Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Houston

Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Houston

Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Houston

Insurance companies often make promises, but when it comes time to pay, some look for ways out. You pay your premiums, file a claim, and expect fair treatment. Instead, you might face delays, denials, or excuses that leave you stuck with bills and repairs. This isn't just unfair. It's a breach of trust, and Texas law gives you the right to push back. Storm damage cleanup is a constant need across properties in Houston, making fair insurance practices even more important.

Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Houston

When an insurer puts its own interests first, you're left picking up the pieces. Bills pile up, repairs stall, and the stress grows. Texas law doesn't let insurance companies get away with these tactics. You have tools to fight back, and knowing what to watch for can help you get what you're owed.

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Why Choose Our Firm

Our insurance bad faith attorneys offer:

  • Extensive experience fighting insurance companies
  • Deep understanding of insurance law and regulations
  • Resources to take on major insurers
  • No fees unless we win your case
  • Personalized attention to every client

How We Spot Bad Faith by Insurers

Patterns matter more than single mistakes. When an insurer drags things out, ignores your claim, or offers far less than your policy covers, it's not just a slip-up. These are signs of a company trying to avoid its responsibilities. You don't have to accept it.

  • Unreasonable Delays: Weeks or months pass with no real updates or progress on your claim.
  • Denying Valid Claims: The company turns down your claim even though your policy clearly covers the loss and you've provided proof.
  • Lowball Settlement Offers: You get an offer that doesn't come close to covering your actual damages.
  • Failure to Investigate: The insurer skips steps, ignores evidence, or never sends anyone to look at the damage.
  • Misrepresenting Policy Terms: They twist the wording of your policy to make it sound like you're not covered when you are.

These aren't just annoying. They're against the law in Texas. Insurers must handle claims fairly and quickly. When they don't, they break the trust you placed in them. If you see these signs, it's time to act before things get worse.

Common Bad Faith Tactics

We expose insurance company tactics such as:

  • Denying claims without investigation
  • Misinterpreting policy language
  • Using biased experts
  • Ignoring evidence supporting claims
  • Making unreasonable demands for proof
  • Failing to explain claim denials
  • Threatening policyholders
  • Refusing to negotiate fairly
  • Creating unnecessary delays
  • Retroactively canceling policies

Available Compensation

In bad faith cases, we pursue:

  • Full payment of original claim
  • Interest on delayed payments
  • Emotional distress damages
  • Attorney fees and costs
  • Consequential damages
  • Punitive damages when appropriate
  • Statutory penalties
  • Additional compensation under state law

Our Strategic Approach

Our experienced team:

  • Reviews policy terms and exclusions
  • Documents all communication with insurers
  • Gathers supporting evidence
  • Works with industry experts
  • Calculates all available damages
  • Negotiates with insurance companies
  • Prepares cases for trial when necessary

What We Do When Insurers Stall or Deny Claims

Insurance companies have teams trained to limit payouts. They count on most people giving up. Some tactics are obvious, others are more subtle, but all are meant to wear you down. We know these moves and how to counter them.

  • Requesting Excessive Documentation: They keep asking for the same paperwork or demand records that have nothing to do with your claim.
  • Ignoring Deadlines: The company misses legal deadlines, then tries to blame you for the delay.
  • Blaming You for the Loss: They say you caused the damage or didn’t take care of your property, even when that’s not true.
  • Offering No Explanation: Your claim is denied with a vague letter and no real reason.
  • Pressuring You to Settle Fast: They push you to take a quick, low offer before you know the full cost of your loss.

Most people don’t have the time or knowledge to fight these tactics alone. That’s where we step in. We hold insurers to the law and push for the full amount you’re owed.

Protecting Your Rights

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. Level the playing field with experienced legal representation. We understand insurance company tactics and know how to counter them effectively.

Documentation is Critical

Keep detailed records of:

  • All communication with insurers
  • Claim submissions and responses
  • Proof of loss documents
  • Adjuster reports
  • Damage estimates
  • Policy documents
  • Payment records
  • Denial letters

Understanding Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith when handling claims. Bad faith occurs when insurers: 

  • Unreasonably deny valid claims
  • Delay claim investigations or payments
  • Make lowball settlement offers
  • Misrepresent policy provisions
  • Fail to properly investigate claims
  • Refuse to defend policyholders
  • Withhold policy benefits
  • Cancel policies without justification
  • Fail to communicate claim status
  • Engage in deceptive practices

Types of Bad Faith Claims We Handle

Our attorneys handle bad faith claims involving:

  • Auto insurance
  • Homeowner's insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Property insurance
  • Business insurance
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Umbrella policies
  • Workers' compensation insurance

What We Pursue for You Under Texas Law

Texas law gives you more than just your original claim amount. When an insurer acts in bad faith, you can seek extra damages for the trouble they caused. That includes money for financial losses, stress, and sometimes even extra penalties for the insurer’s behavior.

  • Policy Benefits: The full amount your policy should have paid, plus any interest from the delay.
  • Consequential Damages: Extra costs you faced because the insurer didn’t pay on time, like higher repair bills or lost income.
  • Attorney Fees: Texas law lets you recover the cost of hiring a lawyer to fight your case.
  • Punitive Damages: Extra money awarded when the insurer’s actions were especially bad.
  • Mental Anguish Damages: Compensation for the stress and frustration caused by unfair treatment.

These options exist because lawmakers know insurance companies have the upper hand. When they abuse that power, the law steps in. Taking legal action often leads to a better outcome than what the insurer first offered.

How We Calculate the Full Impact of Bad Faith

Getting what you’re owed means looking beyond the original claim. Bad faith cases often involve several types of damages, and each one matters. Did you have to borrow money for repairs? Did you lose work? Did the delay make things worse?

Start with the policy benefits. Add any extra costs you paid because of the delay. Temporary housing, rental cars, higher contractor fees, or more damage to your property. If you lost sleep or faced extra stress, that counts too. Texas courts recognize the toll this takes, and we make sure every loss is included in your case. For homes near Houston, root overgrowth is a real concern after storms, which can lead to more complex claims.

Why Acting Fast Matters for Your Case

Deadlines are strict in Texas. You usually have two years from when the insurer denied your claim or failed to pay. Miss that window, and you lose your chance to recover. Building a strong case takes time, so starting early is key. Evidence can disappear, and memories fade. If you’re facing unfair insurance practices, getting legal help right away gives you the best shot at holding the company responsible.

Some claims have even shorter deadlines, especially after storms or accidents. If you’re unsure about timing, don’t wait. A quick call with a lawyer can clear things up and help you avoid missing out.

When insurance companies unreasonably deny, delay, or underpay valid claims, they may be acting in bad faith. At The Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy P.L.LC, our experienced insurance bad faith attorneys fight against unfair insurance practices and help clients recover the compensation they deserve, plus additional damages for the insurance company's wrongful conduct.

Let's Hold Your Insurer Accountable

You don't have to accept bad faith treatment from your insurance company. Call the Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy PLLC at 832-519-0054 or schedule an appointment to discuss your case and explore your legal options.