Our insurance group is experienced in all types of insurance litigations and coverage disputes and has successfully litigated from both sides of the table – for the insurance industry and for the insureds. We handle a variety of lines including commercial and personal auto claims, homeowners coverages, directors and officers liability, employment practice liability coverage, disputes arising under excess, umbrella and reinsurance contracts, bad faith and extra contractual liability issues, first- and third-party environmental claims, first-party appraisal process coordination and construction contractual coverage/indemnity analysis.
We recognize the goal is not simply to win but, rather, where appropriate, to ensure the timely transfer of the risk, responsibility and obligation to other responsible parties. This process entails our thorough review of contracts, certificates of insurance and correspondence exchanged between the contracting parties. Thereafter, if appropriate, we promptly prepare a detailed letter tendering our client’s defense and indemnity and triggering our claim for attorneys’ fees. In the event that such tender is rejected, we next evaluate the potential for a declaratory judgment action. Our firm has enjoyed great success in securing defense and indemnification from other carriers on behalf of our clients and often this includes reimbursement for attorneys’ fees previously expended.
Closely related is Bartlett’s experience in the field of excess insurance, assisting both primary and excess carriers in analyzing, managing and resolving complex contribution, defense and settlement issues. In our role as monitoring counsel we encourage the cost-effective adjustment of claims within the framework of the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions for which the insured and insurer have contracted.
