Insurance benefits can be a lifeline when you suffer injuries in an accident in Chicago, Illinois. But when an insurance company denies a claim for benefits without a legitimate reason, it can make a difficult situation even worse. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you have rights. The experienced Chicago bad faith insurance lawyers at Zayed Law Offices can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
When you choose our personal injury law firm in Chicago, you put a team of top-rated Illinois trial attorneys with decades of combined experience in your corner. We’re not afraid to take on powerful insurance companies on behalf of our clients. Our results speak volumes, with more than $100 million in damages recovered.
Don’t let the insurance company use manipulation and fear tactics to keep you from getting the compensation you deserve. Force meaningful conversations by putting our award-winning legal team in your corner. Your first consultation is free. Contact our Chicago, IL, law office to get started now at (312) 726-1616.
How Zayed Law Offices Can Help if Your Chicago, IL, Insurance Claim Has Been Denied in Bad Faith
If you suspect that your claim for insurance benefits was denied improperly or that the insurance company didn’t handle your claim properly, it’s important to ask for help. Insurance companies have to be held accountable. If they’re not, they might be inclined to skirt the law to pad their pockets.
However, taking on an insurance company can be intimidating. That’s why you’ll want an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer fighting for you.
At Zayed Law Offices, we’re recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for our client-first practices and ability to achieve top results. When we take a case, we do everything in our power to help our clients get the justice they deserve. We’ve forced insurance companies and other tough opponents to pay more than $100 million in the process.
When you ask for our help with your bad faith insurance claim, you’ll be able to count on us to:
- Independently investigate the circumstances of your underlying claims for benefits
- Thoroughly scrutinize how the insurance company handled your claim to identify all potential bad faith practices
- Bring in insurance industry experts to testify on your behalf
- Prepare a compelling claim that clearly demonstrates the insurance company’s bad faith practices and highlights your damages
- Aggressively pursue a meaningful settlement during negotiations
- Bring your bad faith insurance lawsuit to a Cook County jury if the insurer refuses to admit its wrongdoing
Show the insurance company that you’re serious about getting the benefits to which you’re entitled by putting our award-winning law firm on the case. We work on contingency, so you won’t have to worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. You’ll only pay when we win compensation for your bad faith claim.
Contact our Chicago, IL, law office to learn more. Your initial case assessment is free.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith?
Insurance policies are contracts. In exchange for timely payment of premiums, insurance companies assume a duty to handle claims for benefits in good faith.
Good faith involves being honest and transparent when evaluating a claim for benefits.
When an insurance company is deceptive, dishonest, or attempts to deprive a policyholder/claimant of their rights under the policy, their conduct may be in bad faith.
Bad faith insurance practices are illegal under Illinois state law. When an insurance company uses bad faith practices, it can be sued for harm suffered by a claimant.
Examples of Bad Faith Insurance Practices
In Illinois, bad faith can involve much more than denying a claim for insurance benefits without a reasonable explanation.
Some common examples of bad faith insurance practices include:
- Knowingly misrepresenting the terms of a policy
- Changing the terms of a policy after a claim is submitted
- Failing to acknowledge a claim for benefits promptly
- Failing to investigate a claim promptly
- Compelling or coercing policyholders/claimants to accept settlements for substantially less than their claims are worth
- Refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation with all available evidence
- Attempting to settle a claim for less than it is reasonably worth
- Requiring claimants to provide unnecessary documentation in an effort to delay or extend the claims process
- Failing to provide a claimant with all necessary forms
- Refusing or failing to communicate with the claimant
- Failing to issue timely payment of a claim
Ultimately, any deceitful or dishonest handling of a claim can be considered bad faith. If you suspect that your claim wasn’t handled properly, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Chicago bad faith insurance attorneys for help. We can review your situation, identify ways in which your claim was mistreated, and help you hold the insurer responsible for its knowingly harmful actions.
What Reasons Might an Insurance Company Have To Deny a Claim Legitimately?
Just because an insurance company denies your claim or does something to extend the claims process doesn’t mean it has necessarily acted in bad faith.
Under the law, insurance companies are permitted to:
- Deny a claim if the policy has lapsed due to unpaid premiums
- Deny a claim when the damage or claimant is not covered under the policy
- Deny a claim because liability is unclear
- Delay the claims process to conduct a thorough investigation, obtain information, or engage in other conduct to facilitate a meaningful decision
Insurance claims can be complicated. There may be reasons why an insurer might deny a claim or extend the process. However, it’s always important to keep in mind that insurance companies are motivated to make a profit.
If an adjuster sees a way to cut corners and increase revenue, they just might take it. In these situations, it’s important to take prompt action and force them to take responsibility for their bad faith practices.
What Types of Damages Can I Get if I File a Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuit?
When you file a bad faith insurance lawsuit in Chicago, you can generally seek compensation for:
- The original value of your claim, less amounts paid by the insurer or other parties
- Interest
- Attorney’s fees
- Court costs
If an insurance company’s actions were intentional or knowing, you may also be able to secure punitive damages. Punitive damages are appropriate when a jury determines that a defendant’s actions were so reprehensible that additional compensation is necessary as a punishment.
We Handle All Types of Insurance Bad Faith Claims in Chicago
At Zayed Law Offices, our bad faith attorneys in Chicago represent clients in claims involving:
- Car insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance
- Malpractice insurance
- Business insurance
- Commercial insurance
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
Whether your claim was denied after a car accident, a slip and fall, or an injury at work, we can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our acclaimed legal team for help right away. We are always here to help – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuits in Illinois?
You’ll have a limited time to bring a bad faith action in the state of Illinois. Since bad faith claims are a matter of contract, you’ll typically have 10 years from the insurance company’s bad faith actions to file a lawsuit.
However, it’s important to consider that some policies may contain language that limits your right to bring a claim. Our experienced Chicago bad faith attorneys can review the terms of your policy and help ensure that you are able to bring a claim within the appropriate timeframe.
If you don’t file your bad faith insurance claim on time, you’ll lose the ability to hold the insurer responsible for their actions. Contact Zayed Law Offices for help right away.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Chicago Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer
Do you think an insurance company has wrongfully denied your claim for benefits after an accident in Chicago, Illinois? Call the award-winning team at Zayed Law Offices now.
You have rights as a claimant. Our Chicago bad faith insurance lawyers can protect them. If your claim was handled in bad faith, we’ll work to hold the provider fully accountable for its actions.
We’ve helped clients win over $100 million in damages. Now, we’re prepared to fight for you. Contact our Chicago law office to get started. Your first consultation is free.
