Joseph, Greenwald & Laake represents individuals and businesses with insurance coverage issues. In the unfortunate instance where a significant loss is experienced whether by death, dismemberment, accident, fire, theft or otherwise, the Firm is prepared to aggressively enforce your right to coverage against your insurance company.
Businesses and individuals purchase insurance policies with the hope that they will never have to use them. Motorists purchase automobile insurance in case they are ever involved in an accident. Business owners and homeowners maintain insurance to protect their homes and businesses from all type of hazards, including flood, fire, and theft. Disability insurance is purchased by individuals who may subsequently suffer from a condition that leaves them unable to work. Health insurance is purchased to help pay for the cost of health care. Life insurance is maintained to pay in the event of death.
These are just a few examples of the most common types of insurance policies. When individuals seek coverage after purchasing a policy, they assume that the insurance company will act in good faith and provide the coverage they purchased and need. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Many times, insurance companies will deny, reduce, and delay paying out on claims. In these instances, individuals and businesses will need a lawyer who is familiar with insurance litigation and willing to take on the insurance company that is denying the coverage oftentimes for false reasons.
Bad Faith Practices are Against the Law in Maryland
When an individual or business purchases an insurance policy, they are forming a contract with the insurance company. Maryland law requires both the insurance company and the insured to comply with the terms of that contract. This means that the insured must pay their premiums consistently and on time, and that insurance company must provide appropriate coverage when it is needed. If either party fails to uphold the agreement, they are breaching or violating the contract.
Maryland law also requires that insurance companies act in good faith. This means they cannot make up arbitrary of false reasons to deny a claim. This is an important concept in insurance law, because insurance companies often deny claims for false reasons. Insurance companies are in the business of making a profit. This can motivate then to try to avoid paying out on claims, which in fairness, should be paid. When insurance companies attempt these tactics, individuals and businesses can bring a law suit against them to secure the coverage they paid for, and depending on the policy language, they may also sue to recover as attorney’s fees and litigation costs.
Protecting Yourself against Bad Faith
An insurance company’s refusal to pay a claim does not necessarily mean they are acting in bad faith. The burden of proof is on the insured to prove that they are being denied the coverage they deserve. To protect yourself:
● File claims as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.
● Make an accurate statement to the insurance company, but say as little as possible, as most insurers record conversations.
● Do not agree to provide unnecessary information to an insurer.
● Do not sign blanket authorizations for insurance companies to obtain wage and medical information.
Following these steps will help ensure that insured individuals receive the coverage they deserve and that they can file a bad faith claim when they do not.
Our Maryland Insurance Litigation Attorneys can Help with Your Claim
If you are having difficulty obtaining the coverage you paid for and deserve, our Greenbelt insurance litigation attorneys at Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA, can help. We know how to hold insurance companies accountable for paying the compensation they owe, and will aggressively enforce your right to receive the coverage you need. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified attorneys.
