Red Bluff Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer

Red Bluff Insurance Bad Faith Attorney

Insurance policies are meant to protect us when we need them most, whether after a car accident on the historic Chinatown Alley, property loss, or serious injury. When an insurer delays, denies, or underpays a valid claim, the situation can quickly feel overwhelming. A Red Bluff insurance bad faith lawyer helps policyholders hold insurance companies accountable when coverage obligations are ignored.

At Barr and Mudford, we have represented residents of Red Bluff and Northern California since 1967. Over the decades, our clients have faced unfair insurance practices by aggressive insurers focused on limiting payouts. When you hire an experienced attorney at Barr and Mudford who understands insurance bad faith laws, you take the first step in protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you are owed.

What Is Insurance Bad Faith in California?

An insurance bad faith claim happens when an insurance company doesn’t handle a claim honestly or fairly. Many bad-faith claims include unjustified delays, improper denials, or failure to properly investigate a loss. When an insurer acts in bad faith, as the policyholder, you are entitled to compensation for any financial harm caused by the misconduct, as well as any possible additional damages.

According to California insurance bad faith laws, to take legal action against an insurer, you must prove that two things happened:

• Your policy benefits were withheld
• The reason for withholding your benefits was unreasonable or without cause

Contact a Red Bluff insurance bad faith attorney with experience in insurance bad faith cases if your policy benefits are being withheld and you believe the insurer is acting in bad faith.

Examples of Bad Faith Insurance Practices

In 2024, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reported that U.S. property and casualty insurers reported $932.2 billion in net premiums written, an increase of about 8% from 2023. These figures reflect the enormous scale of insurance coverage in force, where claim handling decisions can directly impact policyholders like you.

Understanding when you have been taken advantage of by a bad faith insurance practice in Red Bluff keeps you protected. According to California Insurance Code § 790.03, some examples of bad faith insurance practices include:  

• Refusing to pay
• Intentionally delaying the process
• Failing to disclose important terms
• Misrepresenting information
• Not investigating a claim

If you are running into any of these problems, don’t let bad faith insurance practices keep what you are entitled to. Contact a lawyer familiar with insurance bad faith cases who won’t be afraid to fight for you.

Types of Bad Faith Insurance Claims in California

In the first quarter of 2025, property and casualty insurers saw a 15.5% increase in net losses compared with the same period in 2024, showing how insurer payouts for claims have risen significantly.

Types of bad faith insurance claims in California include:

• First-party bad faith claims. This is when your own insurance company treats you unfairly after you file a claim under your own policy.
• Third-party bad faith claims. This is when an insurer fails to properly protect its insured from a claim brought by someone else.

Whether you are facing a first-party bad faith claim with your own insurance company or a third-party claim brought by someone else, hire an insurance bad faith lawyer to stay protected and secure the claim you deserve.

When to Hire an Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer in Red Bluff

According to the 2024 California Consumer Complaint Study, the California Department of Insurance reported that some insurers, like Geico Indemnity, received nearly three justified complaints for every 100,000 exposures in 2023. Other insurers, like State Farm Mutual Automobile, reached over 100 total justified complaints. These numbers show that disputes over insurer conduct, delays, and denials are a statewide problem.

The law firm of Barr and Mudford is an award-winning team of trial lawyers with decades of experience, recognized trial success, and deep knowledge of insurance bad faith laws throughout Red Bluff, California. Our nationally Top 100-ranked attorneys understand the frequency of these cases and are committed to protecting your rights with the highest standards of excellence. When you contact our 10.0-rated firm, you receive dedicated legal guidance focused on compensation.

FAQs

How Do You Prove an Insurance Company Acted in Bad Faith in California?

To prove an insurance company acted in bad faith in California, courts look at whether the insurer’s actions were unreasonable. In many cases, you must show that your insurer withheld policy benefits unreasonably or failed to handle your claim fairly. This usually involves evidence of unjustified delays, improper denials, or inadequate investigations.

What Are Three Ways an Insurer Can Be Liable for Bad Faith?

Three ways an insurer can be liable for bad faith include delaying payment of benefits, denying a claim without an investigation, or misrepresenting coverage to avoid payment. California law requires insurers to act in good faith. Bad faith insurance liability can happen with your own insurance company or with another party.

Can You Bring Legal Action Against a Company for Acting in Bad Faith in California?

Yes, you can bring legal action against a company for acting in bad faith in California if the insurance company withholds benefits or fails to handle a claim fairly. These cases are usually brought under California common law. If successful, a bad faith claim may allow you to recover more than the original policy benefits.

What Is the California Unfair Claims Practices Act?

The California Unfair Claims Practices Act is California Insurance Code section 790.03. This code outlines conduct insurers must avoid, like unreasonable delays, misrepresentation of policy provisions, and failure to investigate claims. California courts often rely on it as a standard for evaluating whether an insurer acted in bad faith under California law.

Contact Barr and Mudford Today

Since 1967, Barr and Mudford have stood up for injured individuals across Red Bluff and Northern California, combining attentive client care with decades of courtroom experience. Our attorneys understand California’s insurance bad faith laws and the claims process. If you are being denied what you owe, contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.