Most of the work done in the office relates to insurance. Defending business typically means defending insured businesses. Above and beyond that type of representation, however, the office also provides special representation to insurance carriers as they navigate the many and complex duties which they have to fulfill a professional which is highly regulated and in which an error can be very costly.
Sometimes counseling insurance carriers means resolving a coverage question. Do the insured’s actions fall within the terms of the policy? What’s the precedent for or against the question? What are the risks if coverage is denied versus the risks if coverage is accepted? These questions are sometimes closer to advice than advocacy. The insurance client is a sophisticated client and benefits more from realistic assessment than cheerleading. When the coverage question reaches the stage of litigation, it is the role of counsel to assert (or defend) declaratory judgment actions. At other times, counsel must be called on to defend allegations that the insurer acted in bad faith in denying coverage.
Sometimes being on the defense means going on offense. In a subrogation claim, an insurance company that has paid out on a claim brings a lawsuit against the person who was really responsible. Subrogation does involve unique issues and requires a new viewpoint from counsel. This office is available to prosecute subrogation claims on behalf of its insurers and attempt to maximize, through all available tools, the recovery by the insurer.
Things don’t always fall neatly into one category or the other. Whether concerning dispute resolution or other intersections between insurance and the law, the Firm stands prepared to provide reliable advice to its insurance clients.