By Ross Pesek

What does it mean to try a case to a jury? I’ve been thinking a lot about it since participating in jury trial this last June, in Douglas County District Court. I’ve been involved in trials before, but this case was different and I could feel it. This case was my first civil jury trial.

In both the material and spiritual sense, I’ve been through trials. In the material, literal sense, I have handled jury and bench trials on a variety of matters in state courts, federal courts and administrative immigration courts. But never a civil jury trial for an injured person.

In terms of spiritual trials, I have repeatedly defended immigrants taken from their family homes at daybreak. ICE agents breaking doors, six-at-a-time to arrest a worker, carrying a lunch pail, wearing steel toe boots and ready for the day’s work. They often leave the wife and mother behind with the children and claim to be compassionate for not arresting the mother and leaving orphans. These spiritual trials are amplified by the lack of access to a jury trial. Immigrants are denied the right to be heard by their neighbors on deportation matters no matter how long they live next to them. Without the power to appeal to the common sense of justice that lies deep in every human heart, injustice reigns.

Where and how can we access the power of a jury to give justice to our community? How can I develop skills that allow me to communicate powerfully what justice demands? To my mind, answering these questions is the work of a trial lawyer. I consider being a trial lawyer to a lifelong experiment full of opportunities to refine my answers and methods.

For example, my first civil jury trial.

In this trial, I was fully aligned with the truth. Based on my prior trials, I knew being aligned with the truth is fundamentally powerful – especially in front of a jury. Jurors are different than insurance adjusters, corporate lawyers and judges. There is an ability to speak plainly, in plain terms. A juror’s mind is not clouded by convoluted intellectual justifications created to avoid the inescapable conclusion they have become an instrument of injustice. With a juror you can speak the simple truth and receive justice.

At least, that is what I was hoping.

During the trial, I started to feel it was working. I spoke plainly and truthfully. Actually, I felt embarrassed to say what I had to say – it felt mean. It is against my nature to be harsh. But sometimes the truth hurts. For example, it did not feel nice to tell the jury the corporation negligently injured a pregnant woman, made her life hell, offered no help, invaded her privacy by obtaining 10 years of medical records, attacked her while deposing her and, by having a trial, was continually salting the wound of their initial negligence by denigrating her good name in court.

But since it was true, when I said it, the jury heard it. Unlike adjusters, lawyers and judges they could sense that no one goes through a trial for fun or even for a “jackpot.” They go through a trial to receive justice.

That’s what I kept telling myself.

And then it came, my cubic centimeter of chance – that opportunity that comes and goes so fast you must be waiting for it to seize it. There it was, my opponent displayed his lack of fidelity to the truth flagrantly before the jury (a mistake I learned to recognize through personal reflection). With calm, we rose, pointed out the medical findings that had been so clearly misrepresented and, in closing, gored opposing counsel’s credibility to the point of no return.

At least, that is what I think happened, with hindsight.

With my opponent’s credibility gored and limping behind me, I had only my final words left to determine victory or defeat. But what of victory and defeat? I say nothing of them. I thought only of justice for my injured client. I prayed the night before closing argument by imagining the truth to be a compass pointing due North to justice.

So what did I tell the jury? I told them I had never asked a jury for money before – it was my first time. I told them I called a mentor with decades of experience for help the night before and he told me not to “blow it.” I looked at each of my most sympathetic jurors directly in the eye and gave them every powerfully true statement I could think of, one at a time, said for understanding not for flair. Although, that doesn’t mean there was no flair. The truth has its own flair and I stayed true.

The case was submitted to the jury at 11:00 am on a Friday. Six hours later the judge called and let us know a deal had been made after six-hours of deliberations allowing a 10-2, non-unanimous verdict. We arrived at the courthouse and the forewoman (it’s a modern world!)delivered the verdict: $60,000 for the Plaintiff as justice for 8 months of temporary hell, while pregnant, caused by corporate negligence.

