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Date: 01-22-2024

Case Style:

William Johnston v. Auto Owners Insurance Company

Case Number: 1:23-cv-01035

Judge: Sarah Evans Barker

Court: United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana (Marion County)

Plaintiff's Attorney:



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Defendant's Attorney: Indianapolis, Indiana insurance defense lawyer represented the Defendant.

Description: Indianapolis, Indiana insurance law lawyer represented the Plaintiff who sued the Defendant on a bad faith breach of insurance contract theory.

zIn Indiana, bad faith breach of insurance contract law revolves around the insurer's failure to fulfill their obligations under the contract in good faith. This can manifest in various ways, impacting the insured's ability to receive rightful coverage and compensation. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

Elements of Bad Faith Breach:

To successfully claim bad faith breach of insurance contract in Indiana, you must prove the following elements:

Breach of Contract: The insurer must have breached a specific term or provision of the insurance contract. This could include denying a valid claim, delaying payment unreasonably, or failing to properly investigate a claim.
Duty to Act in Good Faith: Insurers have a legal obligation to act in good faith towards their policyholders. This means treating them fairly and honestly throughout the claims process.
Causation: The insurer's breach of contract must have directly caused you harm, such as financial loss or emotional distress.
Intent or Recklessness: While not always required, proving the insurer acted with intent to harm or with reckless disregard for your rights can strengthen your case.

Examples of Bad Faith Conduct:

Denying a valid claim without proper investigation.
Offering an unreasonably low settlement.
Delaying payment of a claim without justification.
Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage.
Engaging in deceptive or unfair claim handling practices.

Damages Awarded in Bad Faith Cases:

If you successfully prove bad faith breach of contract, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Out-of-pocket losses: This includes any financial losses you incurred due to the insurer's breach, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage.
Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for emotional distress and inconvenience caused by the insurer's actions.
Punitive damages: In certain cases, Indiana courts may award punitive damages to punish the insurer for egregious conduct.

Seeking Legal Assistance:

Navigating bad faith breach of insurance contract claims can be complex. Consulting with an experienced Indiana attorney specializing in insurance law is crucial. They can assess your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurer, and represent you in court if necessary.

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Outcome: Settled for an undisclosed sum and dismissed with prejudice.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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