El Paso County · Insurance bad faith
Briargate Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers
Briargate insurance bad faith claim? We recover denied or delayed benefits—free consultation, no fee unless we win.
When an Insurer Fails to Pay a Valid Claim
Insurance bad faith can occur when an insurer acts unreasonably in handling a first-party claim—delays without justification, denies benefits without proper investigation, or underpays what the policy covers. If you submitted a claim for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments, or other first-party benefits and the insurer refused, delayed excessively, or offered far less than owed, you may have a bad faith case. Our firm serves clients throughout Briargate, Colorado Springs, Monument, and the surrounding area.
We examine the complete claim-handling record: the policy language, your initial and follow-up submissions, the insurer's investigation file, internal notes and reserve evaluations, any recorded statements, and the timeline of communications. An insurer must act fairly and promptly. When they do not, we hold them accountable for the damage caused by that breach.
Proof of Bad Faith in Claim Handling
Bad faith claims rest on showing that the insurer had a duty under the policy, you made a valid claim, the insurer investigated (or failed to), and the delay or denial was unreasonable. We gather the policy itself, all correspondence between you and the insurer, internal claim notes and evaluations obtained through discovery, payment records, medical and wage documentation you submitted, and coverage letters or denial letters. This evidence builds a timeline showing when the insurer knew what and how they acted on it.
Colorado law requires an insurer to investigate claims fairly and communicate its findings honestly. If internal documents show the insurer knew a claim was valid but still denied it, or dragged out the process without reason, that conduct becomes powerful evidence. We work with medical and vocational experts when necessary to establish the value of your claim and the unreasonableness of the insurer's response.
Local investigations may involve Colorado Springs Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, policies covering Briargate residents and disputes that may proceed in El Paso County Combined Courts.
Briargate is a north Colorado Springs community near I-25 and Research Parkway. Many clients prefer the firm’s North office on Goddard Street for consultations.
Insurance bad faith can occur when an insurer unreasonably delays, denies, or underpays a valid claim. Gather and preserve these documents to support your case:
- Original insurance policy and all amendments, declarations, and rider pages
- Proof that you submitted a complete, proper claim (application, forms, dates received)
- All correspondence from the insurer, including claim acknowledgments, coverage letters, and denial notices
- Recorded statements you gave to the insurer or its representatives
- Medical records, bills, and wage loss documentation you submitted to support the claim
- Internal insurer documents obtained during discovery: file notes, evaluations, reserves, coverage analyses, and claim-handling memos
- Timeline of all communications: dates you called, emailed, or mailed documents to the insurer, and dates of responses
- Evidence of delay: proof that the insurer took longer than reasonable to investigate, evaluate, or pay
- Policy language and industry standards showing what a reasonable insurer would have done
- Damages documentation: additional medical expenses, lost income, or costs incurred because of the denial or delay
Preserve every document and date from the moment you filed the claim through final payment (or non-payment). Contact our Colorado Springs office on Goddard Street for a free review of your policy and claim timeline.
Documenting Your Injury and Losses
In a bad faith case, medical records prove the injury, treatment, and ongoing care. Your medical provider's notes from UCHealth Memorial Hospital North or other facilities show diagnosis, severity, and necessity of care. If the insurer denied your medical payment claim or underpaid it, those records establish what you were legitimately owed. We also review any independent medical exams the insurer ordered and compare them to your treating provider's assessment.
Wage loss documentation is equally important. Employer records, pay stubs, and medical restrictions show income lost because of the injury. If the insurer delayed or denied coverage for these losses, we quantify the harm. Together, medical and wage evidence demonstrate both the validity of your underlying claim and the extent of harm caused by the insurer's bad faith.
Official Briargate hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Examples of Recovering Actual and Consequential Damages
- The unpaid or underpaid benefit amount owed under the policy
- Interest on the delayed or denied payment at the legal rate
- Out-of-pocket costs incurred because the insurer refused to pay (medical bills, living expenses, or lost income)
- Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by wrongful denial
- Punitive damages in cases of reckless or intentional bad faith conduct
- Attorney fees and costs awarded under Colorado law when bad faith is proven
Cases are resolved through settlement or trial in El Paso County Combined Courts, and Colorado law provides for recovery of attorney fees when an insured prevails in a bad faith action.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Briargate — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Briargate Insurance bad faith FAQ
What is insurance bad faith, and how is it different from a simple claim denial?
A claim denial may be lawful if the policy excludes the loss or you did not meet the terms. Bad faith can occur when the insurer violates its legal duty to act fairly and promptly. Common examples include failing to investigate, ignoring evidence, delaying payment without reasonable cause, or misinterpreting the policy in bad faith. We examine the policy, the insurer's investigation, and the timeline to determine whether the conduct was unreasonable.
How long do I have to file a bad faith claim after an insurance denial?
Insurance deadlines depend on your specific policy, the type of benefit (medical, property, uninsured motorist), the insurer's conduct, and the legal claims you can bring. Colorado law sets different time limits for different claims, and some are tied to when you discovered the bad faith. Do not delay: preserve your policy and complete claim timeline immediately, and contact us for a case-specific deadline review. Waiting too long can forfeit your rights.
What evidence do I need to prove bad faith?
You need the policy itself, proof that you filed a complete claim, the insurer's investigation and explanation, evidence that the delay or denial was unreasonable, and documents showing your damages (medical bills, lost wages, or other costs caused by the denial). We also obtain the insurer's internal file during discovery—claim notes, evaluations, and reserve amounts often reveal whether the insurer acted in bad faith. The complete claim-handling timeline is critical.
Do you charge an upfront fee to handle my bad faith claim?
No. McCormick & Murphy handles insurance bad faith claims on a contingency fee basis. We earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won. You do not pay us unless we recover for you. Advanced case costs (court filing fees, expert reports, discovery expenses) are separate and are discussed with you upfront. This means you can pursue a bad faith claim without risking out-of-pocket legal fees.
Where is your office, and can I meet with someone in Briargate or north Colorado Springs?
Our main office is in Colorado Springs, and we have a North office on Goddard Street for client consultations. Briargate is near Research Parkway and Briargate Parkway, making the North office convenient. We also serve Monument, Fountain, Manitou Springs, and Palmer Lake. Call or visit our website to schedule a free case review.
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Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Colorado Springs — North
7660 Goddard St Suite 245, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
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