Source: https://www.burldaniel.com/insurance-bad-faith-expert-witness-cases/
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 16:46:34+00:00

Document:
Retained by carrier’s defense counsel to review allegations of Insurance Bad Faith Claims Handling for a Workers Compensation claim denial. Case required opinions regarding whether claim denial was reasonable, based on inconsistencies in employee’s version of how and where the injury occurred, and ceasing communications shortly after the alleged injury. Attorneys Paul Gerding and Andrew McNichol, Kutak Rock LLP (480) 429-5000; Ndwiga v. Plaza Insurance Company, Case No. 2:18-cv- 02324-SPL In United States District Court For The District of Arizona.
Engaged by policyholder counsel to opine on Insurance Bad Faith Claims Handling of a Dwelling Policy water loss. Case required analysis of Xactimate estimates and reasonable standards for claims handling custom and practice. Dispute resulted from carrier’s refusal to pay total cleanup and dry out costs, which lead to restoration contractor obtaining a judgment against owner. Attorney Jeremy Hugus, Platte River Injury Law, (307) 840-1064. Zamir v. Central Mutual Insurance Co., Case No. 2018CV130, In District Court, Arapahoe County, Colorado.
Retained as Personal Auto & Insurance Bad Faith Expert by carrier’s counsel defending Stowers Doctrine allegations. Auto accident involved injuries to multiple parties who asserted claims, resulted in hospital liens and unreasonable Stowers demand deadlines. Case required analysis of insurance industry claims handling custom and practice standards. Attorneys Kurt Paxson and Garrett Yancey, Mounce, Green, Myers, Safi, Paxson & Galatzan PC, (915) 532-2000. Romero v. Mid-Century Insurance Co., Cause No. 2015-DCV3394 In 448th Judicial District Court of El Paso County, Texas.
Engaged by policyholder counsel to analyze NFIP, non-NFIP and/or Excess Flood Insurance issues. Case required analysis of NFIP Flood Zones remapping and Flood Insurance Rate Map revisions for a Hurricane Harvey loss at an uninsured location. Agency was retained under terms and conditions of a fee-based insurance and risk management services contract. Attorney Will King, Feldman and Feldman, PC (713) 986-9471. The Harris Center v. Higginbotham, Case No. Case No. 201812120 In 80th District Court, Harris County, Texas.
Engaged by policyholder counsel to analyze issues of Insurance Bad Faith Claims Handling. Case required analysis of damage patterns from straight-line winds and whether construction defect caused the loss. Dispute followed carrier denying most of the damage from a windstorm claim asserting construction defect as the proximate cause of loss. Attorneys. Scott Blass and Erica Cross, Bordas and Bordas Attorneys, PLLC, (304) 242-8410. Thompson v. Allstate, Civil Action No. 5:18-CV-118, In The United States District Court For The Northern District of West Virginia, Wheeling.
Engaged by policyholder counsel as their Property Insurance expert to evaluate Bad Faith Claims Handling for a hail damage claim. Independent adjuster’s flawed Xactimate estimate resulted in his seeking a comparative bid by introducing his own roofing contractor. That roofer then performed partial repairs and stole most of the insurance claim proceeds. MLLCA v. Argonaut, Vericlaim, et al; Cause No. CV 17-01-057 In The 271st Judicial District Of Wise County, Texas. Attorney Matt Meyer, Boyd Powers & Williamson (940) 627-8308.
Engaged by counsel defending insurance carrier against allegations of Bad Faith claims handling following denial of an uncovered Flood claim. Case required analysis of NFIP Flood Zone definitions relative to an Inland Marine policy flood exclusion. Attorneys Mike Cawley and Alex Brown, Gordon & Rees | Scully Mansukhani, LLP (215) 561-2300. Vanguard v. Atlantic Specialty Insurance Co. Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, January Term 2017, No. 02023.
Engaged by defense counsel to address allegations of Insurance Agent E&O / Bad Faith involving Business Income – Rents insurance. Dispute resulted following a restaurant fire loss and subsequent carrier denial of landlord’s claim for Rents coverage under tenant’s Property insurance policy. Case required analysis of insurance requirements in a building lease, numerous years of tenant and landlord carrier/coverage histories and associated Certificates of Insurance. Attorneys Bill Threlkeld and James Wilcoxen, Fenton, Fenton, Smith, Reneau & Moon, PC, (405) 235-4671. PWB v. Frates Insurance, Case No. CIV-17-387-R, In The United States District Court For The Western District of Oklahoma.
