Practice Areas
Insurance Defense
Personal Injury Defense
- First & Third Party
Rhima Law provides skilled representation to defendants in personal injury lawsuits, with a focus on both first-party and third-party cases. By paying careful attention to the evidence produced by plaintiffs and conducting thorough investigations, Rhima Law is able to effectively defend its clients against personal injury allegations and minimize the damages that may be awarded. With a track record of successfully trying cases and achieving favorable verdicts, Rhima Law provides top-quality legal services from the inception of a claim to its resolution.
Bad Faith & Extra-Contractual Litigation
Rhima Law is well-versed in handling bad faith extra-contractual claims, which involve allegations that an insurance company has acted in bad faith outside of the terms of the insurance policy. It is important for insurance companies to handle these types of claims promptly and fairly in order to protect the interests of their policyholders. By filing the appropriate motions and obtaining necessary evidence, Rhima Law is able to effectively advocate on behalf of clients and protect their interests in these complex cases.
Special Investigation Units
A Special Investigation Unit (SIU) is a department within an insurance company that is responsible for investigating suspicious or potentially fraudulent insurance claims. These units are often staffed by experienced professionals who are trained to identify and investigate fraudulent activity, and to work closely with law enforcement and other authorities to help prosecute those who engage in fraudulent activities. SIUs play a critical role in protecting insurance companies and policyholders from fraudulent claims, which can significantly impact the financial stability of the company and result in higher premiums for policyholders.
This can be a complex and challenging area of practice, as it often involves using a variety of tools and techniques to uncover fraudulent activity and build a strong case. By using public data and discovery tools, and by having experience investigating claims in various departments within insurance companies, Rhima Law is able to provide valuable assistance to insurance companies in defending against fraudulent claims and protecting their financial interests.
Rhima Law has extensive experience assisting SIU departments in identifying and defending against a wide variety of fraudulent claims activity, including billing for unnecessary medical services, billing for services not rendered, upcoding, unbundling, violating state licensure laws, prohibitions on the corporate practice of medicine, excessive medical charges, and revealing fraudulent schemes. The firm’s practice focuses on defending against third party and first party SIU claims that utilize such schemes, as well as conducting EUOs relating to homeowner, renters and property damage claims.
Mediation/Pre-suit Negotiation
Mediation and pre-suit negotiation are both ways to resolve disputes outside of the traditional court system, which can often be faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial than going to trial.
Rhima Law is highly effective and successful in negotiating, with a strong track record of settling cases through mediation and successfully getting cases dismissed through the use of motions. Being able to effectively negotiate with opposing counsel and present a strong case are important skills for an attorney to have, particularly in the context of mediation and motion practice. It takes a combination of thorough preparation, strong legal knowledge, and effective communication skills to be able to achieve successful outcomes in these situations.
Conducting proper investigations
Conducting proper investigations is also an important aspect of these processes, as it can help to gather the necessary information and evidence to facilitate a successful resolution. Rhima Law has experience assisting insurance companies to ensure proper evaluation of insurance claims. By offering these services, she is able to help its clients resolve disputes and reach mutually acceptable settlements in a more efficient and effective manner.
Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims are legal actions brought by the surviving family members of someone who has died due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person or entity. These types of claims can be complex and emotional, as they often involve significant loss and grief for the surviving family members.
Rhima Law has a great deal of experience defending clients against wrongful death claims and helping them navigate the legal process. We understands the sensitivity and risk involved in these cases and is able to effectively conduct discovery and investigate the plaintiff’s evidence in order to challenge their allegations and mitigate damages. This type of thorough and effective representation can be invaluable to clients facing wrongful death claims.
Pre-suit Investigations
A pre-suit investigation is conducted prior to the filing of a lawsuit. It is typically done in order to gather information and assess the strength of a potential legal case. Pre-suit investigations can involve a variety of activities, such as reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, facilitating vehicle inspections, and conducting research.
In the context of personal injury cases, a pre-suit investigation often includes gathering medical records, consulting with medical experts, and assessing the liability of any parties involved in the incident. Pre-suit investigations are an important part of the legal process. Rhima Law helps its clients determine the feasibility of a case and develop a strategy for moving forward.
Examination Under Oath
An Examination Under Oath (EUO) is similar to a deposition. However, an insurance company requests the EUO to gather more information about a claim. A statement obtained at an EUO is sworn testimony.
Rhima Law has experience investigating and conducting EUOs as part of its work with various insurance departments in gathering information and determining the validity and coverage of an insurance claim.
Premises Liability & Property Claims
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to ensure that their property is safe for visitors and to prevent accidents and injuries. If someone is injured on another person’s property due to the property owner’s negligence, they may be able to bring a premises liability claim against the property owner seeking damages for their injuries.
Rhima Law is well-equipped to assist clients in handling and defending against premises liability claims. Properly handling and defending against premises liability claims can be complex and require a thorough understanding of the relevant laws and legal principles. By conducting thorough investigations, engaging in discovery, and utilizing motion practice, Rhima Law provides expertise in this area that is of great value to its clients.
Local Counsel
Local counsel refers to a lawyer who is licensed and practices in the specific jurisdiction where a legal matter is taking place. They are typically used in cases where the primary attorney is not licensed or is not familiar with the local laws, procedures, and court systems.
Local counsel can assist with filing paperwork, attending court hearings, and providing knowledge of the local legal landscape. They can also help ensure that the case proceeds in compliance with local rules and regulations.
Criminal Defense
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals and organizations charged with criminal offenses. Their role is to represent the accused in criminal proceedings, including bail hearings, plea negotiations, and trials. They also provide legal advice and guidance to their clients, helping them understand the charges against them and the potential consequences of a conviction.
A criminal defense attorney will investigate the case and the evidence against their client, and work to build a defense that will either acquit the client or mitigate the charges and/or penalties. This can include challenging the prosecution’s evidence, arguing for a dismissal of charges, or negotiating a plea deal for a reduced sentence.
The criminal defense attorney’s duty is to defend the accused to the best of their ability, regardless of the guilt or innocence of their client. And also to ensure that their client’s rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.
Rhima Law advocates for justice by working to protect the constitutional rights of clients, thoroughly investigating the state’s evidence and challenging any evidence that lacks probable cause or fails to meet the elements of the substantive charges. This includes ensuring that the state bears the burden of proof in every element of its case and protecting against unreasonable search and seizure and the right to a speedy and fair trial.
Why Rhima Law?
Stephanie M. Rhima is a fierce litigator with an eye for detail who zealously pursues justice for her clients.
