Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer New York County, NY
In New York, every insurance policy carries an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. When an insurer unreasonably denies, delays, or undervalues a valid personal injury claim, it may breach that duty — giving rise to a bad faith insurance claim. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents policyholders and injury victims — not insurance companies — in bad faith actions against insurers across New York State. From our New York location, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assist clients in New York County (Manhattan) with claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, pedestrian injuries, and other personal injury matters where the insurer’s conduct has compounded the harm. Bad faith insurance litigation can recover damages beyond the policy limits, including consequential economic loss and, in certain circumstances, emotional distress damages. We handle these matters with a thorough understanding of New York insurance law and the litigation procedures in the New York County Supreme Court, located at 60 Centre Street in Manhattan. To discuss your situation with an experienced bad faith insurance lawyer, call (888) 437-7747 — phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What Bad Faith Insurance Means in New York County
Insurance bad faith in New York encompasses both first-party claims — where your own insurer fails to honor the policy — and third-party claims, such as when a liability insurer refuses to settle within policy limits, exposing its insured to excess liability. The duty of good faith and fair dealing is recognized under New York common law, and certain statutory protections also apply. For personal injury victims, a bad faith claim often arises after an insurer takes an unreasonable position during claim investigation, valuation, or negotiation, causing additional financial and personal harm.
In New York County, bad faith insurance claims are litigated in the Supreme Court, which is the trial court of general jurisdiction — not an appellate court, despite the title. The New York County Supreme Court hears unlimited civil claims at 60 Centre Street, Manhattan, within the 1st Judicial District. in handling personal injury matters at this court, counsel should anticipate a preliminary conference, a compliance conference, and a scheduling order that sets the case on a trial calendar. For auto-related claims, New York’s no-fault insurance system requires a threshold of serious injury under Insurance Law § 5102 before an injured person can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, and bad faith conduct by a no-fault insurer can give rise to a separate action. Our firm is familiar with the local practice and the procedural demands of the New York County Supreme Court, including the filing of a Note of Issue to place the case on the trial calendar.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bad Faith Insurance Cases
When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin with a case evaluation that examines the underlying personal injury claim and the insurer’s conduct. We review the policy, the communications between the claimant and the carrier, and the reasonableness of the insurer’s investigation and valuation decisions. In many cases, our attorneys engage attorneys — accident reconstruction, medical, or insurance claims-handling professionals — to support the claim that the insurer acted in bad faith.
Our approach is thorough but straightforward. We prepare a demand that outlines the full extent of your damages and the insurer’s bad faith conduct. If the insurer does not resolve the claim fairly, we file suit in the appropriate New York court — most often the Supreme Court in the county where the underlying injury occurred. Throughout litigation, we handle discovery, depositions, and motion practice, and we work toward a favorable resolution, whether through negotiation or trial. The firm accepts certain personal injury and bad faith cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless there is a recovery. The timeline for these cases varies based on court scheduling and the complexity of the facts; we work to move the matter forward efficiently while protecting your interests at every stage.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor who now concentrates his practice on representing individuals in personal injury, family law, and criminal matters across five jurisdictions: Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in all five states. His Of Counsel team consists of experienced attorneys who collaborate on case strategy and litigation, bringing additional perspective and legal acumen to every matter the firm handles. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
The firm’s New York location is at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Buffalo, NY 14202. This location serves clients throughout New York State, including those with matters in New York County (Manhattan). All consultations are by appointment. To schedule a time to speak with us about a potential bad faith insurance claim, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bad faith insurance claim in New York?
A bad faith insurance claim arises when an insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or undervalues a valid claim, breaching the duty of good faith and fair dealing implied in every New York insurance contract. In a first-party bad faith action, your own insurer’s conduct is at issue; in a third-party bad faith case, you may assert that a liability insurer acted unreasonably when handling a claim against its insured. Our firm represents injury victims and policyholders, not insurance carriers.
How do I know if my insurance company is acting in bad faith?
Common signs of bad faith include an insurer’s failure to conduct a reasonable investigation, unjustified denial of a claim, offering far less than the claim’s value, or failing to communicate key decisions in a timely manner. An insurer also acts in bad faith if it refuses to defend its insured in a lawsuit or unreasonably refuses to settle within policy limits. Our attorneys review the claim file and the insurer’s conduct to determine whether the facts support a bad faith cause of action.
Do I need a lawyer to handle an insurance bad faith claim?
Yes; bad faith claims involve complex legal and factual issues that are most effectively handled by an experienced attorney. Proving that an insurer acted unreasonably requires an understanding of insurance law, claim-handling standards, and litigation procedure. An attorney can gather evidence, consult attorneys, and pursue the full range of damages — including those that may exceed the policy limits. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation in New York County and throughout the state.
What damages can I recover in a bad faith insurance lawsuit?
You may recover consequential economic damages resulting from the insurer’s bad faith conduct, such as lost income, medical expenses, and other financial harm caused by the delay or denial. In certain cases, emotional distress damages may also be available, as well as attorney fees and statutory penalties. The specific damages depend on the underlying injury and the nature of the insurer’s violation. Our attorneys evaluate each case individually to determine the potential recovery.
How long do I have to file a bad faith insurance claim in New York?
For bad faith claims arising from personal injury, New York law generally provides a statute of limitations of three years from the date of injury under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). However, the specific deadline can be affected by the nature of the insurance policy, the accrual date of the bad faith conduct, and whether a notice-of-claim filing is required for claims against a municipality. Missing the deadline can bar your case entirely. Speak with an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
What should I bring to a consultation with a bad faith insurance lawyer?
Bring all documents related to your insurance claim, including the policy, correspondence with the insurer, claim forms, denial letters, medical records, and any legal pleadings you have received. Also provide a timeline of events and a list of all individuals you have spoken with at the insurance company. The more information you supply at the initial consultation, the better our attorneys can assess the strength of your potential bad faith claim.
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