Retained by counsel for carrier seeking to rescind a Commercial General Liability policy based on agent’s failure to disclose material underwriting information on the application. Case required analysis of issues relative to Agents Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith Claims Handling and Workers Compensation issues involving an injured worker. Atlantic Casualty v. N&A Properties; Case 4:17-CV-368-A in United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division. Attorneys Camille Johnson and Steve Santayana, Savrick, Schumann, Johnson, McGarr, Kaminski & Shirley, LLP, (214) 368-1515.
Engaged by defense counsel to opine regarding Agent Errors & Omissions relative to whether the insurance agent was ever provided a copy of an oil field Master Services Agreement. The dispute resulted from an employee injury, plaintiff’s previous failure to complete required actions to obtain Workers Compensation and carrier denial of a Commercial General Liability claim. Allegations against the agent included failure to procure Commercial Auto and Commercial General Liability to comply with MSA contractual liability insurance requirements. Emperor v. Millennium Insurance Services; Cause No. 2016CI14546 In The District Court of Bexar County, Texas 150th Judicial District. Attorney Frank McNiff, Welder Leshin Lorenz McNiff Buchanan Hawn, LLP, (361) 561-8008.
Engaged by plaintiff counsel to analyze issues of coverage and claims handling under a Union Liability policy. The dispute resulted from carrier denial of labor contract violations claims; policyholder eventually assigned its rights to the third party claimant which pursued its coverage rights under Professional Liability, Directors & Officer and Employment Practices Liability alleging claims handling Insurance Bad Faith. Davis Wire v. Ullico Casualty Group, et al; No. 16-2-24564-1 KNT, Superior Court for the State of Washington In and For The County of King. Attorney Eamon Kelly, Sperling & Slater, PC, (312) 676-5845.
Engaged by policyholder counsel as their designated Property and Business Income expert to opine regarding claims handling for two Business Interruptions resulting from one water loss. Case involved partial claim denial for a furniture store’s second temporary business closure. Attorney Michael Collins, Hill Farrer & Burrill LLP, (213) 620-0460. Leather Expo, Inc. v. California Capital Insurance Co., Case No. BC611176 Superior Court Of The State of California County of Los Angeles Central District.
Engaged by plaintiff counsel as consulting expert to evaluate Agent Errors and Omissions issues relative to Uninsured Motorist bad faith claims handling. Dispute resulted from a motorcycle rider being seriously injured after agent’s failure to procure Personal Auto coverage. Fry v. Colorado Insurance Advisors, Progressive Insurance, et al; Case No. C2017CV30290, Larimer County District Court, State of Colorado, Division 4A. Attorney Phillip Chupik, Metier Law Firm LLC (970) 377-3800.
Engaged by carrier’s defense counsel to evaluate Notice of Cancellation issues for a Personal Auto policy. Petition included allegations of Insurance Bad Faith claims handling for claim denial after a policy cancelled for nonpayment. Attorneys Dawn Goeres and Tom Cooper, Pignato, Cooper, Kolker & Roberson, P.C. (405) 606-3333. Petro v. American Mercury, Case No. CJ-2016-33 In The District Court of Rogers County, Oklahoma.
Engaged by counsel defending insurance carrier against allegations of Bad Faith Claims Handling. Case involved a Motor Truck Cargo total fire loss of load being hauled, and subsequent claim denial by carrier. Two expert reports were required: carrier was initially Defendant (against policyholder allegations) and later Third Party Plaintiff (when it joined the insurance agency as a Third Party Defendant). Case required expertise with Inland Marine policy forms, Motor Truck Cargo coverage placement through a wholesale broker / Purchasing Group master policy and Agent Errors & Omissions regarding non-disclosure of terms & conditions to policyholder. Attorney John Kazen – Kazen, Meurer & Perez (956) 712-1600. Zebra Carriers v. Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association Insurance Company v. Solo Trucking Insurance Agency; Cause No. 2015-CVQ-003844-D2 In 111th Judicial District Court, Webb County, Texas.
Engaged by counsel defending insurance carrier against allegations of Bad Faith Claims Handling. Case involved a trucker covered under a specified commodities Motor Truck Cargo policy. Litigation resulted from claim denial for a total fire loss of load based on commodities being hauled had not been declared on the application. Case required scrutiny of Agent Errors & Omissions issues relative to coverage placement under a Purchasing Group master policy, non-disclosure of terms & conditions to policyholder/applicant and expertise with Inland Marine / Motor Truck Cargo policy forms. Attorney Andy Kehagiaras, Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP (310) 642-9800. US Cheeta Trucking v. Valleys Best Insurance, et al, Case No. 34-2015-00184655-U-IC-GDS, Superior Court Of The State of California For The County of Sacramento.
