Insurance – Bad Faith, Claims Handling

Sentry Select Insurance says auto dealer did not have an insurable interest in its leased premises.

Couple builds home but later finds out they have no legal access to utilities or public road.

Liberty Mutual denies claim, says damage was not caused by a specified peril.

Affirmative defense on insurer's settlement offer nets plaintiff with catastrophic injuries just $15,000 policy limits.  Plaintiff claimed that defendant insurer had "opened up" its policy.

Following a bad hand injury, plaintiff receives referral after referral through his HMO, but no timely surgery.

 

 

Burglars said to leave the tub running and water severely damages the house.

Snow storm collapses roof of building; insurer won't pay estimate to repair, says estimate includes code upgrades that it's not responsible for.

Plaintiff injured in auto accidcent says her insurer should have paid UIM claim earlier, lost her medical records.

Teen loses leg to aggressive cancer when Kaiser delays MRI.  Kaiser Foundation Health Plan is sued for insurance bad faith, but after summary judgment for defense, complaint is amended to include medical negligence against Kaiser's physician group. Plaintiff defeats Kaiser arbitration clause and a second summary judgment motion, and case goes to a jury. 

Plaintiff asks his insurer for UIM damages, but insurer delays for eight months then settles underlying matter for $140,000; insured retains bad-faith rights. 

Insurer denies payment of claim for burglary of expensive equipment at bar/restaurant.

Carrier offered $100K under CCP 998 to settle a breach of contract and bad-faith claim for alleged failure and delay in paying benefits, but the jury awarded less. The claim arose out of a fire at a commerical business.

GEICO denies property damage claim from low-impact collision, later says it relied on a third-party, no harm no foul. 

Plaintiff claimed that defendant breached the contract of insurance and breached the covenant of good faith and fair dealing by failing to pay the amounts due under the policy of insurance arising from storm damage to his home.