Unfair or Bad Faith Insurance Practices Lawyer
Serving Worcester And Cambridge
Whether an insurer has denied your claim without a reasonable basis for doing so, delayed a settlement to pressure you into accepting an unreasonably low amount for your insurable loss, or misrepresented policy terms or coverage to avoid paying your claim, you will need an experienced unfair or bad faith insurance claim lawyer who will work with you toward holding the insurer accountable for its wrongdoing. As a Cambridge MA unfair or bad faith insurance practices lawyer, and law firm, we have successfully represented individuals and companies in unfair or bad faith insurance disputes involving a wide range of insurance coverage, securing for our Worcester and Cambridge-area clients the benefits they are legally entitled to receive under their insurance policies.
Insurers Have A Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing. Under Massachusetts law, insurers must act in good faith and deal fairly with policyholders and claimants. Insurers must investigate claims promptly and fairly, and evaluate claims honestly based upon the facts discovered or available to them and in light the applicable policy terms. They must not unfairly minimize or disregard facts or policy terms that tend to favor liability. Unreasonable delays, incomplete investigations, or unfair assessment of the facts may constitute a breach of their duty of good faith.
Insurers Must Make Reasonable Offers On Claims. Once an investigation reveals that liability is reasonably clear, insurers must pay the claim promptly or risk violating their duty of good faith. Chapters 93A and 176D of the Massachusetts General Laws provide robust protections against an insurer’s failure to make a reasonable offer on claims once liability is reasonably clear. The insurer must show its offer was reasonable and made in good faith given its own knowledge at the time of the relevant facts and law concerning the claim. The insurer has the burden of proving the reasonableness of the settlement offer it tenders.
Bad Faith Insurance Practices May Lead to Punitive Damages. If an insurer knowingly or willfully fails to effectuate a prompt, fair and equitable settlement of a claim in which liability has become reasonably clear, the insurer may be liable for substantial punitive damages. Successful claimants and policyholders may also be entitled to receive reimbursement of their attorneys’ fees and costs.
As An Unfair Or Bad Faith Insurance Practices Attorney in Worcester and Cambridge, We Have Successfully Represented Individuals And Companies In Disputes Involving A Wide Range Of Insurance Coverage.
- We worked with cause and origin experts to convince a jury that our clients, building and restaurant owners, did not start the fire that destroyed their property as the insurer alleged, and that they were entitled to the full property insurance coverage.
- We defeated a national insurer’s claim that our client made a material misrepresentation on his application for disability insurance, and secured the full insurance benefits under the disability policy.
- We defeated a summary judgment motion brought by an international insurer on our client’s claim that the insurer failed to make a reasonable offer of settlement after liability had become reasonably clear, and settled the substantial matter shortly thereafter.
As a Cambridge MA unfair or bad faith insurance practices lawyer, and law firm, we have the experience and knowledge to provide highly skilled legal services to those who have claims against insurers for unfair or bad faith insurance practices.
Call Now For A Free Consultation
As a Worcester and Cambridge law firm focused on unfair or bad faith insurance practices, we are prepared to provide you and your family legal guidance and support to help you move forward. To set up your free consultation, call us at 617-204-9800 or contact us online.