Engaged by policyholder counsel to analyze coverage under a Homeowners policy endorsed to insure a float home. Carrier’s claim denial for windstorm damage to the float home subsequently lead to litigation. Case required expertise with Agent Errors & Omissions relative to covered perils under Homeowners and Marine insurance policy forms. Eismann v. Farm Bureau, Case No. CV-2016-478 In First Judicial District Court Of The State of Idaho, County of Kootenai. Attorney April Linscott, Owens, McCrea & Linscott, PLLC (208) 762-0203.
Engaged by defense counsel as their Homeowners Insurance claims handling expert. Case included homeowner allegations of bad faith claims handling regarding hail damage. Case required analysis of hailstorm weather patterns and carrier actions relative to Texas’ statutory timelines for insurance claims handling. Howell v. Germania Mutual, Cause No. 2016-519,324 In The District Court of Lubbock County, Texas, 72nd Judicial District. Attorney Dax Voss, Field, Manning, Stone, Hawthorne & Aycock, P .C. (806) 796-4000.
Retained by policyholder counsel as a Property Insurance Expert to analyze Agents Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith claims handling issues. Case required analysis of underwriting vs. subsequent denial of a theft claim based on occupancy levels less than vacancy clause requirements. Nayeb v. Travelers, et al; Cause No. 15-05862-442 In The 442nd Judicial District Court Denton County, Texas. Attorney Jeff Atkins, Fell Law Firm (972) 488-8177.
Engaged by counsel for policyholder as their Agent Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith expert. Case involved analysis of Property and Inland Marine insurance placement issues relative to Livestock mortality for dairy cattle. Dispute arose after claim denial for widespread smothering loss of cattle during a blizzard event. Attorney Brent Hamilton, Brady & Hamilton, LLP (806) 771-1850. CBJ v. Davis; Case 2:16-cv-00109-J In The United States District Court For The Northern District Of Texas, Amarillo Division.
Retained by carrier’s defense counsel as their Insurance Bad Faith and Commercial Auto expert regarding an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claim denial. Case required expertise with nuances of coverage afforded the “first named insured contrasted with policy language requiring other claimants to occupy a covered auto. Attorney Melissa England, Graif Barrett & Matura, P.C., (602) 792-5700. Smith v. Auto-Owners, Complaint No. S-1400-CV201500545 In Superior Court of the State of Arizona, In and For The County of Yuma.
Engaged by policyholder counsel to analyze Agent Errors & Omissions issues regarding failure to procure available NFIP flood insurance. Case involved client request for flood insurance followed by agent initially providing faulty Elevation Certificate/Flood Zone information, and later failing to follow agency procedures regarding offering flood insurance. After an epic flood virtually totaled the client’s bed & breakfast facilities, the Commercial Property carrier denied the claim based on the flood exclusion. Attorney Molly Bowen, Mostyn Law, (832) 964-4830. Chimney Valley Lodge v. Newmark Insurance Services, et al. Cause No. CV08077: 2016EF2833 In the District Court of Blanco County, Texas, 33rd Judicial District.
Engaged by policyholder counsel as their designated expert for Agents Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith to evaluate issues regarding failure to procure proper insurance coverage. Case involved claim denial of a large wood kiln fire loss due to improperly structured Property. Boiler & Machinery and Business Income Insurance. Attorney Brady Rife, McNeeley Stephenson Attorneys (317) 825-5110. Kustom Kilns v. Nuthak, In Shelby County Superior Court I, State of Indiana, Cause No. 73D01-1502-CT-5.
Engaged by defense counsel to evaluate Insurance Bad Faith and Agents Errors & Omissions allegations resulting from a dwelling total fire loss. Case required expertise with Homeowners insurance to value / replacement cost software used for underwriting. Attorneys Eric Van Beber and Leilani Leighton (913) 888-1000, Wallace Saunders Attorneys. Lawson v. Standard Fire Insurance Co, Case No. 1416-CV04078 In The Circuit Court of Jasper County Missouri, Division I, at Joplin.
Engaged by policyholder counsel to analyze and opine on claims handling practices for cattle theft claims under a Farm & Ranch policy. Case required analysis of cattle buy/sell inventory records and inconsistencies in adjuster’s claims log entries. Attorneys Paul Bezney and Marlene Thomson (214) 740-2500, Adkerson, Hauder & Bezney, P.C. Linn v. Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Case No. CJ2014-38 In The District Court of Grady County Oklahoma.
Engaged by policyholder counsel to evaluate Insurance Bad Faith relative to Homeowners policies claims handling custom and practice. Litigation resulted from a near-total dwelling fire loss, followed by a second total fire loss after repairs were substantially completed. The central in this matter was how and when limits are reinstated under a Homeowners policy as stages of repairs are completed. Attorney Manny Guerra, Guerra Law Office (713) 993-2342. Treviño v. Travelers; Case No. 7:15-cv-00034, In The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, McAllen Division.
