Insurance Bad Faith Attorney Located in South Dakota
At Abourezk Law, located in Rapid City, South Dakota, we understand the frustration and hardship that can come when an insurance company acts in bad faith. Insurance policies are meant to provide peace of mind, ensuring financial protection in times of need. However, when insurers fail to honor their obligations, it can feel like a betrayal, leaving policyholders vulnerable during difficult times. That’s where we step in to help.
What is Insurance Bad Faith?
Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurance company fails to deal fairly with a policyholder’s claim. Insurance companies are legally obligated to handle claims honestly, promptly, and in good faith. When they don’t, their actions may be deemed as acting in bad faith, which can lead to legal consequences.
In South Dakota, bad faith insurance practices can involve the unreasonable denial of claims, delayed payments, failure to conduct a proper investigation, or underpayment of claims. If you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith, you may have grounds to take legal action to recover damages beyond the value of the claim itself.
Examples of Bad Faith Practices
Some of the common bad faith practices that South Dakota policyholders may face include:
- Unjust Denial of Claims: An insurance company denies a legitimate claim without a valid reason or without explaining the basis for the denial.
- Delaying Payment: Insurers may stall the processing of a claim by taking an unnecessarily long time to investigate or process the claim, hoping the policyholder will give up.
- Inadequate Investigation: Insurers may conduct a superficial or incomplete investigation, leading to wrongful denial or underpayment.
- Lowball Settlements: Offering significantly less than what a claim is worth without providing justification is another tactic insurers use to avoid paying fair compensation.
- Misrepresentation of Policy Terms: The insurer may mislead the policyholder about coverage or limits of the policy in an attempt to deny or reduce the claim.
South Dakota’s Insurance Bad Faith Law
In South Dakota, insurance companies are required to act in good faith and deal fairly with policyholders. If an insurer is found to have acted in bad faith, they may face legal consequences, including having to pay compensation not only for the initial claim but also for additional damages such as emotional distress or punitive damages.
The state follows the principle of “first-party” bad faith, which allows policyholders to directly sue their own insurance companies when they fail to fulfill their obligations. This legal protection gives policyholders the right to hold insurers accountable for their misconduct.
How Abourezk Law Can Help
At Abourezk Law, we are committed to fighting for the rights of individuals who have been wronged by their insurance companies. With decades of experience handling insurance disputes in South Dakota, our team understands the tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims and how to hold them accountable for bad faith practices.
We will thoroughly investigate your case, identify any bad faith actions, and pursue all available legal remedies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether your case involves a denial of coverage, delayed payment, or unfair settlement offers, we are here to advocate for you.
Contact Us Today
If you believe your insurance company has acted in bad faith, don’t wait. Contact Abourezk Law in Rapid City today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.