Practice Areas
General Civil Trial and Appellate Practice in State and Federal Courts
Insurance Defense
Whether the claim is covered under a personal lines or commercial policy, I defend individuals and commercial businesses as insureds in litigation involving personal injury and property damage cases arising out of a variety of situations, such as motor vehicle accidents, personal liability claims covered under homeowners’ policies, and negligence-based claims against retail and manufacturing businesses.
Insurance Coverage
Claims involving acts that may not be covered under insurance policies continue to place insurers in difficult positions, and the claims professional’s decision could require the company to defend a “bad faith” claim from its insured. Insurers are also faced with an ever-increasing number of fraudulent claims that require special background and experience to handle correctly. Many insurers have sought my advice for coverage opinions and I have worked for insurers’ fraud units in successfully opposing fraudulent claims.
Products Liability
In today’s economic climate, most clients involved specifically in the manufacturing process or generally in the stream of commerce resulting in sales to retail customers understand that their products are always under scrutiny as a potential cause of someone’s injury. Defending claims involving allegations of defective and dangerous products requires counsel to coordinate closely with the insured manufacturer or other business, probably at least one outside consulting expert, and the claims’ professional to put together a defense that, projected into a courtroom, will have the best chance of convincing the jury. Taking such cases to a jury verdict, I have a proven ability to perform in this environment for my clients.
Premises Liability
My experience in handling the defense of cases dealing with alleged negligence on the part of landowners and operators of retail stores is substantial. Such cases have involved unnatural accumulation of ice and snow, alleged surface defects, irregularities with rugs and mats at entrances, claims against convenience store/gasoline self-service stations, and a variety of other alleged acts of negligence directed against my clients.
Professional Malpractice
I also have trial experience in professional malpractice litigation. My professional clients have included hospitals, physicians, dentists, architects, engineers, and attorneys. Understanding the sensitive nature of these claims, I keep the professional/insured as well as the insurer’s claims representative well-informed and closely involved in all phases of litigation and pre-trial strategy, requesting the professional’s input relative to substantive issues unique to the client’s field of expertise.
Construction Litigation
I defend personal injury claims arising out of statutory violations and common law negligence cases filed as a result of construction accidents. Such lawsuits often involve tangled issues of negligence, contribution, indemnification agreements, and multiple-party insurance claims. A simple complaint for personal injuries can often become complex litigation involving cross-claims, derivative actions, and affirmative defenses dealing with specialized statutory and common-law provisions limiting liability.
Special Event Liability
I have successfully handled the defense of a number of claims against amusement parks, city festivals, parades, county fairs, and other “special events.” Each of these claims is a unique occurrence and is often accompanied by a wide array of special circumstances that require the expertise of an experienced defense counsel. I can provide this defense for you and your insureds that have these types of risks.
Workers' Compensation
I defend workers’ compensation and other claims against employers resulting from workplace accidents. Whether the question involves surveillance of the claimant, considering an independent medical examination, or simply whether to settle or take the case to hearing, I can provide insurers and third party administrators the advice they need to resolve their claims effectively and efficiently.