Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Prince George’s County, MD

You pay your insurance premiums expecting your insurer to protect you when an accident or loss occurs. But not every insurance company treats its policyholders honestly. Some unfairly deny valid claims, offer far less than a claim is worth, or drag their feet without a legitimate reason. If your insurer has broken its duty to you in Maryland, you may have a bad faith insurance claim. As a personal injury firm serving Prince George’s County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents policyholders whose insurers have acted unreasonably. Our experienced legal team knows how Maryland’s strict contributory‑negligence rule and the state’s insurance code shape these cases. Whether your dispute involves a car‑accident claim, a property‑damage denial, or an insurer’s outright refusal to pay, we work to hold insurance companies accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Bad Faith Insurance Means in Prince George’s County

In Maryland, every insurance contract carries an implied obligation of good faith and fair dealing. When an insurer unreasonably denies a claim, fails to conduct a proper investigation, or offers a settlement that is grossly inadequate in light of the evidence, its conduct may rise to the level of bad faith. A bad‑faith lawsuit is separate from the underlying claim for benefits — it is a tort action seeking additional damages caused by the company’s wrongful conduct.

For Prince George’s County residents, the stakes are particularly high because Maryland is one of only four states (plus the District of Columbia) that follow the pure contributory‑negligence rule. Under this rule, if a person bringing a claim is found to be even one percent at fault, that person recovers nothing. Insurers in Maryland frequently attempt to shift blame onto the policyholder or the injured party as a defense. For that reason, preserving evidence from the earliest stage and working with an attorney who understands how insurers exploit contributory negligence is critical. Bad‑faith claims arising in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, and other communities throughout the county may be filed in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County or in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. A bad‑faith insurance action must be commenced within the applicable statute of limitations — generally three years under Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article § 5‑101 — so delay can cost you the right to recover.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Bad‑Faith Insurance Cases

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys take a methodical approach to bad‑faith insurance claims. The team begins by reviewing every document the insurer has produced — the policy, the denial or delay letter, and any investigation reports. The goal is to identify where the insurer departed from reasonable claims‑handling practices. The firm then gathers evidence, including witness statements, experienced attorney accident‑reconstruction or medical opinion when relevant, and records of the insurer’s communications with the policyholder. Many cases are resolved through pre‑suit demand letters and negotiation, but when an insurer refuses to act in good faith, our attorneys are prepared to litigate in the Prince George’s County courts. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep the client informed and build the record that a judge or jury will evaluate. Because Maryland’s contributory‑negligence rule can completely bar recovery, the firm works to anticipate and counter any argument that the policyholder bears fault.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He brings a prosecution‑honed perspective to civil litigation, focusing on thorough preparation and an understanding of how opposing parties build their defenses.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys — each an independent, non‑employee practitioner — contribute extensive combined legal experience in personal injury and insurance‑bad‑faith matters. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate above 93 percent. Results may vary. In any new matter. Reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Faith Insurance in Prince George’s County

What is bad faith insurance in Maryland?

Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurer unreasonably denies a valid claim, fails to conduct a fair investigation, or offers a settlement that is far below what the evidence supports. Maryland law recognizes a cause of action for first‑party bad faith, allowing a policyholder to sue the insurer for damages beyond the policy benefits, such as emotional distress and, in truly egregious situations, punitive damages. The claim derives from the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing in every insurance contract.

How do I prove a bad faith insurance claim?

To prove bad faith, a policyholder must show that the insurer lacked a reasonable basis to deny or delay the claim. Evidence may include internal company correspondence, the insurer’s failure to follow its own claims‑handling procedures, a pattern of unreasonably low settlement offers, and expert testimony on industry standards. Because Maryland’s contributory‑negligence doctrine allows an insurer to escape liability if the policyholder bears any fault, an experienced attorney builds a record that focuses squarely on the insurer’s conduct.

What damages can I recover in a bad faith lawsuit?

In a successful bad‑faith action, a policyholder may recover the benefit owed under the policy plus additional damages caused by the insurer’s misconduct. Compensatory damages can include economic losses, emotional distress, and, in cases where the insurer’s behavior was especially reprehensible, punitive damages. The exact recovery depends on the specific facts of the case and the severity of the insurer’s violation.

What is the statute of limitations for bad faith insurance in Maryland?

A bad‑faith insurance claim in Maryland generally must be filed within three years of the date the insurer’s wrongful conduct occurred. The three‑year limitation period is set by Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article § 5‑101. Missing this deadline may permanently bar your claim, so it is important to speak with counsel promptly if you suspect your insurer has acted in bad faith.

Is Maryland a contributory negligence state for bad faith claims?

Yes — Maryland applies the pure contributory‑negligence rule, meaning any fault on the part of the person bringing a claim can bar all recovery. Insurers often argue that the policyholder or the underlying accident victim was partially at fault as a way to defeat a bad‑faith action. An attorney who understands this defense can help confront it early, preserving evidence and developing a strategy that minimizes the insurer’s ability to raise a contributory‑negligence argument.

Do I need an attorney for a bad faith insurance claim in Prince George’s County?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, pursuing a bad‑faith claim without legal representation can be remarkably difficult. Insurers have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their interests. An experienced lawyer can gather the evidence needed to prove unreasonable conduct, negotiate from a position of strength, and, if necessary, take the case to trial in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County or the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

Maryland Primary Sources: Prince George’s County Courts · Maryland Insurance Administration · Maryland Code

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients from its Rockville location at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, by appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.