Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Near Me
You were in a car accident on I‑495 in Montgomery County, Maryland. After filing a claim with your own insurance company, you expected prompt payment for the damage and your injuries. Instead, the adjuster delayed, repeatedly asked for the same documents, and then denied coverage without a clear explanation. The company refused to provide a written reason, ignored your calls, and failed to investigate your claim in good faith. When an insurer acts unreasonably, Maryland law gives policyholders the right to hold the company accountable. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents policyholders throughout Maryland who have been treated unfairly by their insurance carriers. Contact us at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation about your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Our Approach to Insurance Bad Faith Claims
Insurance policies are contracts, and Maryland law implies a duty of good faith and fair dealing into every insurance contract. When a carrier breaches that duty—by denying a valid claim, delaying payment without justification, failing to conduct a reasonable investigation, or misrepresenting policy terms—the policyholder may have a separate civil claim for bad faith. Our firm focuses on uncovering the insurer’s conduct, building a factual record, and pursuing all available remedies.
We begin by reviewing your policy, the claim file, and all communications with the carrier. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with Mr. Sris to identify bad‑faith indicators: unexplained delays, “lowball” offers that ignore medical records, inconsistent reasons for denial, or a pattern of stonewalling. We then prepare a detailed demand that sets out the insurer’s wrongdoing and the damages you have suffered. If the insurer fails to resolve the matter fairly, we are prepared to litigate.
What to Expect in a Bad Faith Case
After we agree to represent you, we will obtain all relevant documents, interview witnesses, and, if necessary, retain attorneys who can explain industry standards for claim handling. We file a complaint in the appropriate Maryland court—typically the Circuit Court for the county where the insured resides. The complaint alleges breach of contract and, separately, the tort of bad faith. Discovery follows: we take depositions of the adjuster, the claim supervisor, and any corporate representatives; we serve document requests to expose internal guidelines that may have been ignored.
Many bad‑faith cases settle before trial once the insurer faces the prospect of a jury verdict that includes punitive damages. However, if a reasonable settlement is not offered, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced trial counsel and will present your case to a jury. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer your questions so you understand each step.
Damages for Insurance Bad Faith in Maryland
A successful bad‑faith claim can recover the benefits owed under your policy, plus any additional losses that the insurer’s misconduct caused you—such as the cost of borrowing money, lost business opportunities, or expenses you had to pay out of pocket because the claim was wrongfully denied. In addition, Maryland courts allow the recovery of emotional distress damages in appropriate cases. When the insurer’s conduct is particularly egregious—fraud, malice, or a willful disregard of your rights—the court may instruct the jury to consider punitive damages, which are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
No predetermined formula sets the value of a bad‑faith case; each outcome depends on the specific facts and the evidence of the insurer’s behavior. Our firm works to present the strongest possible picture of the harm you have endured so that you receive fair compensation.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who now dedicates his practice to civil litigation on behalf of individuals. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
The attorneys Of Counsel to the firm are experienced litigators who work collaboratively with Mr. Sris. Together, they handle each bad‑faith matter with thorough preparation and a focus on achieving a favorable resolution for the client. The team understands the insurance industry’s tactics and is prepared to challenge them in negotiations and in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “bad faith” by an insurance company?
Bad faith occurs when an insurer unreasonably denies or delays payment of a valid claim, fails to investigate, or misrepresents policy terms. In Maryland, every insurance contract includes an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. When the carrier breaches that duty, the policyholder may bring a civil lawsuit for damages. The legal standard is not mere mistake or disagreement; it requires proof that the insurer had no reasonable basis for its conduct and knew or recklessly disregarded that lack of a reasonable basis.
Do I need a lawyer to pursue a bad‑faith insurance claim?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, insurance companies have experienced adjusters and defense counsel on their side. An attorney who concentrates in policyholder bad‑faith litigation can identify behaviors that a layperson might miss, gather the evidence needed to prove unreasonable conduct, and negotiate from a position of knowledge. The firm offers a consultation to review what happened and discuss your options. Reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.
How much does it cost to hire a bad‑faith lawyer?
We typically handle personal injury and bad‑faith cases on a contingency‑fee basis. That means we advance the costs of investigation and litigation, and we collect a fee only if we recover compensation for you. There is no upfront retainer. During your consultation, we will explain exactly how the fee arrangement works so there are no surprises.
What is the statute of limitations for a bad‑faith claim in Maryland?
In Maryland, personal injury actions—including claims for insurance bad faith—generally must be filed within three years from the date the injury occurred or the claim was wrongfully denied.
Source: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5‑101. View the statute
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Failing to file within the applicable statutory period can permanently bar your claim. We recommend speaking with an attorney promptly so that important deadlines are not missed.
Can I sue my insurance company for denying my claim?
Yes, if the insurer acted unreasonably and without a valid basis, you may bring a lawsuit seeking the benefits owed, additional damages caused by the denial, and possibly punitive damages. Not every denied claim constitutes bad faith, however. A lawyer can analyze the denial letter, the policy language, and the adjuster’s notes to determine whether the insurer violated its duty of good faith.
How do I get started with a bad‑faith claim?
Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We will ask you to bring your insurance policy, any correspondence from the carrier, and a timeline of events. During the consultation, Mr. Sris or one of the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys will evaluate the strength of your potential claim and explain the next steps. The consultation is confidential and carries no obligation.
Related practice areas:
Car Accident Lawyer Maryland,
Truck Accident Lawyer Maryland,
Wrongful Death Lawyer Maryland
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. | 199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437‑7747 | By appointment only.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.