Engaged by counsel defending allegations of Agents Errors & Omissions and Bad Faith for “failure to advise”. Case required evaluation of Homeowners theft coverage underwriting standards for older homes relative to Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value policies. Attorney Shawna McCalip, Holden & Carr, (918) 295-8888. Allin v. Pritchard; Case No, CJ-2014-100 In The District Court of Comanche County, State of Oklahoma.
Engaged by counsel defending allegations of Agents Errors & Omissions for “failure to procure”. The case required evaluation of Homeowners insurance underwriting standards for Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value policies. Attorney Samantha Horner (816) 979-1522, Case Linden P.C. Blow v. Fairchild Insurance Services, Case No. 14CV31 In The District Court of Pottawatomie County, Kansas.
Engaged by plaintiff counsel pursuing allegations of Bad Faith claims handling under Commercial Auto (Garage Liability) coverage. Case resulted from disputed valuation of physical damage to a heavy truck. Attorney Graham Martin, Martin Law Offices (606) 349-6171. Little v. Martin’s Peterbilt and United Financial Insurance Co.; Case No. 12-CI-262, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Laurel Circuit Court, Division II.
Engaged by counsel defending allegations of bad faith for both Managing General Agent E&O and carrier claims handling practices. Dispute resulted from denial of ‘Well Out of Control’ and pollution claims from a ‘plugged & abandoned well’ fluids release. Case required analysis of an Energy Exploration & Development policy relative to first party property and third party pollution liability coverage. Denbury Resources v. Lloyds of London, et al; Cause No. 2012-10397 In The District Court of Harris County, Texas, 270th Judicial District. Attorneys Bart Hall and Jonathan Womack, Phelps Dunbar LLP (504) 566-1311.
Engaged by plaintiff counsel as their Commercial Auto, Insurance Bad Faith and Workers Compensation expert. Case involved a truck driver fatality and required analysis of Commercial Auto and Workers Compensation coverage and claim denial issues. Dispute resulted from differing positions as to whether trucker was an employee or independent contract driver. Attorney Chris Pinedo, Hilliard Munoz Gonzales, LLP (361) 882-1612. Arca Trucking vs. Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Co.; Cause No. 2014-DCV2416 In The District Court of El Paso County, Texas, County Court at Law 6.
Engaged by policyholder counsel to analyze issues of Insurance Bad Faith claims handling practices relative to Personal Injury Protection coverage under a Personal Auto policy. Attorney Thomas Friedberg, Law Offices of Friedberg & Bunge (619) 557-0101. Schoenfeld v. USAA, Case No. 37-2013-00045246-CU-IC-CTL, Superior Court of The State Of California In And For the County Of San Diego, Central Judicial District.
Engaged by defense counsel to opine on alleged Agents Errors & Omissions stemming from a Homeowners Insurance liability claim denied under the motor vehicle exclusion. Case required knowledge of agent duties of inquiry and coverage procurement. Attorney Eric Edwardson,(409) 924-0845. Texas Farm Bureau v. Broussard; Cause No. 2013-08014 In The District Court of Harris County, Texas 157th Judicial District.
Engaged by defense counsel for Surplus Lines broker as their Agent Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith expert. Case required analysis of Property, Flood Insurance and Business Income claims issues relative to Statements of Value, Margin Clauses and Scheduled vs. Blanket policies. Litigation resulted from disputed values during flood claim settlement. Attorneys David Clark and Jack Urquhart, Beirne, Maynard, & Parsons, LLP (713) 623-0887. Menard v. Wells Fargo and Swett & Crawford; Civil Action No. 10-cv-7592, State of Wisconsin Circuit Court Milwaukee County.
Engaged by defense counsel as their Flood Insurance and Agent’s Errors & Omissions expert. Case required analysis of Insurance Bad Faith allegations resulting from claim denial for Flood Zone A locations. Claim included loss of Property and Business Income under an Inland Marine policy form. Attorney Tom Cooper, Pignato, Cooper, Kolker, & Roberson, P.C. (405) 606-3333. Coast to Coast Power Sports v. Robert Bates Agency, et al; Case No. CJ-2012-03555 In The District Court In And For Tulsa County, Oklahoma.
Retained by carrier counsel as their Insurance Bad Faith and Property Insurance Expert relative to claims handling Customs and Practices. Case required underwriting expertise when moving coverage from an admitted market Inland Marine builders risk to a Surplus Lines vacant dwelling policy. Litigation resulted when large water loss claim was denied due to vacancy disclosures on the insurance application. Pennink, et al v. Lloyds, et al; Case 1:11-cv-00673-TDS-WWD, North Carolina Durham County In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division File No. 11-CVS-5555. Attorney Jeremy Stephenson, McNair Law Firm, P.A. (704) 347-6456; Attorney Jon Dryer, Wilson Elser Attorneys (215) 606-3908.
