Bad Faith Insurance Claims Lawyer

As a Florida motorist, homeowner, or business owner, you are aware of your responsibilities when purchasing insurance. Consequently, it is only fair to anticipate that the insurance company will adhere to the agreed-upon terms and conditions when you need to file a legitimate claim for your losses. Regrettably, insurers often resist honoring claims, as these payouts impact their profitability. Typically, these companies prioritize their own interests over yours.


However, it may provide some assurance to know that you have legal recourse under Florida’s laws governing bad faith insurance claims. Lawmakers recognized long ago that insurers could exploit their advantageous position when providing policies, prompting them to enact laws aimed at penalizing unethical behavior and ensuring fair compensation for policyholders. At Douglas & Douglas, our team is ready to advocate for you in these situations, so don’t hesitate to reach out today for a consultation with a bad faith insurance claims lawyer.

Legal Basis for 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. 

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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
  • Court costs and attorneys’ fees

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Get Legal Help from a Bad Faith Insurance Claims Lawyer

If your insurance claim has been denied or if your insurer proposed a settlement that is significantly less than what you believe you deserve, you may have rights as a policyholder. However, navigating a bad faith insurance claim can be challenging without a solid legal understanding of the applicable laws. At Douglas & Douglas, our attorneys are equipped to tackle these complexities, so we invite you to reach out to our firm today to arrange a consultation with one of our team members.