We entrust our livelihood, our future, and our family's security to our insurance companies. In return, we expect, and the law requires, that insurance companies act with good faith in dealing with our insurance needs.

Insurance Disputes

We entrust our livelihood, our future, and our family's security to our insurance companies. In return, we expect, and the law requires, that insurance companies act with good faith in dealing with our insurance needs.

When someone suffers a serious loss the reasonable expectation is that the insurance company will fairly assess that loss and quickly pay the claim. Far too often, though, insurance companies balk at paying claims, declaring that the loss is not covered or offering to pay far less than the claim is worth. The reason is simple: insurance is a business, and insurance companies are motivated to keep their bottom line as healthy as possible. So, how does an individual go up against such a powerhouse? Is it possible to receive fair and just compensation, or is the insured simply at the mercy of these giant monoliths?

Our goal is to make sure that insurance companies live up to their obligations and that clients receive the fair treatment they deserve. We understand how insurance companies operate, how they think, and what tactics they use. This insider knowledge, coupled with the Firm's extensive trial experience makes us a formidable foe and helps us level the playing field for our clients.

If your insurance company has purposely refused to process your insurance claim in compliance with that standard, you may have a claim for bad faith. Insurance companies are required by law to treat their consumers fairly and this includes payment of claims that are honestly due to the insured. Bad faith insurance law arose because, in the past, insurance companies have mistreated their clients and refused to pay for legitimate claims. Such conduct often hurts the consumer by forcing them to pay unnecessary legal fees or give up on their legitimate case.

Nearly all of us have or will purchase some form of insurance. While we assume that the policies will be honored by our insurance company if we need to file a claim, all too often we find this is not the case. It is not unusual for an insurance company to limit or even deny coverage of a claim without proper justification or warning. Unfortunately, these unfair claims or "bad faith" practices are often applied to those policyholders most dependent on the protection promised by the insurance policy.

In 1982, the state of Florida enacted the Florida Unfair Claims Practices Act to protect consumers from insurance companies that do not make good faith efforts to settle claims. Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP. is uniquely qualified to handle cases that fall under this law.

What is insurance? The commonly understand meaning is that you give your money to a big giant company and when you have an emergency, the insurance company gives you back your money, plus enough additional money to cover the emergency. Sounds like a good deal . . . right?

It's only a good deal if the insurance company complies with its side of the bargain. Unfortunately, many insurance companies take your money, invest it, and think of a million reasons not to give it back to you when you need it most.

That is why there are strict regulations and laws to protect you from unfair insurance practices.

Disputes with insurance companies are some of the most frustrating experiences an individual can have. Usually, the insurance dispute arises at the worst possible time, when you have just suffered a tragedy.

Insurance companies have millions of dollars and high powered attorneys to fight any insurance claim they choose to fight. Only an equally smart and aggressive attorney who knows how to fight back can protect you.

The best way to get what you are entitled to from an insurance company is by producing tangible evidence that supports your claim. You would think that the insurance company would be on your side during a tragedy. But, typically, the insurance company becomes the adversary and you end up fighting the equivalent of a miniature trial to get what you are entitled to.



 

Library for Insurance Disputes:

Frequent Questions for Insurance Disputes:

Case Results for Insurance Disputes:

Web Resources for Insurance Disputes:

 

Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
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Also providing legal assistance to clients from:
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