providing false information or misleading the policyholder regarding benefits or the claims process
- Attempting to dissuade or obstruct the policyholder from pursuing legal action against the insurer.
Any such behavior that demonstrates a lack of honesty, fairness, or diligence on the insurer’s part may constitute bad faith.
We are people helping people, and we are ready to fight for you.
Why Choose Kantor & Kantor?
At Kantor & Kantor, we understand the frustration and challenges that arise when dealing with bad-faith insurers. With a proven track record of success, extensive experience, and a client-centered approach, here is why you should choose us to represent you:
Successful History of Holding Bad Faith Insurers Accountable
Our Fresno bad faith insurance lawyers have a long and successful history of holding bad-faith insurers accountable for their actions. We have secured numerous favorable outcomes for our clients, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Our commitment to excellence in legal representation has earned us a reputation as a trusted advocate for policyholders across Fresno and beyond.
Extensive Experience Litigating Bad Faith Cases
With extensive experience in litigating bad faith cases, our lawyers possess the knowledge and skills to navigate insurance law’s complexities. We understand the tactics employed by insurance companies to avoid their obligations, and we know how to counter them effectively. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we will tirelessly pursue justice on behalf of our clients.
We Put Our Clients First
At Kantor & Kantor, we prioritize the needs and interests of our clients above all else. We recognize that each case is unique, and we take the time to listen to our client’s concerns and objectives. Our Fresno bad faith insurance lawyers work closely with clients to develop personalized legal strategies tailored to their specific circumstances. From the initial consultation to the resolution of the case, we provide compassionate guidance and support every step of the way.
We Advocate for You Aggressively
When you choose Kantor & Kantor, you can trust that we will fight relentlessly on your behalf. We are known for our aggressive advocacy both in and out of the courtroom. In pursuing justice, we leave no stone unturned, vigorously challenging bad faith insurers and holding them accountable for their wrongful actions. Our unwavering commitment to advocacy ensures that our clients receive the strongest possible representation as we work to achieve the best possible outcome for their case.
How We Can Help Your Case
Here is how our experienced team can help you through your legal challenges:
- Thorough Investigation: Our lawyers thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your insurance claim. We gather evidence, review policy documents, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Strategic Legal Representation: Once we have assessed your case, we develop a strategic legal plan tailored to your specific situation. We leverage our extensive insurance law knowledge and our experience handling bad faith claims to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Effective Negotiation: Insurance companies often use delay tactics and lowball settlement offers to minimize their financial obligations. We are skilled negotiators who will advocate for our client’s rights. We will work to achieve a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.
- Litigation Strategy: If negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, we will take your case to trial. Our trial-tested litigators have the courtroom experience to present a compelling case before a judge and jury. We will aggressively pursue your claim through every stage of the litigation process, fighting for the best possible outcome.
What Damages Could You Receive for a Bad Faith Claim Against the Insurance Company?
When you have been wronged by an insurance company’s bad faith practices, you may be entitled to various damages to compensate you for your losses and hold the insurer accountable for its actions. Here are some of the damages you may be eligible to receive:
- Consequential Damages: Consequential damages, also known as special damages, result indirectly from the insurer’s bad faith actions. These damages aim to compensate you for any financial losses or harm you suffered due to the insurer’s wrongful conduct. Consequential damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the insurer’s actions.
- Contract Damages: Contract damages, also called compensatory damages, are intended to put you back in the position you would have been in if the insurance company had acted in good faith and fulfilled its contractual obligations. These damages may include the original claim amount plus any additional losses or expenses directly attributable to the insurer’s breach of contract.
- Emotional Distress: In cases of severe misconduct by the insurance company, you may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress and mental anguish caused by bad faith actions. Emotional distress damages aim to compensate you for the psychological harm you experienced as a result of the insurer’s wrongful conduct, such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, where the insurer’s conduct is particularly egregious or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the insurer and deter similar misconduct in the future. Punitive damages go beyond compensating you for your losses and are intended to send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
- Legal Fees: If you succeed in your bad faith claim against the insurance company, you may also be entitled to recover your reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs. This ensures you are not further burdened by the costs of pursuing justice and holding the insurer accountable for its actions.
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Bad Faith
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides financial protection to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling illness or injury. Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes engage in bad faith practices when handling LTD claims, such as wrongfully denying or terminating benefits, delaying claim processing, or offering unreasonably low settlements.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
- Thorough Evaluation: We will carefully review your LTD policy and the circumstances surrounding your claim to determine if bad faith has occurred.
- Appeals: If your claim has been denied or benefits have been terminated, we will guide you through the appeals process and work to overturn the decision.
- Litigation: If necessary, we will not hesitate to take your case to court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
- Maximizing Benefits: We will work to ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under your LTD policy.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Bad Faith
Long-term care (LTC) insurance covers the costs of assisted living, nursing home care, or in-home care for people who are unable to perform certain activities of daily living due to illness, injury, or aging. However, LTC insurers may engage in bad faith practices by denying valid claims, delaying claim processing, or offering inadequate benefits.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
- Claim Evaluation: We will thoroughly review your LTC policy and assess the circumstances of your claim to determine if bad faith has occurred.
- Appeals: If your LTC claim has been denied or benefits have been delayed, we will assist you in appealing the decision and advocate for your rights.
- Litigation: If a fair resolution cannot be reached without litigation, we will take your case to court and fight for your rights. Our skilled negotiators will work to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company to ensure you receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to. If not, we will take your case to trial.
Life Insurance Bad Faith
Life insurance provides financial protection to beneficiaries if the policyholder dies. However, life insurance companies may engage in bad faith practices by denying valid claims, delaying claim processing, or offering inadequate benefits to beneficiaries.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
- Claim Investigation: We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the denial or delay of your life insurance claim to determine if bad faith has occurred.
- Appeals: If your life insurance claim has been denied, we will guide you through the appeals process and fight to overturn the decision.
- Litigation: We will not hesitate to take your case to court and advocate for your rights.
- Maximizing Benefits: We will work diligently to ensure that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under the terms of the life insurance policy.
Contact a Plaintiffs’ Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer in Fresno Today
If you have been subjected to an insurance company’s unfair and deceptive practices, you do not have to face this challenge alone. Our team of plaintiff’s bad-faith insurance lawyers is here to support you every step of the way. We understand the complexities of bad-faith insurance cases and are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients.
Take the first step toward seeking the compensation and closure you deserve by contacting Kantor & Kantor today.
Contact us at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help. Your rights matter, and we are here to fight for them every step of the way.
Attorney Glenn R. Kantor
Glenn Kantor is a founding partner of Kantor & Kantor LLP. As a young attorney, Glenn saw the injustice of wrongful insurance denials and created a law firm to represent individuals seeking to obtain their rightful benefits. Glenn is committed to ensure that clients receive the benefits they are entitled to under their insurance policies or group health plans. [Attorney Bio]
