Can insurance companies do anything they want with a claim – just deny any claim they don want to pay?
No, they can’t. Any policy of insurance, whether entered into with you or with the individual or company that may have injured you, is a contract, and bound by the laws in Massachusetts that govern contracts. Further, insurance companies operating under licenses granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to act in “good faith” in responding to claims. If they do not act in good faith, they are subject to penalties under a special law in Massachusetts that applies to insurance claims (M.G.L. c. 176D) which may subject them to penalties far larger than the original claim. However, the existence of these laws does not eliminate the need for an experienced attorney at your side: These laws are very complex, and the average lay person could not navigate them on his own. You are advised to seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking to any insurance company representative. Contact us and we can provide you with a free initial consultation.