Information About Recent Bad Faith Insurance Cases in California

When we purchase insurance polices, we are buying faith in the company that wrote and issued the policy. Even though the chances of needing this insurance to pay a claim are remote, we send them money anyway so that we are somewhat protected if something should happen to our car, our house, our health or another important facet of our lives. However, when insurance companies fail to honor the contracts they write, California policyholders have no recourse but to contact an experienced California insurance bad faith lawyer to remind the companies of their contractual obligations. If you believe that your insurance company is acting in bad faith, here are some California court decisions that your Southern California insurance bad faith attorney can explain in greater detail:

• Glenfed Development Corp. v. Superior Court, 53 Cal. App. 4th 1113 (1997) This decision requires insurance companies to provide copies of their claims manuals in the course of pre-trial discovery.

• Pfizer, Inc. v. Superior Court of Orange County, 59 Cal. App. 4th 480 (1997) This decision created a precedent that insurance companies can be compelled to disclose how they treated other policyholders with similar claims.

• Lipton v. Superior Court, 48 Cal. App. 4th 1599 (1996) In this case, the court ruled that reserves and reinsurance are subject to discovery in a trial.

• Crime/Fraud Exception to Attorney-Client Privilege — State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. v. Superior Court (Taylor), 54 Cal. App. 4th 625 (1997) (order published 12/1/97) In this case, State Farm intentionally spoiled evidence that would have supported a customer’s bad faith insurance claim. State Farm also engaged in other fraudulent practices including forgery to avoid paying valid earthquake claims.

Long Beach insurance bad faith lawyer Samer Habbas would like to remind his readers that insurance companies are for-profit enterprises and paying claims erodes profits. Insurance companies are in the litigation business. It is an important component of their business model. Some will employ many different tactics to avoid paying a claim. If you feel that you have a valid claim and your insurance is acting in bad faith, contact California insurance bad faith attorney Samer Habbas today by calling 888.848.5084 to schedule a free consultation.