Do you want to hear the shameless courthouse gossip about what happened in the jury room?

Of course you do – be honest.

A few days later the jury forewoman called to tell me what happened. She was concerned I would get the wrong idea about the hung verdict. The judge’s bailiff commented to her presuming the holdouts were for the Defense. As an aside, the same bailiff previously expressed skepticism to me about beating the offer to confess judgement made by the defense and the possibility I could be taxed with court costs – her cynic nature barely veiled.

No, said the forewoman. She had become forewoman specifically to bring justice to my injured client. She knew the anguish caused by a threatened miscarriage to a planned pregnancy. In fact, during voir dire she described how she had never conceived children with her spouse despite years of trying (and was not struck!). She argued for six hours for one million dollars and she was sorry to have “blown it.” She had two allies but lost her last one at 4:30 on Friday afternoon – allowing the 10-2 compromise verdict. She made them wait another 40 minutes after the defection, the full six hours, rather than agree to $60,000 and leave early. I made sure she knew she was my personal hero and thanked her profusely.

There you have it, my first civil jury trial – an experiment with the power of the truth.

La entrada The Prairie Barrister – My First Civil Jury Trial se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

At the end of the day, insurance companies are businesses that do not want to lose money. Their job is to assess risk, control costs, and protect their interests. That is why, from the very beginning, they pay close attention to who is representing the injured person and how prepared that legal team is to take the case to trial if necessary.

It may seem like a small detail, but it can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of a claim.

Insurance Companies Know Which Cases Pose a Real Risk

Insurance companies handle thousands of claims every year. Over time, they learn which law firms are willing to accept a quick settlement and which ones are prepared to present evidence before a jury if the situation requires it.

When an insurance company knows that an attorney will thoroughly investigate the case, consult experts, gather evidence, and fight for their client until the end, the conversation changes.

Suddenly, a low settlement offer no longer seems like a good strategy because the insurer understands that it is facing attorneys who are prepared and willingto challenge unfair tactics. They know they cannot rely solely on delays, pressure, or inadequate offers.

Trial Preparation Increases the Value of a Case

Preparing a case for trial strengthens a claim because it shows that it is supported by thorough investigation, proper documentation, and strong evidence. This forces the insurance company to take more seriously the risks of continuing to offer unfair compensation.

When a company knows it may have to explain its decisions before a jury, the conversation changes.

Settlement offers are more likely to reflect the true extent of the damages, negotiations become more balanced, and injured victims have a fairer opportunity to obtain the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.

For this reason, many of the best outcomes are achieved not because the case actually went to trial, but because the insurance company knew it was dealing with a legal team that was willing and prepared to do so.

Trial Preparation as a Tool to Deter Unfair Practices

Unfortunately, some insurance companies use tactics designed to reduce payouts or emotionally wear down injured individuals.

They may delay responses, challenge necessary medical treatment, or make settlement offers that fail to reflect the true physical, emotional, and financial impact of an injury.

These strategies are often most effective when the company believes no one will challenge its decisions.

However, when there is serious trial preparation behind a case, the situation changes. The possibility that the insurance company’s actions may be publicly examined creates a strong incentive for it to act more responsibly.

In that sense, trial preparation does not only benefit one individual. It also helps promote a fairer system for everyone.

At Pesek Law, Every Case Is Taken Seriously

Most personal injury cases are resolved before ever reaching a courtroom. However, the best results often come from attorneys who prepare every case as though it will eventually be presented to a jury.

That preparation sends a clear message: every injured person deserves to be heard, respected, and treated fairly.

At Pesek Law, we believe that no one should feel pressured to accept less than what they need to rebuild their life after an injury. That is why we approach every case with the same level of commitment, attention, and preparation, regardless of whether it ends in a settlement or in court.

Because when insurance companies know we are prepared to go all the way, they understand that our clients are not alone. And that can change everything.

