Everett Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer

Insurance companies have a legal obligation to handle claims fairly, promptly, and in good faith. When they unreasonably deny valid claims, delay payment without justification, or offer far less than what your policy requires, they may be violating Washington law. Foster Law Offices holds insurance companies accountable when they fail their policyholders, pursuing not just the original claim amount but additional damages under Washington's Insurance Fair Conduct Act. Jeff Foster has litigated bad faith cases against USAA, Farmers, Allstate, and Lloyd's of London. No fee unless we win. Call or text (425) 971-5400.

What You Need to Know

Washington's Insurance Fair Conduct Act at RCW 48.30 provides some of the strongest policyholder protections in the country. If an insurer unreasonably denies a claim or unreasonably delays payment the policyholder is entitled to recover actual damages, litigation costs, and reasonable attorney fees. In cases of particularly egregious conduct treble damages, meaning three times the actual damages, may be available. To trigger IFCA's enhanced remedies, Washington law requires a policyholder to send a written notice of intent to sue at least twenty days before filing suit. This notice gives the insurer a final opportunity to cure the violation. If the insurer fails to respond reasonably within that window, the full weight of IFCA penalties comes into play. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner can also receive bad faith complaints, and a pattern of violations can result in regulatory action against the insurer's license. Beyond IFCA, common law bad faith claims remain available. Washington courts recognize that insurers owe a heightened duty of good faith rooted in the special relationship between policyholder and insurer. Violations of that duty can support claims for emotional distress and other consequential damages that go beyond IFCA's statutory remedies. Foster Law has extensive experience with insurance bad faith claims in Washington. Jeff Foster has litigated bad faith cases against some of the largest insurance companies in the world including USAA, Farmers, Allstate, and Lloyd's of London underwriters in Hawaii. We know the tactics these companies use. We know the legal standards they must meet. And we are not intimidated by their size or resources. Bad faith can occur in first-party claims where your own insurer handles your claim, and third-party claims where an insurer is defending their policyholder against your claim. Both types are actionable under Washington law when the insurer's conduct crosses the line from aggressive claims handling into bad faith.

What Foster Law Does for You

• —Analyze insurance company conduct to identify unreasonable denials, delays, and lowball offers
• —Document the insurer's claims handling to build a comprehensive bad faith record
• —File bad faith claims under Washington's Insurance Fair Conduct Act
• —Pursue treble damages and attorney fees where warranted
• —Take insurers to trial when they refuse to meet their legal obligations
• —Handle bad faith claims involving auto, homeowners, commercial, and specialty insurance policies

Why Clients Choose Foster Law

• —Deep knowledge of Washington insurance regulations and the IFCA at RCW 48.30
• —Jeff Foster has litigated against USAA, Farmers, Allstate, and Lloyd's of London
• —Willingness to take insurers to trial when necessary
• —No fee unless we recover compensation for you
• —Direct attorney access throughout your entire case
• —No office visit required. Reach us by phone, text, email, or Zoom.

Frequently Asked Questions

The information in these FAQs is general legal information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

We Handle Insurance Bad Faith Cases Throughout Snohomish County