St. Petersburg Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer
Were you mistreated by your insurance company in St. Petersburg, FL? If an insurer denied or delayed your claim unfairly, you could be entitled to compensation. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help you take action to hold the insurance company accountable for their bad faith practices.
Our attorneys have 50 years of combined experience, with over $120 million recovered for our clients. We understand the challenges involved when dealing with insurance companies that refuse to fulfill their obligations. Our St. Petersburg bad faith insurance lawyers will stand by your side and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us today at (727) 787-2500 to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your case with a trusted member of our legal team.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Bad Faith Insurance Case in St. Petersburg, Florida
Dealing with an insurance company that acts in bad faith can be stressful. Insurance companies are required to act in good faith and fulfill their contractual obligations to policyholders. When they fail to do so, policyholders have the right to take legal action.
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced trial attorneys have helped countless clients who were wronged by their insurance providers. Here’s how our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers can assist you:
- We’ll review the details of your insurance policy and assess the insurer’s actions to determine if they acted in bad faith.
- We’ll collect supporting documentation and witness statements to strengthen your case.
- Our attorneys will handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company to seek a fair resolution.
- If the insurer continues to act unfairly, we’re prepared to take your case to court to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Our leal team has been recognized by Avvo, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell for their achievements. We are dedicated to fighting for policyholders who have been mistreated. Contact our law office serving St. Petersburg, Florida, to learn more about how we can help you with your bad faith claim.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance in Florida?
Bad faith insurance is when an insurance company violates its duty to act fairly and in good faith when handling claims. Under Florida law, insurance companies are legally obligated to process claims promptly and fairly. Unfortunately, some insurers prioritize profit over their policyholders and engage in tactics to delay or deny legitimate claims.
Examples of bad faith practices include:
- Unreasonably delaying the investigation or payment of a claim
- Denying a claim without providing a valid reason
- Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage
- Offering significantly less than what a claim is worth
- Failing to conduct a proper investigation
- Using coercive or intimidating tactics to prevent a claim
If you believe your insurance company acted in bad faith, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
Florida Laws Protecting Against Bad Faith Insurance
Florida law provides strong protections for policyholders who want to bring a civil claim through statutes that govern unfair claims practices. These laws require insurance companies to handle claims promptly and fairly. If they don’t, they could face penalties, including fines and other consequences.
An experienced lawyer can navigate these laws and use them to build a robust case. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has decades of experience with Florida insurance laws and will leverage that knowledge for your benefit.
Why Do Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith?
Insurance companies sometimes act in bad faith to protect their profits. By denying or delaying valid claims, they reduce the payouts they must make, which helps their bottom line. Some insurers may also hope that policyholders won’t challenge a denial or delay due to a lack of knowledge or resources.
Understanding the motives behind these tactics is crucial for preparing an effective response. An experienced bad faith insurance lawyer can counter these tactics and hold the insurer accountable for their wrongful actions.
Types of Bad Faith Insurance Claims in St. Petersburg, FL
Bad faith insurance claims can arise in different situations, depending on the type of coverage you have. Some common examples include:
- Health Insurance Claims: delays or denials of necessary medical treatments or procedures
- Homeowners’ Insurance Claims: issues related to storm damage, fire, or other property losses
- Auto Insurance Claims: delays or denials for property damage or injury coverage after an accident
- Life Insurance Claims: refusal to pay valid claims to beneficiaries
- Disability Insurance Claims: denial of benefits despite documented medical conditions
Understanding the type of bad faith claim you have is essential to building a strong case. Our attorneys can guide you through this process and help you identify your best legal options.
Evidence Needed To Prove Bad Faith Insurance
Proving that an insurance company acted in bad faith requires substantial evidence. Your lawyer will work diligently to gather the necessary proof, which may include:
- Correspondence Records: emails, letters, and phone call logs that demonstrate the insurer’s delay or denial tactics
- Insurance Policy Documentation: the terms and conditions of your policy to show the coverage you were entitled to.
- Witness Statements: testimony from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the claim and the insurer’s response
- Expert Opinions: input from professionals in the insurance industry who can highlight unfair practices
- Claims History: previous claims you’ve filed that might show a pattern of the insurer’s behavior
Having this evidence could be the difference between winning and losing a bad faith case. At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to build a strong case and will use all available resources to support your claim.
What Damages Can I Recover in a St. Petersburg Bad Faith Insurance Case?
If your insurance company acted in bad faith, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including:
Economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the denied claim
- Lost income if the denial impacted your ability to work
Non-economic damages, including:
- Emotional distress caused by the insurer’s actions
- Pain and suffering from financial strain
Punitive damages may also be available in rare cases where the insurer’s conduct was especially egregious. These damages are meant to punish the insurer and deter similar behavior in the future.
An experienced attorney can assess your case to determine the types of compensation you may be eligible for and ensure your claim is backed by solid evidence.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a St. Petersburg Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer?
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand that facing financial difficulties after an insurance company acts in bad faith can be overwhelming. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs or hourly fees. You only pay us if we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Typically, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of your settlement or court award. This structure ensures that quality legal representation is accessible regardless of your financial situation and motivates your attorney to secure the best possible outcome for you. Before we begin working on your case, we’ll discuss the specifics of our contingency fee arrangement so that you fully understand what to expect.
Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule an initial consultation if you need skilled legal support to take on an insurance company acting in bad faith.
How Long Do I Have To File a Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a bad faith insurance claim can vary based on the specifics of your case. Generally, you have up to five years to take action, but consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is crucial to understand your timeline. Waiting too long could impact your ability to recover compensation.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Bad Faith Insurance Attorneys Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’re dealing with an insurance company acting in bad faith, don’t wait to seek legal help. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience and resources to handle even the most challenging cases. We’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact our St. Petersburg bad faith insurance attorneys today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us help you get back on track and hold your insurance company accountable for their actions.