When Insurers Wrongly Deny Claims in California
Insurers often act in bad faith when they deny, delay or undervalue claims. As attorneys with years of experience, we are well qualified to represent individuals and businesses in these insurance disputes. In every policy of insurance there is an "implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing." A breach of this implied covenant is commonly known as "bad faith." Insurance "bad faith" can consist of any of the following:
- Delay in payment of policy benefits due
- Paying less than the amounts due
- Delaying in the investigation of a loss or claim
- Focusing on policy exclusions in an effort to deny coverage
- Making an unreasonable interpretation of policy language
At Miller Law, Inc., much of our insurance bad faith representation relates to water damage and toxic mold claims. Homeowners policies often exclude coverage for mold, while providing coverage for water damage. When water damage occurs, insurance companies often wait until mold begins to grow — often as soon as 48 hours — to deny the claim.
We are determined not to let insurance companies get away with this. At our central California law firm, our lawyers are dedicated to holding insurance companies accountable for the coverage they promised our clients.
Our Perspective — Insurance Defense Experience
As attorneys with past experience working with and for the insurance industry, we understand the strategies these companies use to minimize costs and maximize profits — often at our clients' expense.
Because we have handled cases from both perspectives, we are better able to see each side's strengths and weaknesses. We develop insurance bad faith case strategies that take these strengths and weaknesses into account. The result is high-quality representation that gets favorable results.
We represent businesses and individuals facing insurance bad faith litigation related to many different types of insurance including:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Homeowners' insurance
- Renter's insurance
Liability
Liability for insurance bad faith is not just based on a denial of the claim, but can also include delays in making payments, unreasonable investigations, paying less than the full amount owed, taking unreasonable coverage positions, and focusing on exclusions in the policy instead of the coverages afforded. In most instances, under California law, insurance policy provisions affording coverage are to be broadly and liberally interpreted in favor of coverage. On the other hand, insurance policy exclusions are to be interpreted narrowly and in a limited fashion.
Contact Miller Law, Inc.
If you have had an insurance claim wrongfully denied — if you believe your insurer is undervaluing or delaying your insurance claim — a letter from your lawyer may be just what your insurer needs to begin treating you fairly. Contact Miller Law, Inc. toll free at 888-353-0285 or contact us online. Initial consultations regarding insurance bad faith are free and confidential. Our office is located in the Sacramento area, and we handle cases across the state.