If you believe your claim is being delayed by an insurance company, contact us.

At Pesek Law, your first consultation is completely free. During that consultation, we can evaluate your case and help determine the best path forward to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Best of all, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

We are located at 4826 S 24th St, Omaha, NE 68107, or you can send us a message through our contact page, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

At Pesek Law, we stand with you.

At Pesek Law, we are with you.

La entrada Why Insurance Companies Know We’re Going to Trial and Why It Matters se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

Sometimes it is someone worried about their family, someone who does not know what to do after an accident, someone dealing with fear, stress, or uncertainty, or simply someone who needs to feel they are not facing everything alone.

And while legal work requires strategy, experience, and knowledge, at Pesek Law we believe it also requires something equally important: humanity. People are never just a file, a case number, or another legal process.

Listening Is Also Part of the Job

Many times, when someone reaches out to a law firm, they already feel exhausted.

Tired of not finding clear answers, of feeling ignored, of speaking with offices where no one is truly listening, and of having to explain their situation over and over again.

That is why, at Pesek Law, we care deeply about making sure every person feels seen, heard, and supported from the very beginning.

We do not believe in treating people “on autopilot.” We believe in taking the time to understand what is happening, what concerns each client has, and how we can help in the best way possible.

Because we understand that, for the person going through it, this is not “just another case.” It is their life.

The Way We Work With Each Other Matters Too

The way a law firm treats its clients begins with how the people inside the firm treat one another.

That is why, at Pesek Law, we strive to build a culture based on respect, empathy, and mutual support. We know that when a team works with trust and purpose, it directly reflects in the care our clients receive.

And yes, of course we care about doing our legal work well. But we also care about how people feel throughout the process.

We want our clients to know:

• Someone is there to support them.
• Their questions matter.
• They are always welcome to ask.
• They are not alone while navigating something difficult.

We may not always be able to remove the challenges of a legal situation. But we can make the process feel clearer, more human, and less overwhelming.

Sometimes, a follow-up call, a simple explanation, an honest conversation, or simply knowing that someone is truly paying attention can completely change a person’s experience.

And that is something we never want to lose at Pesek Law, no matter how much we grow.

Running a people-centered law firm is a daily decision. It is the way we choose to work every single day.

We constantly remind ourselves that the people who come to our office are often going through vulnerable, important, or difficult moments. And that our job is not only to resolve legal matters, but also to provide peace of mind, clarity, and support along the way.

At Pesek Law, we believe the best legal service begins when people feel something very simple, yet very powerful:

“They truly care about helping me.”

If you need legal guidance, we invite you to visit us at Pesek Law for a completely free initial consultation.

“At Pesek Law, we are with you.”

La entrada Running a People-Centered Law Firm se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

By Ross Pesek

In the bustling corridors of the Douglas County Courthouse, the busiest courthouse in Nebraska and known as the “Hall of Justice,” the Prairie Barrister found themselves face to face with a young lawyer who was clearly in distress. The young lawyer’s voice trembled with frustration and disbelief.

“Prairie Barrister, I don’t understand what just happened,” the young lawyer began. “The judge’s recent order was completely upside down. They cited directly from the defense counsel’s brief without checking their legal citation. The citation was given to the court by the insurance lawyer who knew the case had the exact opposite holding, but the judge never even checked the citation before putting it in their order. I provided the correct legal standard and citation that was key cited and confirmed to be up to date.”

“Ouch,” replied the Barrister, knowing this kind of thing happens more than it should.

The young lawyer continued, “And they weren’t just wrong on the law, they were wrong on the facts too. I provided the evidence that shows the facts cited in the order are wrong. But the judge wrote demonstrably incorrect facts in their order anyway.”

The young lawyer continued, “Was it me? Is it something about how I write? About how I argue? Does this happen to everyone or just me?”

