If your insurance company is giving you the runaround — delaying payments, offering less than you’re owed, or denying a valid claim — you’re not alone. Unfortunately, insurers often prioritize profits over people, and that can leave injury victims in a vulnerable position.
But you don’t have to accept unfair treatment.
At The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm, we’ve seen how frustrating and draining it can be when a company refuses to honor the terms of its own policy. Whether your claim is being undervalued, delayed, or outright denied, we can step in to hold the insurer accountable.
What Does Bad Faith Look Like?
Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith — meaning they must handle your claim honestly, promptly, and fairly. But in many cases, they fall short. Common signs of bad faith include:
- Delaying your claim without a clear reason
- Offering far less than your claim is worth
- Denying coverage for reasons that contradict your policy
- Ignoring evidence that supports your case
- Pressuring you to settle quickly — before you’ve fully recovered
This behavior isn’t just wrong — in Illinois, it may violate state laws that protect consumers from unfair insurance practices.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Insurers
Unfair treatment can happen whether you’re dealing with your own insurance company (first-party) or the at-fault party’s insurer (third-party). For example:
- Your own provider may delay paying out under your uninsured motorist coverage.
- The other party’s insurer may deny liability, hoping you’ll walk away.
In either case, you still have legal rights — and options.
How We Can Help
Policy Review: We’ll examine your insurance coverage and explain what you’re actually entitled to — in plain language.
Negotiation and Advocacy: We’ll take over communication with the insurance company so you don’t have to deal with stalling tactics or pressure to accept a lowball offer.
Legal Action, If Needed: If the insurer still won’t cooperate, we’ll pursue legal action to force them to honor their obligations under the law.
Having a lawyer in your corner often changes the conversation. Insurance companies know we don’t back down — and they tend to respond differently when they realize you’re represented.
Delays Can Have Real Costs
When insurers drag their feet, it’s not just frustrating — it can affect your health and livelihood. Medical bills pile up. Missed work means lost income. Without fair compensation, you may feel stuck or forced to settle for less.
We’ve helped many clients push back against these tactics. In one case, a client was denied coverage for weeks after a crash. Once we got involved, the insurer reversed course — and paid the full value of the claim.
If your insurer is refusing to pay fairly after your injury, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you take back control — so you can focus on recovery, not red tape.
