Insurance Coverage / Bad Faith Cases

Understanding Insurance Law and Bad Faith in Georgia

Insurance policies are purchased with the expectation of financial protection and trust in the insurance provider. Policyholders diligently pay their premiums with the belief that their insurer will provide coverage when needed. Whether it’s personal or commercial insurance protecting your home, car or business, the fundamental purpose of insurance is to offer security. However, insurance companies often look for ways to avoid paying claims or underpaying in bad faith. When this happens, seeking legal representation may be necessary. The insurance bad faith attorneys at Cochran & Edwards have extensive experience in handling bad faith claims and insurance disputes, including the following:

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​Bad Faith Failure to Settle in Georgia

Liability insurance is intended to protect policyholders from legal responsibility in cases of accidents or lawsuits. Insurers have a duty to settle claims within policy limits when a reasonable opportunity arises. However, some insurers attempt to undervalue claims, rejecting fair settlements and exposing policyholders to unnecessary legal liability. This practice, known as "bad faith failure to settle" or "common law bad faith," can have serious financial  consequences. Our attorneys at Cochran & Edwards are dedicated to holding insurance companies accountable for these unjust actions.

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Declaratory Judgment Actions in Georgia

When policyholders file claims, they may be surprised to find that their insurance company is taking legal action against them instead of providing coverage. These lawsuits, known as declaratory judgment actions, are initiated by insurers seeking court rulings that deny coverage. Cochran & Edwards represents policyholders facing such legal challenges, ensuring their rights are protected against unjustified denials.

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Recognizing Insurance Bad Faith

The insurance industry has successfully resisted federal oversight, leaving individual states to regulate insurer practices. Many state laws provide protection for policyholders, allowing them to pursue bad faith claims when insurers act unfairly.

Common examples of bad faith insurance practices include:

• Failing to respond promptly to claims inquiries.

• Denying claims without conducting a thorough investigation.

• Delaying claim resolutions without justification.

• Offering settlements that are significantly lower than the actual value of the claim.

• Misrepresenting policy terms to justify a denial.

• Failing to provide a clear explanation for claim denials.

• Using delay tactics, such as requiring redundant paperwork, to postpone payments.

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Seeking Legal Assistance for Insurance Bad Faith in Atlanta

If you believe your insurance company has treated you unfairly, you may have grounds for a bad faith insurance claim. Hiring an experienced insurance law attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing a fair settlement. Some states allow courts to award attorney’s fees in these cases, and judges may also impose punitive damages against insurers as a deterrent to unethical practices.

Most insurance bad faith claims are settled outside of court, but if an insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, our attorneys are fully prepared to litigate on your behalf. Successfully challenging bad faith insurance practices not only benefit the individual policyholder but also sends a strong message to insurers about the importance of fair dealings.
At Cochran & Edwards, we are dedicated to advocating for policyholders and ensuring that insurance companies fulfill their contractual obligations. If you have been wronged by an insurer, contact our firm today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.