The Prairie Barrister listened patiently, understanding the depth of the young lawyer’s frustration and the personal toll it was taking. Then, with a touch of wry humor, replied, “No, it doesn’t happen to everyone—just civil plaintiff lawyers arguing for negligence victims against corporate power!”

The young lawyer let out a small, disbelieving laugh. “What? But why? Why is it like this?”

“It’s a confluence of several factors,” the Prairie Barrister began. “First, let’s consider the background of most judges. Hardly any judges have ever practiced plaintiff law. A few might have dabbled, but rarely were they a dedicated civil plaintiff trial lawyer who then chose to become a judge. And it took me ten years of dedicated practice to really understand the ins-and-outs of civil litigation, so a judge with minimal or no experience handling these cases can be forgiven for not understanding all the dynamics at play.”

The young lawyer took a breath, “Well, sure, but some of them have civil litigation experience, right?”

“If they have any experience with civil trial practice, it is usually as a former insurance or corporate lawyer turned judge, which is not the same at all. In fact, that can feel like having a second opponent on the bench.”

“Exactly,” the young lawyer interjected, “I have experienced that before.”

The Prairie Barrister continued, “Many judges are former prosecutors who never handled civil plaintiff cases and don’t really understand the intricacies involved. They see their docket and know 99 out of 100 times these cases settle before trial. I’ve had multiple judges tell me they can go a year or more between civil jury trials – which means they may have only handled a few in their entire career.”

The Young Lawyer nodded. “Wow. Because they know the cases usually settle, they know even less cases are appealed. The bottom line is, they know even a wrong decision is unlikely to ever be reviewed so why put too much time and effort into it with so many other pressing matters to address?”

“On that, there is a little bit of justification,” added the Prairie Barrister. “Afterall, the judges are swamped with divorces and criminal cases. It isn’t like they have nothing else to do. These civil disputes usually take care of themselves, so putting their time on other matters can seem smart to them.”

The Prairie Barrister a continued, “But judges miss the larger truth that often, civil justice is the only justice the victims of crimes will receive directly or that the harm caused by simple negligence can be huge and urgent, like death and severe permanent injury.”

The young lawyer sighed, the weight of reality setting in. “And the sympathy they show—it’s surprising. Many judges have dealt with criminal defense litigation tactics as a prosecutor or from the bench and deal with it efficiently and no nonsense. But it is totally different in civil litigation.”

“That’s true,” the Prairie Barrister agreed. “Civil defendants for money damage verdicts receive more leeway to delay, deny, and defend. It’s perplexing, given the civil defendant has sometimes been a criminal defendant that received zero sympathy during no-nonsense criminal proceedings.”

“And the pretrial rulings,” the young lawyer continued, frustration creeping back into their voice. “They always seem to delay the trial. The defense never seems to have enough information disclosed, yet they hardly disclose anything themselves. They make dubious accusations with no proof but so many such accusations, on so many topics, that it makes simple cases seem complex. In the end, the judges end up overwhelmed by unimportant side issues, start to believe there is too much going on to have a trial and continue deadlines and trial – which is all the defense wanted to begin with.”

“Exactly,” the Prairie Barrister said, a note of empathy in their voice. “Civil defense lawyers are often masters at using delay tactics. They will slow down every step of the process and then turn around and claim that they need more time. When judges buy it, it is a frustrating cycle.”

“But here’s the silver lining,” the Prairie Barrister continued, leaning forward. “The jury is our ultimate saving grace. It may take years of frivolous litigation. You may face headwinds from your opponent and the bench, but that is precisely why the Seventh Amendment exists. So you, the trial lawyer, can argue about truth and justice to your neighbors, the jury, and sideline all the legal gamesmanship and abuse of power. It gives us, the trial lawyers, one shining opportunity to set it all right.”

“The Seventh Amendment is my favorite amendment,” said the Barrister, “It is the reason I try every case I can to a jury. Never to the bench. Certainly, never to my opponents, corporate or insurance lawyers!”

