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If you’ve been injured in a car crash, at a construction site, work, or in any other scenario that involves insurance claims, most likely you’re feeling frustrated. If you need help navigating your insurance claims process, we at Colburn Law are here to help. We won’t let insurance companies bully you into a low-ball offer, and we won’t stop negotiating until we’re sure you get the settlement you deserve. Contact our Seattle insurance claim lawyers today at Colburn Law for a free consultation (206) 919-3215.
As a victim of personal injury myself, I know how maddening it can be to fight with insurance companies. I was injured by a roofer’s negligence while working as a carpenter in the early 2000s. The injury required multiple surgeries, which meant my previous position was no longer an option. I learned quickly how exasperating it was negotiating with the Industrial Insurance (workers’ compensation) here in Washington. In fact, that is part of what put me on my career path to personal injury law.
Colburn Law is here to help. Get the justice and compensation you deserve—serving Seattle and all of Washington!
If you have any questions about the services we offer or would like to schedule a free initial consultation with our firm, contact us. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so take advantage of our negotiating services today.
Greg Colburn’s path to personal injury law is rooted in personal experience. After a devastating fall left him in a wheelchair for two years, he took on insurance companies and legal obstacles to win his own case. That journey inspired him to fight for others facing similar challenges. Today, Greg is dedicated to helping injury victims hold negligent parties accountable and secure the justice they deserve.
Years of Experience: 20 years
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Negotiating with insurance companies is tricky. Remember, these are huge corporations that have thousands of clients. It may not be fair, but they’re committed to paying out as little as possible. Unfortunately, I find that negotiating with insurance companies is almost always essential. They may approach you with an offer, but I strongly urge you to have an attorney review it first. Often, it’s less than you deserve.
In general, here’s what you can expect from the insurance claims process:
Most people we work with have the same question: How much is my personal injury settlement worth? Our answer will be different, depending on the client, but each follows the same basic formula:
Take a look at these numbers, and you’ll see why negotiating with insurance companies can be so difficult. While it’s difficult for them to find a way around paying for your medical bills, most of the arguing comes with determining general damages. The number of days you suffered can be highly subjective, as can the severity of your injuries. This is why it’s essential to have an attorney by your side.
Bad faith insurance refers to an insurance company’s misconduct in handling a client’s claim. A client has the right to file a tort claim against the insurance company for damages in these situations. Insurance bad faith can take many forms, mainly actions that go against Washington’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act. The Act outlines rules and laws insurance companies must obey in handling client claims. Failing to adhere to these laws could constitute bad faith and give the client grounds for a lawsuit. Many different examples of insurance bad faith exist.
An ordinary claim denial will come with a valid reason, and an explanation from the insurance company on why it could not accept the claim. A bad faith claim may have no explanation for the denial, or it may have a reason that does not make sense or seem relevant to the facts of the case. Furthermore, an ordinary denial will come after the insurance company has had the chance to investigate the facts of the case. An immediate denial could be a red flag for a bad faith action.
If you’ve been hurt by someone’s carelessness, here’s what you need to know:
I will listen. I will believe you. I will make sure your story is heard — and I will fight with everything I have to help you get back on your feet.
I don’t pick cases by their dollar signs — only by whether they deserve to be fought for. I’ll come to your home, sit with you in a café, or visit you in your hospital room. I understand how hard recovery is — I’ve been there myself.
If you suspect an insurance company has dealt with your claim in bad faith after a personal injury accident, consult with an attorney from Colburn Law about what to do next. The insurance company could owe you money for your original claim, as well as additional compensation to make up for its unfair handling of your case. An insurance bad faith claim will be an additional lawsuit on top of your original claim. A lawyer can help you file and negotiate both.
The goal of an insurance bad faith claim is to punish the insurance company for breaking the rules. It is important to pursue this type of claim as the wronged client for multiple reasons.
Your lawsuit may prevent the insurer from engaging in bad faith practices with other clients in the future.
During all insurance claim negotiations, keep your rights as a claimant in mind. It is important not to say too much, and not to say anything incriminating, during conversations with insurance claims adjusters. The adjuster’s job is to find a way to make you settle for as little as possible – or nothing at all. Be careful in what you say to the adjuster. You are under no obligation to agree to give a recorded statement, and in fact should turn down the request to do so. An adjuster can use what you say in the recorded statement against you.
Do not admit fault for the accident in question when on the phone with the insurance company. Instead, let accident investigations determine fault. Finally, do not accept the first settlement offer. Most insurance companies will offer as little as possible in the hopes that the client will not know the true value of his or her claim. Instead, politely decline and explain that you will confer with a lawyer before continuing insurance negotiations. Then, contact Colburn Law.
Call an attorney whenever you are in doubt about the status of your insurance claim, or as soon as you suspect bad faith from an insurance company. Insurance bad faith can happen due to a car crash, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or any other type of claim. Hiring a lawyer can strengthen your case and ensure an insurance company in Washington does not take advantage of you.
At Colburn Law Personal Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we represent Wrongful Death victims across the Seattle area with dedication and experience. Visit us at IBM Building, 1200 5th Ave Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98101, United States — GeoCoordinates: 47.60843898311899, -122.33309121349147
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You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. A trusted personal injury attorney near me can help you protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney and get the support you need to move forward.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney, Greg Colburn who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a Washington Personal Injury Attorney.
We will come to your home, a coffee shop, or your hospital room, whichever works best for you. We’ll discuss your legal options, and if we should decide to move forward, we will offer our services on a contingency-fee basis.