Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Maryland — What Can You Do When Your Insurer Acts Unfairly?
When an insurance company in Maryland unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim, it may be acting in bad faith. This breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing can leave policyholders struggling. A bad faith insurance lawyer Maryland from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Maryland Courts | Maryland General Assembly
Insurance policies are contracts. Maryland law imposes a duty on insurers to act in good faith and deal fairly with their policyholders. When an insurer violates this duty—by denying a claim without a reasonable basis, delaying payment, offering a settlement far below the claim’s value, or failing to properly investigate—it may be liable for bad faith. This area of law is governed by Maryland common law and statutes, including provisions in the Maryland Insurance Article.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. We use this knowledge to advocate for clients who have been treated unfairly.
Official Maryland Legal Resources
For the official statutes and court information, refer to these .gov resources:
- Document Everything: Keep all correspondence, claim forms, denial letters, and notes from phone calls with the insurance company.
- Review Your Policy: Understand the specific coverage, exclusions, and procedures outlined in your insurance contract.
- Consult an Attorney: Have a lawyer review the denial and your policy to assess the strength of a potential bad faith claim.
- Formal Appeal/Demand: Your attorney will typically send a detailed demand letter to the insurer, outlining the bad faith conduct and the damages sought.
- File a Lawsuit: If the insurer does not rectify the situation, your attorney can file a lawsuit for breach of contract and bad faith.
- Discovery & Litigation: The case proceeds through discovery, where internal insurance company documents may be obtained, and potentially to trial.
In Maryland, a successful bad faith insurance lawsuit can recover the full value of the underlying claim, plus consequential damages, attorney’s fees, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
| Bad Faith Action | Potential Legal Claim | Possible Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Unreasonable Denial of Claim | Breach of Contract, Bad Faith | Policy benefits, attorney’s fees, emotional distress |
| Unjustified Delay in Payment | Breach of Contract, Bad Faith | Policy benefits, interest, consequential losses |
| Failure to Investigate Properly | Bad Faith | Policy benefits, extra-contractual damages |
| Lowball Settlement Offer | Bad Faith | Full claim value, potential punitive damages |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Insurance Disputes
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex disputes. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of contractual obligations and insurance company practices. We have a documented record of advocating for clients against large insurers. For instance, our firm has secured favorable outcomes in cases where insurers initially denied valid claims. We focus on building a compelling case that demonstrates the insurer’s failure to meet its duty of good faith.
Case Results in Maryland
Our firm actively handles cases across Maryland. While every case is unique, our commitment is consistent. For example, in one matter, we represented a client whose uninsured motorist claim was wrongfully denied, skilled to a successful settlement after filing suit. In another, we challenged an insurer’s interpretation of a policy exclusion, resulting in the client receiving the full coverage owed. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Maryland Insurance Dispute Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and surrounding areas. We are your local bad faith insurance lawyer Maryland resource.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve neighborhoods in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Maryland Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer FAQ
What is insurance bad faith in Maryland?
It is a legal claim against an insurer for failing to handle a policyholder’s claim fairly and in good faith, such as through unreasonable denial, delay, or undervaluation.
How do I prove my insurance company acted in bad faith?
You must show the insurer lacked a reasonable basis for denying or delaying your claim and knew or recklessly disregarded this lack of basis. Evidence includes policy terms, claim correspondence, experienced opinions, and the insurer’s own internal documents.
What damages can I recover in a bad faith lawsuit?
Beyond the original claim amount, you may recover consequential financial losses, emotional distress damages, attorney’s fees, court costs, and, in egregious cases, punitive damages to punish the insurer’s conduct.
Should I hire a bad faith insurance lawyer Maryland for a denied claim?
Yes. An experienced lawyer can determine if the denial was improper, handle all communications with the insurer, and build the strong case needed for a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
Is there a time limit to sue an insurance company for bad faith in Maryland?
Yes. The statute of limitations is typically three years from the date of the wrongful act (e.g., the denial). However, this can be complex; consult an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.