The young lawyer looked up, hope rekindled in their eyes. “So, we just have to be patient and persistent?”

“Exactly,” the Prairie Barrister affirmed. “If you keep your focus on preserving your trial right and trial date, you can deflate the importance of these squabbles and erase every single litigation battle. With this mindset, you’ll gain patience.”

“As an added bonus, if you keep a patient, professional attitude, sometimes a judge will surprise you. One time, a judge sided with my opponent for years during pre-trial litigation but then, during the trial, they realized my opponent was supplying them bad law and their rulings would be reviewed on appeal. The damn broke and the judge started applying the law as it was written, exactly the opposite of how my opponent had been arguing, and we got a tsunami of favorable rulings – just in the nick of time.”

“Ask yourself this, would you rather have the judge give you favorable ruling for years during pre-trial litigation or for a few days at trial?”

“Trial, of course!” The young lawyer responded quickly.

“So, let me ask you a question, on this most recent order you mentioned: Do you still have a jury trial right and a trial date?”

The young lawyer smiled big, “Now that you mention it, yes. I do still have my trial right and trial date.”

“Then you are still in the game,” the Prairie Barrister said calmly.

The young lawyer nodded, a sense of calm settling over them. “Thank you, Prairie Barrister. I needed to hear that.”

“Anytime,” the Prairie Barrister replied warmly. “Remember, you’re not alone in this fight. We all face these challenges, but it’s our commitment to justice and our belief in the truth that guides us through. Despite everything, keep faith in the process, and trust that the jury will see the truth and deliver justice.”

As the young lawyer walked away from the Prairie Barrister, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead might be fraught with challenges, but with patience, persistence, and a steadfast belief in the power of the jury, they knew they were ready to carry the torch forward.

La entrada The Prairie Barrister – Does it Happen to Everyone? se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

But in many cases, it’s not. Delays, low offers, or denials without clear explanation can quickly turn a difficult situation into a frustrating one.

Bad faith: when the process stops being fair

Bad faith doesn’t usually appear as a single event. It shows up in the way a claim is handled over time.

It often involves decisions like:

• Unjustified delays
• Ignoring relevant evidence
• Offering far less than what is reasonable
• Denying a claim without a solid basis
• Avoiding clear communication

Every insurance company has a clear legal obligation: to act in good faith and deal fairly.

This means they must:

• Evaluate the facts objectively
• Conduct a proper investigation
• Make reasonable decisions
• Communicate clearly
• Avoid taking advantage of the situation

This is not optional. It is not a customer service standard.

When that duty is broken, the situation may involve bad faith. Not mistakes… decisions. This is the most important point.

Insurance companies often explain their actions as:

• “administrative delays”
• “internal processes”
• “pending reviews”

But when the full picture is analyzed, a pattern often appears: these are not isolated mistakes. They are decisions, such as:

• Delaying to create pressure
• Offering less in hopes of quick acceptance
• Denying early to avoid paying

So, what is a bad faith claim?

When this happens, there is a legal path forward: a bad faith claim.

Unlike a standard claim, this type of legal action focuses not only on the outcome, but on something more important:  how the claim was handled.

It allows improper conduct to be challenged directly.

How a bad faith claim protects you

Without legal action, the process typically looks like this:

1. The insurance company makes the decisions
2. The injured party reacts to them

Once a bad faith claim is filed, the dynamic shifts:

1. The insurance company must justify its decisions
2. Its conduct is evaluated under legal standards

This creates real impact:

• The case is taken more seriously
• Pressure tactics and delays are reduced
• There is a stronger path to fair compensation
• Improper conduct may carry consequences

It’s no longer just negotiation. It becomes accountability.

How a bad faith case is built?

A bad faith claim requires a strategic legal approach. A law firm like Pesek Law focuses on:

• Analyzing every decision made during the process
• Identifying actions without a reasonable basis
• Detecting patterns of unfair conduct
• Building a strong legal case

The goal is not just to show disagreement, but to demonstrate that the process itself was handled improperly.

