El Paso County · Insurance bad faith
Old Colorado City Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers
Old Colorado City insurance bad faith claims—we fight delayed or denied benefits. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
When an Insurer Delays or Denies Your Claim
Insurance companies have a legal duty to handle your claim fairly and without unreasonable delay. If your insurer has delayed payment on uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or denied a benefit you believe is covered, that conduct may cross into bad faith. We represent people in Old Colorado City and across El Paso County who have been caught in claim disputes with their own insurers.
Bad faith is not just a mistake or disagreement—it is the failure to investigate properly, the refusal to pay a valid claim, or the deliberate mishandling of your file. We examine the policy language, the communications your insurer made to you, and the timeline of events to determine whether the carrier acted reasonably or stepped over the line.
What We Look For in Your Claim File
The foundation of every bad faith case is the policy itself. We obtain and analyze the exact coverage language, any exclusions, and the limits that apply. We then trace the insurer's response: how quickly did they acknowledge your claim, what investigation did they conduct, what medical records or wage loss documents did they request, and when did they make their decision to pay or deny?
Internal company files—reserves, coverage letters, claim evaluation notes, and recorded statements—often reveal the reasoning behind a delay or denial. In litigation discovery, we compel the insurer to produce these materials. The gap between what the policy covers and what the company paid (or did not pay) is where bad faith often appears. We build a complete timeline to show unreasonable conduct.
Local investigations may involve Colorado Springs Police Department, policies covering Old Colorado City residents and disputes that may proceed in El Paso County Combined Courts.
Old Colorado City is a historic district on the west side of Colorado Springs along Colorado Avenue / Highway 24. Claims from this corridor are commonly handled from the Downtown Colorado Springs office.
A successful bad faith claim requires proof that your insurer failed to handle your claim fairly and promptly. Gather and preserve these key documents and facts:
- Original insurance policy and all endorsements or amendments
- Written proof that you submitted a complete and proper claim
- All correspondence from the insurer, including denial letters, coverage determinations, and explanation of benefits statements
- Dates and details of every contact with the insurer (phone calls, emails, in-person meetings)
- Internal insurer documents obtained in discovery, including claim file notes, reserves, and coverage evaluations
- Medical records, wage statements, receipts, and other documentation you submitted with your claim
- Proof of delay—timeline showing how long the insurer took to investigate, respond, or pay
- The insurer's written explanation for any denial, delay, or underpayment of benefits
- Recorded statements you gave to the insurer's adjuster or investigator
- Payment records showing what the insurer paid and when, or evidence of non-payment
- Similar claims the insurer handled faster or approved under comparable circumstances
- Expert analysis showing the insurer's conduct departed from industry standards
Documents from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, Colorado Springs Police Department reports, and claim handling across the Colorado Avenue and U.S. Highway 24 corridor are common in these cases. Act quickly to preserve your complete claim timeline.
Medical Records and Proof of Loss
If your claim involves injury benefits or uninsured motorist coverage, medical documentation is critical. Records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or your treating providers must clearly show the nature and extent of your injury. Wage loss statements from your employer prove the income impact. These submissions are part of your claim file and part of what the insurer is required to evaluate fairly.
We review all medical and wage evidence in your possession and work with your providers to obtain missing records. The insurer's response to these submissions—whether they ignored them, mischaracterized them, or used them as a false basis for denial—becomes evidence of their conduct. Your medical proof is often the key to showing the insurer acted unreasonably.
Official Old Colorado City hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Examples of Damages in Insurance Bad Faith
- The underlying claim amount—the benefit wrongfully withheld or underpaid under the policy
- Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the insurer's bad faith conduct
- Punitive damages, in some cases, to punish the insurer for willful or reckless disregard
- Attorney fees and costs of litigation, often recoverable in bad faith cases
Claims are resolved through settlement or trial in El Paso County Combined Courts.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Old Colorado City — 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.
Old Colorado City Insurance bad faith FAQ
What is insurance bad faith?
Bad faith can occur when an insurer unreasonably delays, denies, or underpays a claim without a legitimate basis. Colorado law requires insurers to investigate claims fairly, communicate clearly, and pay valid claims promptly. If an insurer breaches this duty—for example, by ignoring medical evidence, delaying investigation without cause, or denying a claim that the policy clearly covers—you may have a bad faith claim in addition to any claim for the unpaid benefit itself.
How long do I have to file a bad faith lawsuit?
Deadlines depend on the type of claim, the policy language, and the specific conduct you are challenging. Colorado law sets different time limits for first-party claims (between you and your insurer) and third-party claims (involving another person's insurer). Your insurance policy may also contain notice or filing requirements. It is critical to preserve your policy and complete claim timeline immediately and obtain a case-specific review to avoid missing a deadline.
What damages can I recover in a bad faith case?
You can recover the unpaid or underpaid benefit, interest on that amount, and damages for the harm caused by the insurer's bad faith conduct—including emotional distress, financial hardship, and the cost of pursuing the claim. In cases of particularly egregious conduct, Colorado law may allow punitive damages. Each case is different; the strength and nature of your damages depend on your specific circumstances and the insurer's actions.
Do you handle bad faith cases on a contingency fee?
Yes. McCormick & Murphy handles injury and insurance claims on a contingency fee basis. We earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won. You do not pay our fee out of pocket. Advanced case costs—such as expert fees, filing fees, and investigation expenses—are separate from the attorney fee and are discussed with you before they are incurred.
Should I contact my insurer again if my claim was already denied?
Do not contact the insurer without guidance from an attorney. Any statement you make may be used against you later. Instead, preserve all documents related to your claim—the policy, correspondence, proof of submission, medical records, and the timeline of events. Bring these materials to your attorney so we can evaluate the denial, determine whether you should appeal, and decide whether a bad faith claim is appropriate.
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929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
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