Bad Faith Insurance Defense Attorneys

Bad Faith Insurance Defense Attorneys

Insurance bad faith and high-exposure casualty cases demand more than routine defense. They involve complex coverage issues, extra-contractual exposure, and reputational risk for carriers and insureds. From the first notice of a claim, the choices you make can influence litigation costs, settlement leverage, and the likelihood of a defense verdict.

McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s bad faith insurance defense attorneys litigate bad faith claims as well as catastrophic damage cases involving negligence, gross negligence, construction defects, premises liability, product liability, and advertising injury. The team’s focus is on early, strategic action that protects policyholders, preserves coverage positions when appropriate, and mitigates extra-contractual risk.

Our attorneys are regularly trusted with high-stakes matters in Texas and beyond, including claims where alleged damages reach into seven and eight figures. Clients count on us for clear guidance, realistic risk assessments, and courtroom-ready representation when settlement is not the right answer.

Why Experienced Bad Faith Insurance Defense Counsel Matters

Bad faith allegations and catastrophic casualty claims can reshape an insurer’s relationship with an insured, trigger regulatory scrutiny, and set precedent for future disputes. Claims professionals and in-house counsel need defense lawyers who understand both the legal standards and the practical realities of claims handling.

McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s bad faith insurance lawyers:

  • Understand first-party and third-party bad faith standards, including extra-contractual exposure under state statutes and common law
  • Evaluate claims-handling timelines, coverage positions, and communications with insureds and claimants
  • Analyze settlement demands and potential “set-up” strategies that seek to manufacture bad faith exposure
  • Develop a litigation plan that aligns with the carrier’s broader portfolio and risk tolerance
  • Prepare cases for trial from the outset, which often improves positioning for resolution

The goal is not simply to win a single case, but to defend the integrity of the carrier’s processes and protect insureds from runaway verdicts whenever possible.

Casualty & Bad Faith Defense Services

McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans represents insurance carriers, self-insured companies, third-party administrators, and insureds across a wide range of casualty and bad faith matters. Our services include:

Insurance Bad Faith and Extra-Contractual Litigation

  • First-party property and commercial coverage disputes
  • Third-party liability claims involving alleged failure to settle or defend
  • Alleged unfair claims settlement practices and statutory bad faith claims
  • Extra-contractual exposure related to claim denials, delays, and reservation of rights
  • Defense of insurers in cases involving punitive damages and exemplary damage claims

Catastrophic Casualty and High-Exposure Claims

  • Catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims
  • Premises liability, including retail, hospitality, and large venue incidents
  • Construction defect and construction site injury claims
  • Product liability and advertising injury claims
  • Multi-vehicle and commercial transportation accidents

Coverage, Claims Handling, and Risk Management Support

  • Policy interpretation and coverage opinions related to complex losses
  • Evaluation of Stowers-type settlement demands and other time-limited demands
  • Advice on claim files, documentation, and communication protocols
  • Coordination with excess and reinsurance markets in large loss scenarios

Trial, Arbitration, and Appellate Work

  • Jury trials in state and federal courts involving bad faith and casualty claims
  • Arbitrations involving coverage and extra-contractual disputes
  • Post-judgment and appellate work to preserve favorable outcomes or correct legal error

Because casualty and bad faith disputes often intersect with business litigation, employment issues, and large loss subrogation, clients benefit from the broader trial bench and subject-matter depth across McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s practice groups.

Casualty & Bad Faith Defense Attorneys at McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans

The casualty and bad faith defense practice is led by trial-tested attorneys based in McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s Dallas headquarters.

Levi G. McCathern, II  – Dallas

Founding Partner Levi G. McCathern  II is widely recognized as one of the premier litigation lawyers in Texas. He is Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by a small fraction of Texas attorneys. Levi is frequently called upon to defend catastrophic damage and high-exposure commercial claims, including complex casualty and bad faith insurance matters.

Carl L. Evans, Jr.  – Dallas

Executive Partner Carl L. Evans Jr. has an extensive litigation and trial background, representing clients in non-subscriber employer defense, trucking, liquor liability, construction, tort, and insurance litigation, including casualty and bad faith defense. He has tried numerous cases in state and federal courts and obtained defense verdicts in arbitrations involving claims of fraud, negligence, breach of contract, and breach of warranty.

Clients draw on the experience of these attorneys and the broader trial team for matters that require both technical insurance knowledge and seasoned courtroom advocacy.

How Our Bad Faith Insurance Defense Attorneys Approach Claims

Every casualty and bad faith case carries its own history: claim notes, communications, coverage questions, and business considerations. Our attorneys tailor their approach to the specific file, rather than forcing it into a rigid template. In general, we:

  • Start early. We work with claims professionals to understand claim history, prior evaluations, and communications before litigation escalates.
  • Assess coverage and exposure together. Coverage positions, policy limits, and extra-contractual risk are evaluated in tandem with liability and damages.
  • Identify key decision points. We highlight settlement opportunities, trial risks, and regulatory considerations so that risk managers and in-house counsel can make informed decisions.
  • Prepare for trial from day one. Even when resolution is likely, we assume the case will be tried. This mindset drives sharper discovery, expert selection, and motion practice.
  • Respect the claim relationship. We understand that carriers, insureds, and brokers often have long-standing relationships. Our strategy aims to defend the case while preserving important business relationships whenever possible.

This structured but flexible approach allows us to protect clients in single-event cases and portfolios of related claims.

Serving Insurers, Businesses, and Self-Insureds

McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’s casualty and bad faith defense work is anchored in Dallas and supported by attorneys across our offices in Frisco, Houston, and Los Angeles, allowing us to respond to matters across Texas and in other jurisdictions as client needs require.

Clients include:

  • National and regional insurance carriers
  • Excess and surplus lines insurers
  • Self-insured employers and risk retention groups
  • Public entities, school districts, and governmental units
  • Businesses in sectors such as retail, hospitality, construction, transportation, and energy

Regardless of size or industry, clients can expect candid assessments, disciplined file management, and a clear plan for each stage of the dispute.

Next Steps for Claims Professionals and General Counsel

Bad faith and catastrophic casualty claims can quickly escalate if not managed with precision. Early involvement of experienced defense counsel often helps:

  • Clarify coverage positions and extra-contractual risk
  • Evaluate settlement demands and time-limited offers
  • Develop a defensible record of claims handling and communication
  • Position the case for either efficient resolution or trial

If you are facing a bad faith allegation, high-exposure casualty claim, or coverage dispute, we encourage you to contact our team as early as possible in the life of the claim.

To discuss a matter with one of our bad faith insurance defense attorneys, please contact us through the firm’s contact page or reach out to our Dallas office.