Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Kent County, MD

An insurance company’s duty to act in good faith toward its policyholders is a bedrock principle of Maryland law. When an insurer unreasonably denies a valid claim, fails to investigate properly, or delays payment without justification, the policyholder may have a claim for bad faith. These disputes often involve complex coverage issues and require a clear understanding of how Maryland courts handle bad faith litigation. In Kent County, such claims may be pursued in the District Court of Maryland for Kent County or the Kent County Circuit Court, depending on the amount in controversy. If you believe your insurer has acted unfairly, you have a limited time to act—under Maryland law, the statute of limitations for personal injury torts, including bad faith insurance claims, is three years. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

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How Bad Faith Insurance Claims Are Pursued in Kent County, Maryland

In Maryland, a bad faith claim arises when an insurance company breaches its implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. This duty is distinct from a simple breach of contract—it imposes a tort duty that, if violated, can allow the policyholder to recover damages beyond the policy limits. To prevail, the policyholder must show that the insurer lacked a reasonable basis for denying or delaying the claim, and that it acted with knowledge or reckless disregard of that lack of reasonable basis. The claim may be filed in the appropriate Kent County court. The firm’s attorneys evaluate the insurer’s handling of the claim, the policy language, and the reasonableness of the denial to determine whether a bad faith action is appropriate. Because Maryland follows the strict contributory negligence rule—even one percent of fault bars all recovery—it is critical to present a well-supported case from the outset.

When a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, litigation may proceed in the Kent County Circuit Court or the District Court of Maryland for Kent County, depending on the amount in controversy. The procedural path includes discovery, motions, and potentially trial. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in handling these matters before Maryland courts and work to ensure that the insurer’s conduct is fully examined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bad faith insurance in Maryland?

Bad faith insurance means an insurer has unreasonably failed to pay a claim or properly investigate it, violating its duty of good faith to the policyholder. Unlike a simple contract dispute, a bad faith claim is a tort, meaning that if an insurer acts in bad faith, the policyholder may recover damages for emotional distress, financial harm, and sometimes punitive damages. Maryland courts recognize this cause of action to hold insurers accountable when they place their own interests above those of the person they are obligated to protect.

How does Maryland law define bad faith by an insurance company?

Maryland law defines bad faith as an insurer’s failure to make a reasonable and timely settlement of a claim when liability is clear, or its refusal to pay a claim without a reasonable basis. The key inquiry is whether the insurer’s conduct was unreasonable, not merely a mistake. Courts look at whether the insurer conducted a proper investigation, whether it denied a claim without adequate evidence, and whether it forced the policyholder to litigate what should have been paid under the policy.

What damages can I recover in a bad faith insurance claim?

In a successful bad faith insurance claim, you may recover the full value of the original insurance claim plus additional damages for emotional distress, financial loss, and in some cases punitive damages. The purpose of allowing these extra-contractual damages is to deter insurers from acting in bad faith. The specific amount depends on the facts of your case and the extent of the insurer’s misconduct. An experienced attorney can evaluate what damages may be available.

How long do I have to file a bad faith insurance lawsuit in Maryland?

You generally have three years from the date the cause of action accrues to file a bad faith lawsuit in Maryland. This limitation period is set by Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article, § 5‑101. The clock typically starts when the insurer denies or unreasonably delays a claim. Because missing the deadline can permanently bar your case, prompt legal consultation is advisable. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.

Do I need a lawyer for a bad faith insurance claim in Kent County?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, bad faith insurance claims involve complex legal and factual issues that often require the insight of an experienced attorney. Proving that an insurer acted unreasonably and in bad faith can be difficult without a thorough understanding of Maryland insurance law and court procedures. The firm’s attorneys can investigate the claim, gather evidence of the insurer’s handling of your file, and represent you in Kent County courts.

What should I do if my insurance claim is denied unfairly?

If your insurance claim is denied, request a written explanation from the insurer, preserve all communications, and consult an attorney promptly. A denial letter should state the specific reason for the denial and cite the policy language the insurer relies on. Keep copies of all correspondence, claim forms, and any evidence related to the loss. These documents will be critical if a bad faith claim is pursued.

What is the difference between breach of contract and bad faith?

A breach of contract claim asserts that the insurer failed to pay what the policy promised; a bad faith claim goes further by alleging the insurer acted unreasonably and in conscious disregard of the policyholder’s rights. While a breach-of-contract action seeks only the policy benefits, a bad faith claim can also seek consequential damages, emotional distress, and punitive damages where the insurer’s conduct is egregious. The availability of these additional remedies makes the bad faith cause of action a powerful tool for policyholders.

Are there any caps on damages in Maryland bad faith claims?

Maryland does not impose a statutory cap on compensatory damages in bad faith insurance cases, though punitive damages are subject to certain limitations. In Maryland, punitive damages are available only where the insurer’s conduct is shown to be motivated by actual malice—a conscious and deliberate disregard for the rights of the policyholder. The amount of punitive damages must be proportional to the compensatory award and is reviewed by the court for excessiveness.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has represented individuals in civil litigation matters since founding the firm in 1997. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to personal injury and insurance bad faith cases. Together, they work to hold insurers accountable when they fail to honor their obligations. The firm serves clients throughout Maryland, including Kent County, from its Rockville location. Results may vary.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.