Engaged by policyholder counsel as its Commercial General Liability and Pollution Liability expert relative to Insurance Bad Faith claims handling. Environmental contamination resulted from a pipeline valve failure, requiring site remediation. Litigation resulted following carrier’s denial of the pollution claim based on alleged late reporting. Arrow Pipeline v. National American Insurance Co., et al; Case No. CJ-2012-00313 In the District Court of Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma. Attorney Mark Blongewicz, Hall Estill Attorneys (918) 594-0400.
Retained by counsel defending agent against allegations of Agent Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith. Litigation resulted following claim denial of a grain bin explosion loss. Engagement required Property Insurance and Surplus Lines expertise. Martinek v. Hertel, et al; Cause No. CV-12-0103 In The District Court of Grayson County, Texas, 59th Judicial District. Attorneys Tom Culpepper and Angela Caffey, Thompson Coe Cousins & Irons (214) 871-8200.
Designated as Insurance Bad Faith and Personal Auto Expert by carrier’s attorney defending Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage claim denial. Case required analysis of carrier underwriting and claims handling practices. Attorney Rick Lyde, Vidaurri, Lyde, Rodriguez & Haynes, L.L.P. (956) 381-6602. Villarreal v. Fred Loya Insurance Agency, Inc.; Cause No. 2011-DCL-8586, In The 444th Judicial District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas.
Retained by policyholder counsel as their Property Insurance Expert to analyze Insurance Bad Faith claims handling issues. Case required expertise with water damage loss and vacancy permits on a Surplus Lines policy. Quackenbush v. Scottsdale; Case No. 2:12-cv-190-J In United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Amarillo Division. Attorney Dusty Stockard, Stockard, Johnston & Brown, PC (806) 372-2202.
Engaged by agent’s defense counsel as their Agents Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith, Business Income and Property Insurance Expert for multiple Hurricane Ike apartment complexes claims. Case involved Surplus Lines, standard of care, and disclosure of material facts relative to coastal windstorm deductibles. Landco v. Consolidated American Services; Cause No. 2010-23329 In The District Court Harris County, Texas, 281st Judicial District. Attorney Kevin Madden, Kane Russell Coleman & Logan PC, (713) 425-7452.
Engaged by counsel for third party as their as Insurance Bad Faith and Personal Auto Expert to provide pre-litigation analysis. Case involved cancellation and rewrite of existing PAP coverage contemporaneous with injured passenger seeking coverage for injuries from an auto accident. Farwell v. American Family Insurance; Attorney Don Murphy, Murphy & Pressentin, (866) 230-2282.
Engaged by policyholder’s outside counsel seeking Commercial General Liability coverage for a fatality claim caused by a tank explosion. Case required evaluation of Insurance Bad Faith and Agents Errors & Omissions “failure to procure” issues. Belken Oil, LLC v. Woodworth Insurance Agency; Attorney Scott Helmholz, Bailey & Glasser, LLP , (217) 528-1177.
Engaged by mortgagee’s counsel as their Insurance Agent Error & Omission and Property Insurance Expert. Case required evaluation of agent’s conduct regarding placements, renewals and endorsements of three Inland Marine Builders Risk policies. Allegations by mortgagee of Insurance Bad Faith arose from agent’s misrepresentations on ACORD. Evidence of Property Insurance forms. Attorney David Clement – Clement, Gates & May (504) 598-2220; Baronne v. Assurance Co. of America, et al; Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, Number: 09-4893 Division “I-14”.
Engaged by tug boat owner listed as third party Additional Assured under an Ocean Marine policy. Case involved Agents Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith requiring analysis of Hull damage late notice of claim and carrier claims handling practices. Marc Oliver v. Atchafalaya Marine, LLC, et al; Civil Action No. CV: 11-223-KD-C, United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, Southern Division. Attorney Margaret Miller, Margaret McDowell Miller, LLC (251) 635-6660.
Consulting expert engaged by counsel for carrier and surplus lines agent pursuing recovery from retail agent. Case involved placement issues for a Food Borne Illness policy covering Trade Name Restoration, Loss of Business Income and Incident Response. Following claim denial for an E-coli outbreak, litigation resulted from retail agent’s “failure to disclose material terms” to restaurant franchisees enrolled under a Master policy. Lloyds and Professional Liability Insurance Services v. IMA of Kansas; Cause no. D-1-GN-10-004172 In District Court of Travis County, Texas, 353rd Judicial District. Attorney Christopher White, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP (214) 722-7100.
