Even those who take careful steps to avoid issues with insurance payments may still encounter the unexpected challenge of a claim denial. However, managing denied insurance claims can be incredibly frustrating, often leading to confusion and delays. The process may also be lengthy and cumbersome, posing significant challenges. Nevertheless, there are practical strategies individuals can…
When insurance companies wrongfully deny claims, they fail to honor their end of the bargain. However, a denial should not stop you from obtaining the financial support you need. In the guide below, we will review your options if your insurance claim is denied in South Dakota and how an experienced insurance attorney can help…
Elements of Privilege In order for attorney-client privilege to apply, these elements must be met: (1.) a client; (2.) a confidential communication; (3.) a communication made for purpose of facilitating rendition of professional legal services to the client; and (4.) a communication made in one of the five relationships enumerated in S.D.C.L. § 19-13-3. State v….
In South Dakota, the eventual payment of a plaintiff’s insurance claim does not extinguish the wholly separate tort claim of bad faith. The South Dakota Supreme Court specifically embraced this principle in Champion v. U.S.F.& G. when it concluded: . . .an insurer’s violation of its duty of good faith and fair dealing constitutes a tort,…
In the guise of “medical cost containment,” insurers have established goals to deny or minimize medical claims. These goals are implemented through medical claim review procedures that are performed either by medical providers, insurance company personnel or third-party vendors. Often, the insurer will order an independent medical examination (IME) that is conducted by a medical…
In South Dakota, an insurance company acts in bad faith when it fails to give equal consideration to the interests of its insured. It is also a basic principle of insurance bad faith law is that an “insured’s interests must be given ‘equal consideration’ with those of the insurer, or as it is often expressed…
There are two different types of evidence in bad faith claims. The first type involves only the actions of the claims personnel and seeks to show that their actions were outrageous and caused damage to the plaintiff. The second type of evidence is called “institutional bad faith.” “Institutional bad faith” is a corporate philosophy, implemented…
Several South Dakota statutes prescribe insurance company responsibilities to insurance claimants. Some of these statutes are: Unfair Trade Practices The Unfair Trade Practices Act, S.D.C.L. § 58-33-67, defines unfair or deceptive insurance company practices in South Dakota. Some unfair or deceptive insurance company practices are: Admissibility In South Dakota, there is no private right of…
In South Dakota, insurance bad faith law is based on the legal principle that there is an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in every insurance contract. This covenant prohibits either party from preventing or injuring the other party’s right to receive the benefits of the contract. Trouten v. Heritage Mut. Ins. Co., 632…
As lawyers we see many cases of unfair claim denials by insurance companies. In my work I have reviewed hundreds of claim files and attorney files, and I have had the task of using these documents as exhibits in trial. I often get calls asking for advice on how to best write letters to an…
