You don’t have to accept a lowball settlement offer

Insurance companies acting in bad faith will sometimes outright deny a claim, but often they act more subtly than that. They will offer a settlement, but one too low to cover medical bills and other expenses associated with the claim.

This can leave you with two choices: accept the purposefully low offer, or fight the insurance company’s bad faith conduct in court.

One man who was hurt in a February car crash has chosen the latter. He is suing California Casualty Management Company for allegedly treating his claim with bad faith.

According to the West Virginia Record, the man was involved in a head-on collision on the highway when another motorist went across the center line and struck his vehicle. He says his medical bills totaled nearly $7,000, suggesting that his injuries were fairly serious.

The other driver did not have auto insurance, so the plaintiff made and uninsured motorist claim to California Casualty. In response, the company made a series of “lowball offers” that were not honest attempts to settle the claim, according to the lawsuit.

The plaintiff is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant for especially egregious behavior.

Although it might partially compensate you, a lowball settlement will not do what the insurance company promised to do in exchange for your monthly premiums, which is take care of you when you need help. Fortunately, with the help of a knowledgeable attorney, you may be able to get the compensation you deserve.