Protecting Your Investment When Insurers Stall or Deny Claims
If you own or manage commercial property in Washington, you understand the stakes. From retail centers and office buildings to apartment complexes and industrial sites—your real estate portfolio represents years of investment, planning, and strategic growth. When property damage disrupts your operations or revenue, insurance is supposed to provide a safety net. But what happens when that safety net fails?
At Bastion Law, we help commercial property owners resolve serious insurance disputes when carriers delay, deny, or drastically undervalue valid claims. If your insurer isn’t treating your asset fairly, it’s not just frustrating—it may be unlawful.
When Insurers Act in Bad Faith
Washington law requires insurance companies to investigate, evaluate, and resolve claims promptly and reasonably. When they don’t, it’s called insurance bad faith—and it can have serious consequences for property owners. These cases often involve:
- Structural damage to commercial buildings (fire, flooding, vandalism)
- Loss of rental income due to unusable space
- Denied business interruption claims
- Underpayment of legitimate repair or restoration costs
For landlords and commercial property managers, bad faith insurance practices don’t just impact the bottom line—they jeopardize long-term stability and tenant relationships.
Signs Your Insurer May Be Acting in Bad Faith
These red flags may indicate that your insurer is failing to honor your commercial policy:
1. Delays Without Justification
If weeks pass without updates or your adjuster continues to “review,” your claim may be intentionally or negligently stalled.
2. Offers That Don’t Reflect Market Reality
Lowball benefits offers that don’t align with your contractors’ estimates, appraisals, or actual losses could signal an unfair evaluation.
3. Conflicting Explanations
Multiple adjusters, shifting documentation requirements, or vague policy explanations can be part of a delay tactic.
4. Denials Based on Policy Loopholes
Coverage exclusions can be misapplied or exaggerated. Insurers may attempt to label damage as “wear and tear” or “excluded events” to avoid payment.
5. Pressure to Settle Quickly
Pushing for fast resolution—especially with settlement language that waives future rights—is a tactic to limit your legal options.
How Bastion Law Advocates for Commercial Property Owners
Bastion Law isn’t a volume-based claims firm. We’re trial attorneys who focus on insurance accountability—and we know how to build high-stakes cases when large property claims are wrongfully handled. Here’s how we help:
- Policy and Claim Review: We assess your policy, examine the denial or delay, and determine if your rights were violated.
- Litigation-Ready Strategy: Our approach pressures insurers to act fairly—or face litigation. That alone often shifts the negotiation dynamic.
- Financial Recovery: We pursue full compensation for covered losses—and additional damages if your insurer acted in bad faith.
Whether your commercial property suffered structural damage, you’re facing extended downtime, or your insurer is dodging their responsibility—we’re here to protect your investment.
Preparing for a Consultation
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—meaning no upfront cost. Bring these items if available:
- A copy of your commercial property insurance policy
- Communications with your insurance company
- Your claim number and timeline
- Photographs, repair estimates, or contractor assessments
Own Commercial Property? Don’t Let Your Insurer Undermine It.
You’ve invested too much to let an insurer undervalue or delay a valid claim. If you’re dealing with a stalled or denied commercial insurance claim, Bastion Law can help you hold them accountable—and recover what you’re owed.