From Jeffrey’s interview for the Masters of the Courtroom series on ReelLawyers.com
From Adam’s interview for the Masters of the Courtroom series on ReelLawyers.com
From Adam’s interview for the Masters of the Courtroom series on ReelLawyers.com
From Adam’s interview for the Masters of the Courtroom series on ReelLawyers.com
We explain the full spectrum of your insurance coverage and extra-contractual risks. Outstanding representation in the areas of coverage and bad faith litigation demands thoughtful and thorough analysis of the pertinent policies, applicable law, underlying claims, and affected parties. Lapin & Leichtling is your legal microscope, providing careful examination of each of these elements to best inform your coverage position and legal strategy. You need well-reasoned predictions of potential outcomes in a climate of uncertainty-on your timeline. Whether you need a quick review with a 24-hour turnaround or a comprehensive review designed for maximum reliability, Lapin & Leichtling delivers a full spectrum report to guide your approach.
Our Work Speaks for ItselfMATTER: Defense of commercial general liability carrier in bad faith suit by fi rst named insured for failure to properly settle.
STAKES: $70 million in claimed damages.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH: Lapin & Leichtling identifi ed the discrete issues with the largest damages components and worked to have them resolved in our client's favor through summary judgment motions, leaving comparatively small, manageable claims for settlement negotiations.
OUTCOME: Settled to the satisfaction of our client.
MATTER: Defense of liability insurer in suit by residential condominium association that obtained damages judgment for construction defects against insured general contractor.
STAKES: $1 Million in damages.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH: Lapin & Leichtling operated on two tracks, both arguing that the claim was not covered and preparing to defend the case at trial, even if the court were to find that the insurer was bound by the judgment. We developed expert testimony and legal arguments that the factual findings did not answer the critical questions as to whether the damages awarded occurred during the policy period or were for covered "property damages" under the policies, allowing for more favorable settlement negotiations.
OUTCOME: Settled to the satisfaction of our client.
MATTER: Recovery suit against roofer for damages to warehouse tenant when roof collapsed after Hurricane Andrew.
STAKES: The Defendant denied liability, claiming that the collapse was caused by high winds and that no experts had reviewed the remnants of the roof in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH: The lawyer at our firm who had handled this case elicited deposition testimony from the roofer on the specific features of roofing work and the methods used, highlighting inconsistencies between the work described and the applicable code requirements. We also secured aerial photographs depicting intact roofs on all of the warehouses surrounding the property at issue, proving that the extensive damage pattern occurred only on our client's roof, and was not simply due to high winds.
OUTCOME: Settled to the satisfaction of our client.
MATTER: Recovery suit on behalf of a major airline after a fire at Miami International Airport.
STAKES: More than $20 Million in damages to our clients for interruption to its business.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH: Lapin & Leichtling pursued a singular breach of contract theory, rather than tort theories, thereby reducing the number of potential parties and streamlining the case presentation and proof requirements, while resisting arguments that contractual exculpatory clauses and limitation of liability language applied to bar our clients' claims.
OUTCOME: Settled to the satisfaction of our clients.
MATTER: Defense of major property insurance carrier against business interruption and property damage claims by property and business owner in lower Manhattan arising out of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
STAKES: Several multi-million dollar claims.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH: The lawyer at our firm who had handled this case helped to negotiate the terms of an agreement to arbitrate during a highly contentious claims adjustment process, as well as defended the insurance carrier in the subsequent arbitration.
OUTCOME: Settled to the satisfaction of our client.
MATTER: Defense of major property insurance carrier against claims arising out of water damage and mold in several hotels located throughout the United States.
STAKES: Several multimillion-dollar claims.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH: The lawyer at our firm who had handled this case provided advice and guidance during the adjustment process, in addition to defending our carrier client in federal court suits involving denial of claims for a number of hotels and challenges to our client’s position on policy requirements in case of loss. We continued our defense on appeal after we obtained trial court judgments in our clients favor.
OUTCOME: Final judgments in favor of our client at the trial court level, and resolution to the satisfaction of our client while matters were on appeal.