Co-Chair, Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Group | Member
Charleston, WV
office 304.340.3886
mobile 304.550.7394
Ms. Hayes' primary areas of practice are insurance, litigation, and insurance coverage and bad faith litigation.

Education

  • West Virginia University, B.A. in History, 1993
  • West Virginia University College of Law, J.D., 1996

Experience

  • Representing insurance companies before numerous circuit courts throughout West Virginia
  • Counseling and advising insurance companies on matters concerning coverage issues, bad faith litigation, bodily injury and property damage cases, insured contracts and infant summary proceedings
  • Assisting in the defense of bad faith litigation against insurance companies arising out of various types of policies including, but not limited to: auto, life, disability, health, commercial general liability and homeowner’s policies
  • Representing plaintiffs in bodily injury and property damage litigation
  • Preparing and arguing cases in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
  • Assisting in the defense of multi-million dollar employer liability cases (Mandolitis) involving catastrophic injuries and death
  • Assisting in bad faith and Unfair Trade Practices Act trials against insurance companies
  • Representing various health insurance companies in cases involving disputes over benefits, insurance policy terms and conditions
  • Representing various disability insurance companies in cases involving disputes over benefits, insurance policy terms and conditions
  • Representing various companies regarding the interpretation and application of insured contracts

Distinctions

  • Nominated by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Insurance Law
  • WVU Ethel Roberts Memorial Award/Scholarship recipient
  • First Century Bank Ethel N. Bowen Foundation Scholarship recipient

Admissions

  • West Virginia State Bar
  • West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
  • United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Memberships

  • West Virginia Bar Association
  • West Virginia University Alumni Association

Community Involvement

  • Sacred Heart Grade School Fundraising Committee
  • Academy of Arts at January’s volunteer
  • Read Aloud volunteer for Sacred Heart Grade School
  • Blessed Sacrament Church volunteer
  • Appalachian Children’s Chorus Board of Directors, 2015 - present