What to Expect in Your First Meeting With a Bad Faith Attorney

Insurance companies would like nothing more than to deny a claim. That will give their bottom line a boost. If an insurance company issues a denial, it must be for a legitimate reason supported by evidence, not just their desire to hold onto their money.

Unfortunately, not every denial is reasonable, but the insurance company often thinks that by making a denial, the frustrated policyholder will give up. That could be considered an act of bad faith, which demands a response.

If you’ve found yourself in this position, the best approach to take with that insurance carrier is to meet with a qualified Reno insurance bad faith attorney to discuss your options.

The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp has helped many clients take on major insurance in pursuit of accountability. We’re familiar with all their bad faith tactics, and with the right evidence, we can establish where that company breached its obligations.

The Purpose of Your Initial Bad Faith Case Consultation

“Something isn’t right.” That is the exact type of feeling that can motivate you into action to meet with a bad faith attorney.

At this point, you’ve probably already experienced bad faith practices such as delayed responses, lack of investigation, or unreasonable requests for documentation. The purpose of your initial bad faith consultation with a bad faith attorney is to get the information you need to decide what should happen next.

During that consultation, the attorney provided you with an opportunity to explain what happened during your claim process. The attorney will be able to ask you pointed questions to identify any potential unfair practices.

An experienced bad faith attorney will most likely conduct a preliminary review of any documents you submit in advance of your first consultation. That will give them an overview of your claim and help them form an opinion on whether the incidents of perceived bad faith are legitimate.

Your first consultation is also where you’ll be presented with the options for taking your allegations of bad faith to the next level.

Essential Documents to Bring to Your First Meeting

No one who files an insurance claim wants to deal with a denial.

However, not every denial is justified. At your first meeting with a bad faith attorney, you’ll want to bring the following essential documents:

Insurance Policy

Your complete insurance policy will provide the foundation of your claim. The insurance company is obligated to follow the terms and conditions set out in the policy. This serves as the basis for your bad faith claim.

Correspondence

You’ll want to bring copies of all the letters, emails, and notes from any phone calls that relate to the initial claim process. This correspondence will include your formal denial letters and any documentation that demonstrates an unreasonable delay.

Financial Proof

Since your initial claim involved damages, you also need to bring the proof of the damages. These would be the same receipts, repair estimates, and medical expenses you used to file the claim.

What Your Attorney Evaluates During the Case Review

After your first meeting, your attorney will need time to conduct a thorough case review.

That review begins with analyzing your insurance policy to determine if what you submitted a claim for is actually covered. That will determine if the insurer’s denial was unjustified.

Your attorney will also have the opportunity to review all the evidence you presented in your initial meeting to spot any instances of a delay or unreasonable request for documentation. They will also assess the full extent of your losses, including all the non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

When all the preliminary evidence lines up, your attorney will then look for a pattern of behavior on the part of the insurance company. It is reasonable to assume that if the company engaged in these practices with you, they’ve done it with other policyholders as well.

After they’ve conducted their review, they will follow up with you to discuss their findings and talk about your options for pursuing a claim.

Discussing Damages and Potential Recovery Options

Nevada law is very specific regarding unfair insurance practices. If your attorney is confident that you’ve been the victim of bad faith tactics, they will discuss the damages you’re entitled to seek. Those damages can include the following:

Compensatory Damages

These are the damages that are part of the original claim you filed with the insurance company. They should include any financial loss you incurred that was related to the accident.

Emotional Distress

You might have experienced emotional distress due to the original incident. However, that stress could have been compounded by your insurer’s actions. You can be compensated for that as well.

Punitive Damages

When it can be established that the insurance company acted maliciously, a jury could award you punitive damages. In Nevada, the limit for punitive damages is three times the amount of your final compensatory damages.

Attorney Fees

You are also entitled to seek attorney fees for any legal costs associated with the fight to take on the insurance company.

Your attorney will work closely with you to calculate all your justified damages.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Bad Faith Claim Consultation

Does it cost money to meet with a bad faith attorney for the first time?

Most bad faith insurance attorneys, including the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, offer free initial consultations. This allows you to discuss the details of your claim and determine if you have a viable case without any upfront financial risk.

What if I cannot find my original insurance policy before the meeting?

While having the policy is helpful, do not let a missing document stop you from seeking legal advice. Your attorney can help you obtain a certified copy of the policy from the insurer during the early stages of your case.

How long does a typical first meeting with a lawyer last?

A thorough initial consultation usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. This provides enough time to review your correspondence with the insurance company and for the attorney to explain the legal merits of your bad faith claim.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer

Your initial review with a bad faith lawyer will provide you with the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible to help you understand what happens after you file a bad faith claim.

It’s always a good idea to write out your questions, including the following topics:

Experience and Track Record

  • How many bad faith insurance cases have you handled in Nevada?
  • How many of those cases have you taken to trial?
  • What were the outcomes of those cases?
  • Have you been successful in obtaining punitive damages against insurance companies?
  • Have you ever gone up against my insurance company?

Case Strategy

  • What evidence do I need to provide to support my claim?
  • What is a realistic timeline for this type of case?
  • What are the best and worst-case scenarios for a potential outcome?
  • What is your strategy if the insurer refuses to settle?

Fees and Communication

  • How are your legal fees structured, or do you work on a contingency?
  • Will I have to pay for anything if we lose?
  • How will you keep me updated on my case?

In your review with the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, we can provide you with concise and informative answers to all your questions. If we agree to work on your claim, you’ll find we’re a fierce advocate who’s willing to take a stand against any insurance company that’s acted in bad faith.

Call to schedule your free case review today, and let’s get all your questions answered.