Designated as Insurance Bad Faith and Personal Auto Expert by attorney for policyholder seeking payment under Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. Case required analysis of carrier claims handling practices regarding prompt claim settlement. Attorney Brad Johnson (702) 222-4145, Kravitz, Schnitzer, Sloane & Johnson, Jordan v. GEICO; Case No. A-10-627758-C, Dept No. XIX; In The Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada.
Engaged by carrier’s defense counsel as their Insurance Bad Faith, Business Income and Property Insurance Expert. Case required evaluation of claims handling practices relative to partial denial of water damage and mold claims based on a wear and tear exclusion. Eagles Nest Church v. State Auto Insurance, et al; Cause No. 096254334-11 in The 96th Judicial District Court, Tarrant County, Texas. Attorneys Charles Mitchell and Ray Palmer, Naman Howell Smith & Lee, PLLC , (817) 509-2025.
Designated as a Property Insurance Expert by policyholder counsel to evaluate claims handling custom & practice. The litigation resulted from Hurricane Rita windstorm damage to a hotel and subsequent claim investigation by carrier. Engagement included review of Insurance Bad Faith issues on the part of a Surplus Lines carrier. Cause No. 12,426; S.A. Hospitality v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, In the 1st Judicial District Court, Sabine County, Texas. Attorney Chris Leavitt, The Buzbee Law Firm, (713) 223-5393.
Engaged by carrier’s defense counsel to analyze Non-standard Personal Auto coverage following denial of a claim. Pleadings included allegations of Insurance Bad Faith regarding claims handling practices. Cardenas v. Loya Insurance Company, Cause No.. 2010-CCL-00247-A In The County Court at Law No. 1, Cameron County, Texas. Attorney Rick Lyde, Vidaurri, Lyde, Rodriguez, & Haynes, LLP (956) 381-6602.
Engaged as a Property Insurance Expert by counsel defending allegations of Agents Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith. Litigation resulted from construction agreement insurance requirements, Inland Marine Builders Risk claim denial, and eventual Homeowners subrogation. Attorney Desmond Cooks, (214) 736-9433 The Willis Law Group; Stevens v. Trujillo Insurance Agency; Cause No. 048-248921-10 In the District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, 48th Judicial District.
Engaged by policyholder’s counsel as its designated expert for Property Insurance, Agents Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith. Case involved analysis of claim denial issues based on a vacancy clause. Spring Center v. AGCS Marine Insurance Company, et al; Cause No. 2011-09454 In the 11th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas. Attorney Brant Durrett, Durrett Law Firm, (713) 623-6881.
Engaged by carrier’s defense counsel as their Workers Compensation expert. Carrier and third party administrator were enjoined in litigation between policyholder and agent following a fatality injury to an out of state employee. Case involved allegations of Agent Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith relative to “Other States Insurance”, Construction agreements and Certificates of Insurance. Factory Sales and Engineering v. Ellsworth Corporation, et al; Docket No. 2007-15870 Division “D”, 22nd Judicial District Court for the State of Louisiana, Parish of St. Tammany. Attorneys for carrier Heather Blackburn & Janice Unland, Rabalais, Unland, & Lorio, (985) 893-9900.
Engaged as Flood Insurance and Insurance Bad Faith expert by attorney filing a Class Action Complaint for a group of NFIP policyholders. Claims dispute arose over inconsistencies between declarations pages and NFIP Dwelling policy definitions of “Basements” and “Elevated Buildings.” Grigsby, et al v. Fidelity National Property and Casualty Insurance Company; Civil Action No. 4:11-cv-03800, In the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Attorney John Grazier, (281) 335-7466.
Engaged by defense counsel for carrier as their Property Insurance Expert. Case required review of carrier’s claims handling practices relative to policyholder allegations of Insurance Bad Faith. The dispute involved carrier claims investigation and claims handling practices following a total fire loss. Majestic Flowers vs. State Auto Insurance, Cause No. 37309; In the 82nd Judicial District Court of Falls County, Texas. Attorney for carrier Charles B. Mitchell, Jr., Naman Howell Smith & Lee, PLLC , (817) 509-2025.
Designated as Agents Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith and Property Insurance Expert to evaluate policy renewal and claims handling practices. The dispute involved windstorm claims from Hurricane Ike and aspects of failure to disclose Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value. Woodforest Baptist Church v. Scottsdale Insurance Co., et al, No. 2009-37563 in District Court, 157th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas. Attorney for insured Mark Beausoleil, (936) 336-6275.
Engaged by counsel for policyholder to analyze Personal Auto coverage issues relative to Personal Injury Protection. Case included allegations of Insurance Bad Faith Expert related to claims handling practices of the carrier. Synodis v. Allstate, et al; Case No. A573297 in District Court Clark County, Nevada. Attorney David Boehrer, Richard Harris Law Firm , (702) 385-1400.
