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Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer > Jacksonville Bad Faith Insurance Claims Lawyer

Jacksonville Bad Faith Insurance Claims Lawyer

You understand your obligations when you purchase insurance as a Florida motorist, homeowner, or business owner. As such, it’s reasonable to expect that the insurance company will also comply with contractual terms and conditions if you need to file a rightful claim for losses. Unfortunately, insurers aren’t so willing to oblige when it comes to paying you, since your claim affects their bottom line. These companies are more likely to protect their own interests instead of yours.

It may come as some relief to know that you have legal options through Florida’s laws on bad faith insurance claims. Lawmakers realized years ago that insurers could take advantage of having the upper hand when issuing policies, so they engaged statutes to penalize misconduct and properly reimburse policyholders. Our team at Douglas & Douglas are prepared to fight on your behalf in such a situation, so please contact us today to consult with a Jacksonville bad faith insurance claims lawyer.

Legal Basis for Florida Bad Faith Insurance Claims

When you purchase an insurance policy, you’re a policyholder and party in a direct contractual relationship with the company. If you sustain damage to your home, vehicle, business or other assets, you file a first-party claim for coverage under your policy. This arrangement is distinct from a claim you would file as a third party with someone else’s insurance company, such as what you would do after being injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Insurers don’t owe you the same legal duty in a third-party claim as compared to a first-party claim. 

Essential Elements to Establish Your Rights

Under the relevant statutes and rules established by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, insurers must use good faith when conducting business with policyholders. If your insurance company denies your claim or won’t pay the full amount under your policy, this misconduct could amount to a violation of the law. You have the right to file a bad faith insurance claim to recover for your losses. 

Monetary Damages in Bad Faith Insurance Claims

There’s a wide range of compensation available if you’re successful in proving a bad faith insurance lawsuit, including:

  • The value of your claim that was denied in bad faith, or the difference in value if your insurer wrongfully offered only partial payment;
  • Any costs you incurred because of the insurer’s misconduct;
  • Punitive damages to punish the insurer for unlawful bad faith AND to discourage other companies from engaging in the same misconduct; and,
  • Court costs and attorneys’ fees.

Get Legal Help from a Jacksonville Bad Faith Insurance Claims Lawyer

If your insurance claim was denied or your insurer offered to pay out an amount far lower than what you believe is owed to you, you may have rights as a policyholder. However, it’s tough to pursue a Florida bad faith insurance claim unless you have an extensive legal background in the relevant laws. Our attorneys at Douglas & Douglas are prepared to take on the challenges, so please contact our firm today to set up a consultation with a member of our team.

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