When you’ve purchased insurance, you expect your insurer to pay claims when you submit them. When a claim is delayed, underpaid, or denied without a legitimate reason, you may question what’s going on. If your insurance company fails to uphold your policy terms, you have options.
At LawtonCates, we represent people facing insurance bad faith claims under Wisconsin law. If your insurance company drags its feet or refuses to pay a valid claim, we will dig into the details of its claim management and push back when its conduct crosses the line. Contact our insurance bad faith lawyers in Milwaukee today for a free case evaluation. We can review your situation and advise you about your options when navigating insurance coverage disputes.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith?
Insurance bad faith takes place when an insurer fails to meet its contractual obligations to its policyholder regarding a valid insurance claim. Wisconsin courts have found that an insurer has a duty of good faith and fair dealing that arises from the insurance contract (Neri v. Barber, 846 N.W.2d 34 (Wis. Ct. App. 2014)). Insurers are expected to handle claims in a fair and reasonable way. That means reviewing the claim, answering questions, and abiding by the terms of the policy they sold.
Problems arise when a company fails to do those things. It could deny a claim without explanation. It might let a claim sit for weeks with no updates. It may ignore paperwork or provide answers that don’t make sense. The insurer crosses the line when it cannot provide a reasonable explanation for its handling of the claim.
Common Signs of Insurance Bad Faith in Milwaukee
Policyholders often notice warning signs that their claim is in trouble before receiving a formal denial. Common signs that your insurance company is acting in bad faith include:
- Long claim delays with no clear explanation or updates
- Repeated requests for duplicate records
- Changing reasons for denial that shift as new information is provided
- Denied insurance claims that ignore clear, written policy terms or exclusions
- Low settlement offers that lack documentation, analysis, or factual support
- Pressure to accept a fast payout before the claim is fully evaluated
- Failure to conduct a timely or meaningful investigation of the claim
Every case is different. One problem may not show bad faith, but repeated issues can. Keeping good records of all interactions with the insurer can reveal a pattern indicative of bad faith.
Legal Rights of Policyholders in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has rules in place to keep insurance companies from being unfair. Insurers are expected to investigate claims promptly, provide honest responses, and abide by the terms of the policy they issued. They should not ignore evidence, change coverage terms or limits, or delay payment without a legitimate reason.
When an insurance company mishandles a claim, customers have the right to challenge that behavior. A judge can look at how the claim was handled and decide whether the insurer was dishonest. In cases of misconduct, the court can order the company to pay what it should have and to cover additional losses arising from the bad faith conduct.
How LawtonCates Helps Clients with Bad Faith Cases
At LawtonCates, we carefully review insurance policies, claim records, and messages from the insurance company. We check whether the insurer followed Wisconsin law and treated the policyholder fairly. Our bad faith insurance attorneys look for unfair actions or weak reasons for decisions. Using what we find, we create a clear plan based on the facts and the law.
We speak with the insurance company on behalf of our clients and seek fair payment supported by the facts. If the issue cannot be resolved, we may take the case to court. Along the way, we explain each step to our client, advise them on what to expect, and discuss possible outcomes.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Bad Faith
If you believe an insurer acted unfairly, you can act to protect your claim:
- Review your insurance policy closely and identify relevant coverage provisions and exclusions
- Keep copies of all letters, emails, claim submissions, and supporting documentation
- Document dates, phone calls, and any promises or deadlines communicated by the insurer
- Request written explanations for claim delays, denials, or settlement offers
- Avoid giving recorded statements
- Seek legal guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate insurer conduct
Taking these steps can help keep important information from getting lost and make a claim stronger. Looking at the situation early in the claim can also help determine whether the problem is a simple coverage disagreement or something more serious, such as insurance bad faith.
Compensation Available in Bad Faith Claims
Bad faith claims can include different types of recovery under Wisconsin law. If an insurance company acts unfairly, a policyholder may be able to obtain the money that the policy should have paid in the first place. They may also ask for help with extra costs caused by delays or improper denials, such as bills that piled up or money they could not earn.
In some situations, a court may allow recovery beyond the policy limit if the insurer’s conduct was especially unfair. How much someone can recover depends on the facts, the proof, and the law. Courts will examine each case to determine how and whether the insurer’s actions caused financial problems.
Why Choose LawtonCates for Insurance Bad Faith Claims
When you’re taking on an insurer, having a lawyer experienced in handling insurance disputes is essential. Our team will pay close attention to the details of each case and focus on clear communication at every step of a claim.
We understand how insurance companies think when reviewing claims and interpreting policy terms. That helps us decide how to talk with them or when to take a case to court. We keep our clients informed, answer their questions, and explain what is happening throughout the case.
Contact Our Insurance Dispute Lawyers for Help
When a claim is delayed or denied, it can lead to financial difficulties and significant stress. An insurance bad faith lawyer in Milwaukee who understands the process when an insurance company refuses to act reasonably can provide support and guidance as you seek compensation and relief.
If you believe an insurance company acted in bad faith, our insurance dispute lawyers will review the facts of your case and explain your options. Contact LawtonCates for a consultation to discuss how we can provide bad faith claim help, pursue accountability, and move your claim forward.