Engaged by policyholder counsel as their Inland Marine and Property Insurance Expert. Litigation resulted from partial claim denial following the armed robbery of a jewelry store. Claim denial hinged on effective date of an endorsement to increase a Jewelers Block policy limits. Case required evaluation of Agent Errors & Omissions, Surplus Lines procedures and Insurance Bad Faith claims handling. Eagle Jewelry v. United National Insurance Company, et al; No. 2009-50936 In The District Court of Harris County, Texas, 334th Judicial District. Attorney Bob Tarics, The Tarics Law Firm, PC, (713) 461-9490.
Engaged by policyholder counsel as their Boiler & Machinery and Property Insurance Expert. Case required analysis of Difference-in-Conditions coverage, Business Income and Insurance Bad Faith regarding carrier’s claims handling practices. Case involved Boiler & Machinery cause and origin review of pressure vessel implosion at a Chlor alkali plant near Las Vegas, NV. Olin Chlor Alkali Products v. Continental Casualty, et al, Case No. 2:10-cv-00625-GMN-RJJ in United States District Court for the District of Nevada. Attorney Lorie Masters, Jenner & Block LLP, (202) 639-6076.
Designated as an Ocean Marine Insurance Expert by counsel for policyholder. Engagement required analysis of seaworthiness and carrier Bad Faith claims handling after a lightning strike damaged a yacht. Attorney Chris Garcia, Mills Shirley, L.L.P. (409) 763-2341; Adams v. One Beacon Insurance, et al; Cause No. 09CV2262 in the 10th Judicial District Court, Galveston County, Texas.
Designated by defense counsel as their Flood Insurance and Agent’s Errors & Omissions expert. Litigation involved Hurricane Ike flood claim disputes. Pleadings included allegations against the agent of Insurance Bad Faith and failure to procure Business Income. Attorney Brendan Cook, Baker & McKenzie, (713) 427-5000. South Coast Cement v. Willis of Texas, et al; Cause No. 60,687 in County Court at Law Number 1, Galveston County, Texas.
Engaged as a Property Insurance Expert by policyholder seeking coverage for Hurricane Ike Builders Risk claims. Case included allegations of Insurance Agent Error & Omission and carrier Insurance Bad Faith. Case required expertise with construction agreements relative to ordinance and law coverage, large Wind and Hail deductibles, and Business Income soft costs under Inland Marine builders risk policies. Attorney Windell Snow (316) 263-5959; Construction Services Bryant v. Cincinnati Insurance Company, Case No. 09 CV 3137 in the Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Sedgwick County, Kansas, Civil Department.
Retained by defense counsel for carrier as their Commercial General Liability and Insurance Bad Faith expert. Case involved carrier standards & practices for claims investigation, setting reserves and claims settlement. Litigation resulted after insurer denied payment of fatality claim in: Allen v. Guide One Insurance Company; Commonwealth of Kentucky, 44th Judicial Circuit, Bell Circuit Court, Civil Action No.: 06-CI-00583. Attorney David A. Trevey, Fulkerson & Kinkel, (859) 253-0523.
Designated by policyholder counsel as their Agents Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith and Property Insurance Expert. Engagement required expertise with blanket insurance, coinsurance vs. Agreed Value, Business Income, Wet Marine Insurance, and Surplus Lines custom & practice. Claim dispute followed after multi-million dollar flood damage to the largest marina on Lake Texoma. Lake Texoma Highport, LLC v. Lloyd’s of London, et al; Civil Action No. 4:08cv285; In The United States District Court For The Eastern District Of Texas, Sherman Division. Attorney Bart Higgins – Shields, Britton, Frazier (972) 788-2040.
Engaged by policyholder’s counsel to analyze claim issues following a cruise boat sinking. Case included issues of seaworthiness and Insurance Bad Faith claims handling in regards to settlement of a Commercial Ocean Marine loss. Attorney Jim Ross, Jim Ross & Associates, P.C. (817) 275-4100; Admiralty Inland Cruises v. Indemnity Insurance / ACE USA, et al; No.4-08CV-746-A United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.
Engaged by defense counsel to opine on issues regarding Commercial Auto, Agent Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith. Case involved insurance for Mexican truckers operating in the United States and/or Mexico. Defense counsel Elizabeth Christ, (210) 227-3243, Denton, Navarro, Rocha & Bernal, P.C.; Salazar v. Medina; Cause No. 09-02-24170-MCV, 293rd Judicial District Court of Maverick County, Texas.
