Stillwater Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer

Representing Policyholders in Disputes Against Insurance Companies 

Policyholders pay insurance premiums with the expectation that their claims will be handled fairly, honestly, and in accordance with the terms of their policies. When insurers fail to uphold these obligations – by wrongfully denying valid claims, delaying payment without justification, or misrepresenting coverage – they may be acting in bad faith.

At Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach, we have extensive experience representing policyholders in insurance bad faith disputes. Our firm has taken legal action against some of the largest insurance carriers in the country and has recovered significant compensation for clients across Oklahoma. Some examples of our results:

• $7 million – insurance bad faith
• $2.5 million – bad faith recovery
• $1.6 million – bad faith recovery

If you believe your insurer acted unfairly in handling your claim, we’re available to review the situation and discuss your options. Contact us for a FREE consultation.

Why Choose Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach?

• More than $500 million recovered for clients across Oklahoma
• Over 15,000 individuals and families represented
• 100+ years of combined legal experience
• Recognized by Super Lawyers® for excellence in personal injury and civil litigation
• Trial-tested and experienced in complex disputes involving national insurers
• No fee unless we win; free, confidential case evaluations

We understand the tactics commonly used by insurers and have a strong track record of success in bad faith litigation, arbitration, and pre-litigation resolution.

Types of Insurance Bad Faith Claims We Handle

Our firm represents clients across Oklahoma in cases involving:

• Auto insurance bad faith (uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, damage claims, injury liability)
• Homeowners insurance bad faith (storm, fire, water, theft, and other property damage claims)
• Life insurance bad faith (denial of death benefits, delays in payment)
• Health insurance bad faith (refusal to cover necessary treatment, wrongful denial of claims)
• Commercial/business policy bad faith (loss of income, business interruption, property losses)
• Long-term disability or supplemental policy denials

We also handle third-party bad faith where an insurer fails to defend or indemnify a policyholder being sued.

What Constitutes Insurance Bad Faith in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, insurance companies are bound by a legal obligation known as the duty of good faith and fair dealing. This duty exists to ensure that insurers treat policyholders fairly and make claim decisions based on facts, policy language, and reasonable standards—not financial motivations or institutional delay tactics.

When an insurance company fails to uphold this duty, their conduct may constitute bad faith, which is a civil wrong under Oklahoma law and gives the policyholder the right to seek damages.

Insurers are required to:

• Promptly investigate claims: Insurers must initiate and complete a reasonable investigation of any submitted claim without unnecessary delay.
• Pay valid claims in a timely manner: If liability becomes reasonably clear, insurers must issue payment without dragging out the process.
• Communicate clearly and honestly: Policyholders have the right to clear explanations about coverage, claim requirements, and reasons for any delays or decisions.
• Avoid misrepresentation: Insurance companies may not misstate or obscure policy terms, limitations, or coverage exclusions.
• Avoid coercive or obstructive practices: This includes stalling, demanding repetitive or unnecessary paperwork, or making unreasonable settlement offers.

Bad faith may arise not only from intentional misconduct but also from a pattern of unreasonable handling, lack of responsiveness, or failure to follow basic claims protocols.

Examples of Bad Faith Conduct

Bad faith can take many forms and is not always obvious at first. In our experience, the following types of conduct may indicate that an insurer is not handling a claim in good faith:

• Unjustified claim denials: Rejecting a claim without a legitimate reason, particularly when coverage clearly applies under the policy terms.
• Failure to conduct a reasonable investigation: Ignoring key facts, failing to interview witnesses, or declining to review documentation that supports the claim.
• Unreasonable delays: Taking weeks or months to respond to basic inquiries, issue payments, or complete a routine investigation—often without explanation.
• Undervalued settlements: Offering substantially less than the documented value of the loss, without justification or adequate explanation.
• Misrepresenting coverage: Telling policyholders that certain losses aren’t covered when they are—or omitting key policy benefits in discussions.
• Lack of transparency: Refusing to provide the reasons for a claim denial or withholding correspondence explaining a decision.
• Retaliatory policy actions: Canceling a policy, increasing premiums, or threatening future coverage loss because a claim was filed.
• Failure to defend or indemnify: Refusing to provide legal defense in third-party claims when the policy requires it or failing to indemnify for judgments.

These actions can occur in any insurance context, including homeowners, auto, health, life, disability, or commercial insurance. Each situation must be reviewed in light of the policy terms, claim history, and the insurer’s conduct to determine whether bad faith occurred.

Do I Have a Valid Bad Faith Claim?

Not every denied or delayed claim constitutes bad faith. However, you may have grounds to take legal action if:

• The insurance company denied your claim without a clear or valid reason
• Payment was unreasonably delayed after coverage was acknowledged
• The insurer offered significantly less than the documented value of your loss
• The insurer failed to explain policy terms or misrepresented your coverage
• You were required to provide excessive documentation beyond what the policy demands
• You were threatened with cancellation or other negative consequences

Determining whether bad faith occurred requires a detailed evaluation of the facts, including communication records, policy language, and the insurer’s conduct. Our team can review these materials and provide informed guidance.

Potential Compensation in Bad Faith Cases

A successful insurance bad faith claim may entitle a policyholder to recover more than just the original value of the underlying claim. Available damages may include:

• Full value of the original insurance claim
• Compensation for additional financial losses caused by delays or denials
• Damages for emotional distress or inconvenience
• Punitive damages in cases involving egregious or intentional misconduct
• Attorneys’ fees and legal costs

Every case is different. We focus on pursuing the full scope of compensation available under Oklahoma law.

Legal Process and Our Approach

Bad faith litigation is complex and requires a firm with deep knowledge of both insurance law and trial strategy. At Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach, we begin with a thorough case review, then pursue appropriate legal action through one or more of the following avenues:

1. Pre-litigation negotiation, including formal demand letters and document review
2. Litigation, including discovery of internal insurer communications and expert consultation
3. Trial, if settlement is not possible or in the client's best interest

Throughout the process, we remain focused on results, transparency, and achieving an outcome that protects your rights and future.

Speak with a Stillwater Insurance Bad Faith Attorney

If you are involved in an insurance dispute and believe your claim was wrongfully denied, delayed, or underpaid, Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach is available to help.

We serve policyholders in Stillwater and throughout Payne County, as well as across the state of Oklahoma. Our consultations are free, and we only collect fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Call or contact us online to speak with a member of our team.