Warning signs that should not be ignored

Certain patterns may indicate bad faith:

• Repeated delays without explanation
• Lack of clear communication
• Offers far below what is reasonable
• Denials without a solid basis
• Processes that seem designed to wear you down

When these signs appear, the situation deserves closer review. Taking action is also protection

Taking action can:

• Set clear limits
• Demand transparency
• Prevent accepting less than what is fair

At Pesek Law, every decision matters

In bad faith cases, the issue is not just the outcome. It’s the decisions behind it.

At Pesek Law, the focus is clear:

• Analyze the full process
• Identify bad faith conduct
• Challenge unjustified decisions
• Build a strong legal strategy

Free consultation

If the process is not moving as it should, a legal review can provide clarity on available options.

If you suspect a case of bad faith, it’s best to review it and identify the issue promptly to ensure justice is served.

At Pesek Law, we offer a completely free initial consultation to review your case. Request one by  clicking here or visit us at 4826 S 24th St, Omaha—we’re located in the heart of Omaha.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case must be evaluated individually.

La entrada What Is an Insurance Bad Faith Claim and How Does It Protect You? se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

At Pesek Law LLC, we understand this at its core. Since 2011, we have offered free legal consultations in Spanish every Monday evening through our Free Legal Clinic Free Legal Clinic at the parish offices of Our Lady of Guadalupe in South Omaha. This service was born from a simple idea: remove the first obstacle many families face when seeking legal help the cost of a consultation and replace it with access, trust, and dialogue.

Why a Free Legal Clinic?

We know that for many families, paying $150–$300 for a consultation with an attorney is simply not a realistic option. That cost can mean sacrificing groceries, rent, or medication. The Pesek Law Free Legal Clinic exists to change that reality. Each week, a team of bilingual volunteer attorneys is there, ready to sit with you, listen to your story, and provide clear guidanceat no cost.

This space is not a courtroom hearing or a formal high-level consultation. It is a safe place to explain what is happening, what concerns you, and what options you may have. We have seen how behind every question is a person who wants to understand, move forward, and make informed decisions without feeling alone in the process.

Listening Is More Than Hearing Words

As attorneys, our role goes beyond applying the law. The first thing we truly do is listen. Active listening is the foundation of any effective legal advice.

Many people who have come through our clinic tell us that, for the first time, they felt someone spoke their language not only linguistically, but with human understanding. That opens doors: it eases fears, clarifies options, and helps outline the next step with confidence.

From Our Meeting to the Courtroom

Justice means knowing your rights, understanding how your options work, and feeling that a professional is walking alongside you through the process. In our clinics, we do more than answer questions; we connect individuals with resources and explain, step by step, what may come next.

This effort would not be possible without the commitment of dedicated volunteer attorneys who believe as we do that access to legal guidance should not depend on anyone’s ability to pay.

Our Call to the Community

If you are facing a legal situation and don’t know where to begin, we invite you to attend our clinic. No appointment is necessary simply arrive between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the parish offices of Our Lady of Guadalupe and you will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.

And if you are a bilingual attorney with a desire to serve, your experience can make a meaningful difference in the life of someone who truly needs it. Join us.

La entrada From the Clinic to the Courtroom: Justice Starts with Listening se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

Every good trial attorney becomes intimately familiar with the facts of their cases. These narratives, steeped in emotion, conflict, and resolution, live within us, echoing the triumphs and tribulations of our clients. It is the sacred duty of a trial attorney to harness these stories, allowing them to take form, and then release them with precision and passion at the most opportune moment—a jury trial. To not merely recount events, but to breathe life into them, making them as real for the listeners as they were for those who lived them. It’s in this careful nurturing of stories and the art of their telling that a trial lawyer sharpens their skills and refines their craft. 

