Like seeing the same leak show up in different spots after every hard rain, a repeated problem often points to more than one isolated mistake. In law and insurance, pattern and practice means a regular, repeated way of acting rather than a one-time error. It suggests that a person, business, or insurer has followed the same improper behavior often enough that it looks like a standard method of doing things.

That matters because repeated conduct can help show intent, knowledge, or a systemic failure. In an insurance setting, a bad faith claim may be stronger if the company did not just mishandle one file, but routinely delayed investigations, ignored medical records, undervalued similar injuries, or denied claims without a fair review. A documented pattern can support arguments about unfair claim handling, credibility, and whether the insurer's conduct was accidental or deliberate.

For an injury claim in Maryland, that kind of evidence can be especially significant because Maryland follows contributory negligence. If the insurer is looking for any small reason to blame the injured person, proof of a broader pattern of unfair denials or selective investigations may help explain why a claim was treated the way it was. Complaints, internal records, and findings by the Maryland Insurance Administration may help establish a pattern and support related claims involving damages, settlement, or unfair claim settlement practices.