46 - Unpacking the Complexities of Bad Faith Claims: What You Need to Know
Navigating Montana’s Insurance Litigation Terrain with Erin Erickson & Paul Tranel of Bohyer, Erickson, Beaudette & Tranel, P.C.
In this episode of The Claim Hunter podcast, host Chris Tidball sits down with Erin Erickson and Paul Tranel, Managing Partners at Bohyer, Erickson, Beaudette & Tranel, P.C., to explore the unique dynamics shaping Montana’s insurance litigation landscape. Known for its distinct legal statutes, evolving demographics, and emerging litigation trends, Montana presents both challenges and opportunities for insurers and legal professionals alike. This conversation delivers actionable insights into bad faith insurance claims, advanced pay requirements, jury behavior, and legislative shifts—critical for claims managers, adjusters, and defense attorneys looking to stay ahead.
The Legal Environment in Flux: From Statutes to Settlement Tactics
Montana stands apart with its tightly knit legal community, aggressive bad faith statutes, and the Advanced Pay Rule, which mandates early payments from insurers when liability and causation are clear. Erin and Paul unpack these issues in detail, offering advice on navigating the fine line between fair claim resolution and overexposure. The episode also addresses rising jury verdicts driven by demographic shifts, the impact of third-party litigation funding, and the recent changes to Montana’s collateral source statute, which now limits the inflation of medical damages at trial.
From a broader perspective, Chris, Erin, and Paul also discuss how legislative and cultural shifts are reshaping trial strategy, claim valuation, and insurer responsibilities. The episode concludes with a reflection on career longevity and balance, as well as advice for legal professionals managing complexity across jurisdictions.
About Erin Erickson & Paul Tranel
Erin Erickson and Paul Tranel are Managing Partners at Bohyer, Erickson, Beaudette & Tranel, P.C., where they focus on complex civil litigation, including insurance defense, bad faith claims, and professional liability. Their deep understanding of Montana’s legal system makes them trusted advisors to insurers navigating evolving risk.
About Bohyer, Erickson, Beaudette & Tranel, P.C.
Located in Missoula, Montana, Bohyer, Erickson, Beaudette & Tranel, P.C. is a premier litigation firm with a strong reputation in insurance defense, medical malpractice, construction law, and professional liability. The firm is recognized for its integrity, strategic litigation approach, and client-first values.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
Montana’s Advanced Pay Rule requires early payments when liability and causation are established, adding pressure to insurer decision-making.
Demographic shifts—especially an influx of out-of-state residents—are influencing jury behavior and increasing verdict values.
New amendments to the collateral source statute reduce inflated medical damages, changing how plaintiff damages are presented.
Third-party litigation funding is on the rise, creating new considerations around case valuation and ethics.
Professional excellence and personal fulfillment can coexist—reflections on balancing courtroom performance with life outside the office.
As Montana’s legal climate continues to evolve, staying informed about statutes, jury trends, and best practices is essential for those in insurance and legal defense. Erin and Paul deliver a masterclass in navigating risk, adapting to change, and leading with professionalism in a state with outsized legal impact.
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