Practicing law, even in the allegedly empty and vast prairie landscapes of Nebraska, is a journey full of moral and ethical dilemmas. Often, the depth and intricacies of these stories are such that even our dearest friends and family might find them overwhelming and “tune out” when confronted with an avalanche of information. Yet, every client, every case bestows profound lessons upon us. But how do we process these lessons if we cannot share these tales? How can we truly understand and grow from our experiences if they remain trapped within us? How can our friends and families understand us if our stories are blocked by a wall of confusing and conflicting facts and arguments? 

Thus, what follows is my attempt to bridge this gap. These are not mere recounts of professional experiences, but parables inspired by them. While not strictly factual, they contain invaluable lessons learned on the path to justice. For any justice seeker, the stories should be true enough to illuminate the path. 

Whether you’re a seasoned lawyer, just beginning your journey in the profession, or someone entirely outside the legal realm, I hope these tales resonate. They aim to embolden those considering following the path to justice revealing both its merits and challenges. For the curious non-lawyers, they might offer insight into the complexities and rewards of a life dedicated to the pursuit of justice. 

The path to justice might be daunting, but it’s also filled with revelations and enrichment. As you turn these pages, I hope you discover not just the legal insights, but also the profound human truths nestled within them. 

La entrada The Prairie Barrister – Foreword to the Reader se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

Bad faith happens when an insurance company fails to handle a claim properly or fairly, even though it has a duty to do so. This isn’t about a simple mistake or a normal delay. It’s about practices that, taken together, can stall the claim, wear down the injured person, or pressure them into accepting less than what they deserve.

Common signs of bad faith or to play dirty

Not every delay means bad faith on its own, but if these things keep happening, it’s worth paying attention:

• Unreasonable delays: weeks or months with no real progress, no timelines, and no concrete answers.
• Denials without explanation: a denial based on vague reasons or without clearly citing the policy and supporting evidence.
• Underpayment or lowball offers: quick offers that don’t cover real expenses, treatment, or lost income.
• Repeated requests for the same information: duplicate paperwork demands used as a tactic to exhaust people.
• Poor investigation: decisions made without properly reviewing records, reports, or key information.
• Changing the story: confusing policy interpretations or inconsistent explanations from different adjusters.

Important note: not every delay is bad faith

Sometimes delays happen because of missing information, medical processes, expert evaluations, or administrative procedures. The difference is usually clear when there’s transparency: clear explanations, verifiable steps, and consistent communication.

What to do if something doesn’t seem right

• Document everything: dates, names, emails, calls, what was requested, and what was provided.
• Ask for written reasons: what is being denied, why, and what part of the policy they’re relying on.
• Request a timeline: “What is the next step, and by what date?”
• Don’t sign or accept blindly: especially if there are broad releases or a final closure of the claim.
• Get guidance: a consultation can help clarify whether the claim handling has been fair and what options may exist.

At Pesek Law, the first consultation is completely free. We can review the situation and help determine whether this may be bad faith  by the insurance company, or whether the process has been delayed for other reasons.

To contact Pesek Law, simply click here:

and send us a message, or visit our office at 4826 S 24th St, Omaha, NE 68107, USA.

Pesek Law, together toward justice.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

La entrada When Insurance Companies Play Dirty se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

A trial law firm is a firm that prepares each case as if it may need to be proven in court, even if the goal is to resolve the matter fairly without ever going to trial. The difference isn’t about being combative. It’s about being prepared.

Preparation starts early because details don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and paperwork can become harder to track down. A trial-ready approach means gathering records, securing photos and reports, identifying witnesses, and building a clear timeline. It also means documenting the full impact of an injury, not only medical bills, but how your life and work have changed, and what recovery really looks like day to day.

This kind of work serves a purpose beyond the courtroom. When a claim is organized, supported, and clearly presented, it’s harder to dismiss. Insurance decisions tend to improve when the facts are complete and the story is easy to understand.

