Insurance is supposed to be your safety net when life takes an unexpected turn. Whether for an illness, an accident, or the need for nursing home care, you pay your premiums with the belief that your insurance company will be there when you need them most.
But what happens when that trust is broken? You file a legitimate claim, and instead of receiving the help you expect, your insurance company denies it, leaving you feeling helpless and frustrated. Insurance companies are businesses, and, like any business, their goal is to maximize profits. That can mean cutting corners or finding reasons to deny valid claims.
When an insurance company acts in “bad faith,” it is a violation of your trust and your rights. You should not have to fight tooth and nail to get what you are rightfully owed. Unfortunately, that is the reality many people face, and it can leave you feeling powerless against a giant corporation.
At Kantor & Kantor, we understand the frustration, stress, and uncertainty that comes with battling an insurance company that is not playing by the rules. Our bad-faith attorneys in Los Angeles are here to level the playing field.
We know how to hold insurance companies accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our bad-faith lawyers in Los Angeles at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.
We are people helping people, and we are here to hold insurance companies accountable for their bad-faith practices.
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.
In California, policyholders benefit from the protections outlined in the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, also called the California Insurance Code INS § 790.03.
Signs Your Insurer Is Acting in Bad Faith
Here are some common indicators that your insurer may be acting in bad faith:
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. 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 will hold your insurance company accountable for their bad-faith practices. Call our bad-faith lawyers at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Kantor & Kantor?
When you are up against an insurance company that is not playing fair, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. Here is why we are the right choice to handle your insurance bad-faith case:
1. Experienced Legal Advocates
Insurance bad-faith claims require an understanding of both the law and the insurance industry’s tactics. With decades of experience, we have successfully represented clients in a wide range of bad-faith cases. Our bad-faith insurance attorneys have seen it all and know how to navigate the complex legal landscape to get you the best possible result.
2. Client-Centric Approach
Our approach is always centered around the needs and well-being of our clients. We understand the stress and frustration that come with having a legitimate claim denied or delayed, and we strive to reduce that burden by handling all the legal heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on your life and recovery.
3. Aggressive Advocacy
We are known for our aggressive advocacy on behalf of our clients. Insurance companies know that we are not afraid to take a case to trial, if necessary, which often leads to more favorable settlement offers for our clients.
4. The Right Resources
We have the resources to take on major insurance companies, ensuring that your case is supported by thorough research, top expert witnesses, and cutting-edge legal strategies. Our extensive network and resources can be pivotal in complex bad-faith insurance cases.
5. Unquestionable Results
We have a proven track record of success in bad-faith insurance claims, recovering benefits for hundreds, if not thousands, of satisfied clients. Our results speak for themselves, but what really sets us apart is our dedication to going the extra mile for each client. We do not just focus on winning your case—we aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.
How Kantor & Kantor Can Help
Here is how we can help with your bad-faith insurance claim:
- 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: We take cases to win them. Our trial-tested litigators have the courtroom experience to present a winning case. We will aggressively pursue your claim through every stage of the litigation process, fighting for the best possible outcome.
Talk to Our Bad-Faith Attorney in Los Angeles Today
Dealing with an insurance company can feel incredibly frustrating and unfair. You have trusted your insurer to be there when you need them, only to be met with roadblocks and excuses.
It is an unfair situation, but you do not have to face it alone. At Kantor & Kantor, we understand the toll this can take, and we are here to shoulder the burden.
Our Los Angeles bad-faith attorneys know how to navigate insurance disputes. We have seen firsthand how insurance companies can twist the rules, and we know how to hold them accountable.
You have rights as a policyholder. The insurance company does not get to make the final call without consequences. With our legal expertise and dedication to your case, we can help you push back, ensuring that you get the benefits they deserve. We take pride in being people helping people, and we look forward to helping you.
Contact our Los Angeles bad-faith attorneys at 818-886-2525 for a free consultation.
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]