Case included Agent Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith allegations by the carrier seeking to recover claim payments for a total fire loss. Engaged by counsel for MGA and carrier as their Property Insurance & Homeowners Insurance Expert. Attorneys Jeanie Tate Goodwin & Jerry Kimmitt (713) 917-0888, Legge, Farrow, Kimmitt, McGrath Attorneys; TSG Insurance & Lloyds London v. Nickes Insurance, Cause No. 2008-76081, 189th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas.
Designated as Commercial Auto Insurance expert by counsel for policyholder. Case required expertise in Hired and Nonowned auto coverage, contractual liability, additional insureds and Commercial Umbrella policies. Pleadings involved issues of Agent Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith. Mick White Renovations v. Affordable Insurance Services, et al; Case No. K.S.A. Chapter 60, In District Court of Johnson County, Kansas. Attorney Charles Fairchild (816) 500-0280.
Insurance expert witness designation pertaining to Business Auto claim denial for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. Case required analysis of interplay between Commercial Auto, Agent Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith and Workers Compensation. Elizondo v. American International Group, et al; Cause No. 07-62262-1, County Court at Law No. 1, Nueces County, Texas. Plaintiff counsel Doug Allison (361) 215-7802.
Engaged as Property Insurance Expert by a property owner following a fire loss. Case required knowledge of coinsurance, Agents Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith and Business Interruption. Fuller v. Ramey King and Northfield Insurance; Cause No. 352232972, 352nd Judicial District Court of Tarrant County, Texas. Attorney Barry Hasten, Hasten & Hansen Attorneys, (817) 429-0956.
Retained by policyholder to negotiate a machine shop total fire loss claim with the carrier. Policyholder was General Machined Products; carrier was Sentry Insurance Company. Engagement required Property Insurance ACV and RC calculations of difficult to value inventory, analysis and calculations for Business Income and assessment of potential bad faith claims handling. Settlement was finalized through the Appraisal process. Attorney Craig Crockett, The Crockett Firm PC (817) 810-0400.
Engaged by defense counsel as their Agent Errors and Omissions, Property Insurance and Insurance Bad Faith Expert. Case required expertise with Business Income, Flood Insurance, Surplus Lines & Ocean Marine Insurance. Litigation resulted from partial claim denials for losses during Hurricanes Jeanne and Francis. Attorneys Larry Montgomery & Lee Chase, Glankler Brown, PLLC ( 901) 525-1322 . Dyer Investment Company, LLC, et al v. Marsh & McLennan and Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s; Case No. 05CV2812-D/P in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Western Division.
Defense counsel engagement regarding alleged Insurance Bad Faith placement of a loss sensitive insurance program and carrier’s claim reserve methodology. Case required expertise in Commercial General Liability, Workers Compensation, Agent Errors & Omissions. Attorneys Leland de la Garza and David Tabor – Shackelford, Melton & McKinley, LLP (214) 780-1400 Lauren Engineers and Contractors, Inc. v. Hilb Rogal, and St. Paul Insurance , 104th District Court, Taylor County, TX, Cause # 23376-B.
Retained by plaintiff as consulting Property Insurance Expert to analyze issues surrounding claim denial under an Inland Marine Builders Risk policy. Case issues included Additional Insured endorsements, policy exclusions, Agent Errors & Omissions, and carrier Insurance Bad Faith. Attorney Michael Kennedy – Casey Ciklin Lubitz Martens & O’Connell West Palm Beach, FL (561) 832-5900. Suffolk Construction v. Royal Indemnity Co., Brown & Brown, Inc., et al; Cause No. 502002CA012543, 15th Judicial District, Palm Beach County, Florida.
Retained as Personal Auto & Insurance Bad Faith Expert by counsel for plaintiff. Stowers doctrine was applied after improper denial of an auto liability claim. Central to this litigation was a question of fact regarding a Texas 515a Driver Exclusion Endorsement. Attorney Jim Essman – Shafer, Davis, O’Leary & Stoker Odessa, TX (432) 332-0893. White v. State Farm; Cause #MO-06-108, United States District Court, Western District of Texas.
Retained by defense counsel to render opinions in answer to allegations of Insurance Agent Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith claims misconduct by wholesale broker at Lloyds London. Case issues involved coverage under Lloyds Ocean Marine Insurance Builders Risk coverage form. Attorney Ashley Parrish – Cantey & Hanger, LLP, (214) 978-4145, The Houston Exploration Company v. Tysers International Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers & At Lloyds, et al, Cause No. 2004-61582 in the 234th District Court, Harris County, Texas.
Engaged by plaintiff counsel as their Homeowners Expert regarding Texas Bad Faith claims handling practices by plaintiff’s insurance carrier. Attorney Andy Lydick (214) 739-1355; Cause # 04:05-cv-00046 Jeri James vs. Allstate Insurance, United States District Court Eastern District of Texas Sherman Division.

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