Just as important, you should know what’s happening in your own case. Good legal representation includes clear communication: explaining what comes next, what the insurance company is asking for and why, what deadlines matter, and what choices you actually have. If you’re preparing for a deposition or testimony, you deserve guidance that’s calm, practical, and honest, so you’re not walking into a stressful moment feeling unprepared.

If you’re comparing law firms, it’s reasonable to ask direct questions:

* Do you take cases to trial when it’s necessary?

* Who will handle my case day to day?

* How do you prepare clients for depositions or testimony?

* What happens if the insurer delays, denies, or underpays?

Most people don’t need a “big speech.” They need steady support, clear answers, and a plan that makes sense. If you’re not sure where your situation fits, a conversation can help you understand what the process looks like and what options may be available.

At Pesek Law, your first consultation is completely free, so we can review your case and help you understand the next steps. Click here to contact us.

Together toward justice.

*This article is for general information, not legal advice. A consultation can help you evaluate your specific situation*.

La entrada What It Really Means to Be a Trial Law Firm se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

The Prairie Barrister sat at his desk and surveyed his office. When he started the journey, he had nothing except the licenses on the wall. Even with such a humble beginning, the Prairie Barrister had always been determined to seek justice. Every day, the Prairie Barrister diligently went about pursuing justice, task by task, always focused on growing his own ability to seek and find justice in the law. While the Prairie Barrister’s current office was nice, it couldn’t compete with the trappings of corporate or government power. Still, every day the Prairie Barrister removed fear from his own heart, learned to speak truth to power, and pursued justice. In this way, the Prairie Barrister was satisfied.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court where the Prairie Barrister practiced law had commissioned a legacy project: a brand-new Hall of Justice with dozens of courtrooms, deliberation rooms and jury boxes. The night before the inauguration the Chief Justice had a dream. Lady Justice appeared to the judge and said, “I cannot attend the inauguration of the Hall of Justice tomorrow.” Lady Justice continued, “The Prairie Barrister is delivering a closing argument and needs me to be present. The Prairie Barrister is my most faithful servant, it would be wrong if I did not respond to his call. Besides, I will visit your Hall of Justice when the time is right. If I did not, the Hall of Justice could never live up to its name.”

The Chief Justice was highly disappointed. What could one lawyer be doing that would match the power of the Chief Justice’s lifetime achievement, the Hall of Justice? The Chief Justice heard the Prairie Barrister was in trial outside the city, so he went to find him and see for himself what was happening. The Chief Justice found the Prairie Barrister in a beautiful, but small, one room courthouse on the prairie. The courthouse was so small it was only operating one week per month and with a traveling judge. Before he could think anything else, the Chief Justice saw the Prairie Barrister in the hallway, preparing to deliver his final argument without an associate attorney, clerk or assistant. But the Prairie Barrister was not alone, he was speaking with his client, and this is what the Prairie Barrister
said:

“You have waited years for justice. You have doubted if justice can even be found in a courthouse. You have been doubted, by friend and foe alike. They have whispered that your hope for justice is naïve, or worse, delusional. Even now, the air is thick with the fear of injustice. But you have refused to give up hope that justice is real. You have taken action that displayed faith in justice, that sought justice, and kept the flame of justice alive. I cannot guarantee you we will glimpse justice today and, I admit, sometimes justice does not appear when I expect. But I have been seeking justice for years, I have heard her whisper in the wind, she has visited my dreams and she is our ally. Have no fear in your heart. Now is the time for justice. Now is the time for wrongs to be righted. Give me your trust
and confidence. We will call for lady justice and fill this courthouse with her presence.”

The Chief Justice realized then that Lady Justice was right to miss his inauguration. In his heart, the Chief Justice spoke to Lady Justice and said, “It is no matter that you miss my inauguration. I only ask that you appear in the moments of truth and power in the new Hall of Justice.”

La entrada The Prairie Barrister – The Inauguration se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.