How Houma Policyholders Can Fight Back Against Bad Faith Insurance Practices

When disaster strikes, whether it’s a hurricane, flood, fire, or auto accident, policyholders in Houma expect their insurance company to honor their claims in good faith. Unfortunately, some insurers use bad faith tactics to delay, underpay, or deny valid claims. Understanding your rights and knowing how to respond can make all the difference. With the guidance of an experienced insurance claims lawyer in Houma, you can hold your insurer accountable and recover what you’re owed.

What Is Insurance Bad Faith?

“Bad faith” refers to dishonest or unfair practices by insurance companies when handling policyholders’ claims. Louisiana law requires insurers to act in good faith, meaning they must investigate claims promptly, communicate honestly, and pay valid claims without unnecessary delay.

Common examples of bad faith practices include:

• Unreasonable delays in claim investigations or payments
• Denying claims without a valid reason or sufficient explanation
• Failing to conduct a proper investigation before making a decision
• Lowballing settlements or offering less than what the policy covers
• Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage limits

If your insurance company engages in any of these behaviors, you may have grounds to file a bad faith insurance claim with help from an attorney in Louisiana who focuses on insurance law.

Legal Protections for Louisiana Policyholders

Louisiana provides strong protections against bad faith insurance conduct under its statutes, specifically La. R.S. 22:1892 and La. R.S. 22:1973. These laws hold insurers liable for damages if they fail to:

• Pay claims within 30 days of receiving satisfactory proof of loss
• Treat policyholders fairly and equitably
• Refrain from misrepresenting pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions

When an insurer violates these duties, policyholders may be entitled to recover not only the original claim amount but also penalties, attorney’s fees, and other damages for emotional distress or financial hardship.

How to Fight Back Against Bad Faith Insurance Companies

1. 1. Document Everything Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance company—emails, letters, and phone calls. Document inspection visits, adjuster evaluations, and any promises made.
2. 2. Review Your Policy Carefully Read your insurance policy to understand your coverage, exclusions, and limits. This helps you spot when an insurer’s explanation doesn’t align with your policy terms.
3. 3. Seek a Professional Evaluation Don’t rely solely on the insurer’s damage assessment. Independent experts—such as public adjusters, contractors, or engineers—can provide unbiased reports supporting your claim.
4. 4. Consult an Experienced Lawyer A skilled insurance claims lawyer in Houma understands how to identify bad faith tactics and build a strong case. They can negotiate directly with the insurer or file a lawsuit if necessary to protect your rights.
5. 5. Act Quickly Time is critical. Delays can weaken your case or lead to missed legal deadlines. Contacting a Louisiana attorney early can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim from the start.

The Role of an Insurance Claims Lawyer in Houma

An experienced insurance claims lawyer in Houma serves as your advocate, ensuring the insurance company honors its obligations. Your lawyer can:

• Review your policy and claim details for inconsistencies
• Communicate with the insurer on your behalf
• Gather evidence of bad faith practices
• File a claim or lawsuit under Louisiana’s bad faith statutes
• Pursue full compensation, including penalties and legal fees

By partnering with a knowledgeable attorney in Louisiana, you can level the playing field against powerful insurance corporations that often rely on policyholder inexperience to minimize payouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my insurance claim is denied? Request a written explanation for the denial, review your policy, and contact a Houma insurance claims lawyer to evaluate whether the denial was justified or made in bad faith.

2. How long do I have to file a bad faith claim in Louisiana? Generally, you have one year from the date of the insurer’s wrongful act or breach to file a bad faith lawsuit. Always consult a lawyer promptly to avoid missing critical deadlines.

3. Can I recover more than my original claim amount? Yes. If your insurer acted in bad faith, Louisiana law allows you to seek additional damages, penalties, and legal fees beyond the value of your initial claim.

Final Thought

Insurance companies have a duty to treat policyholders fairly—but when they don’t, you have the power to fight back. Don’t let bad faith tactics prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. A dedicated insurance claims lawyer in Houma can help you stand up to powerful insurers and secure justice.

If you believe your insurance company acted in bad faith, take action today. Contact Ory Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney in Louisiana who will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.