Weber Gallagher's Insurance practice group specializes in providing guidance and representation to regional, national and international insurers. Our international insurance client base includes the London insurance market and surplus lines insurers. The firm's presence in the heart of London's insurance district is the result of the growing relationship between our attorneys and many London Market and surplus lines insurers.
Arson and Fraud
Our attorneys have extensive experience in the investigation of potentially fraudulent claims, including directing background investigation, recommending and working with experts, taking examinations under oath, and formulating recommendations for the disposition of claims. We are well versed in fire science and business accounting, enabling us to efficiently direct investigations in these areas. We also have a wealth of knowledge concerning automobile theft fraud and the use of mechanical evidence of a fraudulent automobile theft. We ensure that our clients act in compliance with the relevant statutes and regulations throughout the process, including the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, the Unfair Trade Practice and Consumer Protection Law, the bad faith statutes of each state, and the Fire Insurance Escrow Law.
Bad Faith Consulting and Litigation
Weber Gallagher attorneys have significant experience defending bad faith litigation. The bad faith cases handled by the firm involve both first-party and third-party losses and encompass a wide range of insurance policies. In addition, given the depth of the group's knowledge of the insurance industry, we have frequently provided guidance to our insurance company clients in order to avoid bad faith practices. The group members' experience with coverage issues, insurance underwriting, and claims procedures provides a strong foundation for the successful representation of our clients in bad faith cases.
Coverage
Members of the firm's Insurance practice group serve as coverage counsel for insurers, providing advice on insurance coverage issues and representation in insurance coverage litigation. The practice group includes senior attorneys who have worked at insurance companies as in-house counsel, claims professionals and underwriters, and who have handled multi-million dollar coverage issues throughout the United States. This broad range of experience allows us to provide sound legal and practical advice in resolving complex coverage issues. Our practice covers all types of policies and coverage, including professional liability, commercial general liability, employers' liability, property, homeowners, environmental, automobile, garage, businessowners, excess and reinsurance. Our clients regularly request us to provide a range of services, including coverage analysis, case management, drafting and implementing complex cost-sharing agreements, and representation in declaratory judgment actions.
Insurance Agents Errors and Omissions
We defend insurance agencies and brokerages in errors and omissions claims involving the placement of personal and commercial insurance policies. Our representation of insurance professionals for claims of negligence, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, misrepresentation and bad faith is unsurpassed. We have achieved successful results for our agent and broker clients through litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
Insurance Regulatory Matters
Our representation of insurers, agents and brokers extends to administrative proceedings before state departments of insurance involving regulatory and transactional matters. Our attorneys also have assisted insurers with policy drafting and product approval and have provided advice regarding compliance with Graham-Leach-Bliley, HIPAA and state law requirements.
Reinsurance
Members of the firm's reinsurance practice represent national and international reinsurers in litigation across all lines of reinsurance. We have extensive experience in mediating and arbitrating reinsurance disputes, including retrocession issues, and providing consulting on regulatory and contract matters that arise between reinsurers and cedents.
Our Insurance practice group is chaired by Kenneth M. Portner, who can be reached at 215.972.7921 or kportner@wglaw.com.
Insurance Department
Laurence T. Bennett Partner Cherry Hill, NJ 1101 N. Kings Highway, Suite 405 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 856.667.0376 Laurence T. Bennett
Frederick W. Brown Associate Philadelphia, PA 2000 Market Street, Suite 1300 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.972.7902 Frederick W. Brown
Andrew J. Cook Of Counsel New York, NY The Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor New York, NY 10174 212.585.3435 Andrew J. Cook
Christopher P. Deegan Partner Pittsburgh, PA 2 Gateway Center, Suite 1450 603 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.281.7670 Christopher P. Deegan
Samuel H. Foreman Partner Pittsburgh, PA 2 Gateway Center, Suite 1450 603 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.281.5813 Samuel H. Foreman
| | James R. Hartline Partner Harrisburg, PA Fulton Bank Building 200 N. 3rd St., Suite 9A Harrisburg, PA 17101 717.237.2095 James R. Hartline
Deborah A. Kane Partner Pittsburgh, PA 2 Gateway Center, Suite 1450 603 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.281.9038 Deborah A. Kane
Travis L. McElhaney Associate Pittsburgh, PA 2 Gateway Center, Suite 1450 603 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.281.4541 Travis L. McElhaney
Renee M. Porada Associate Pittsburgh, PA 2 Gateway Center, Suite 1450 603 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.281.4573 Renee M. Porada
Kenneth M. Portner Partner Philadelphia, PA 2000 Market Street, Suite 1300 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.972.7921 Kenneth M. Portner
| | David J. Rosenberg Partner Pittsburgh, PA 2 Gateway Center, Suite 1450 603 Stanwix Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.281.7651 David J. Rosenberg
Michael S. Savett Partner Philadelphia, PA 2000 Market Street, Suite 1300 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.972.7930 Michael S. Savett
H. Benjamin Sharlin Associate Cherry Hill, NJ 1101 N. Kings Highway, Suite 405 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 856.382.1006 H. Benjamin Sharlin
Warren L. Simpson, Jr. Of Counsel Philadelphia, PA 2000 Market Street, Suite 1300 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.972.7939 Warren L. Simpson, Jr.
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Insurance Newsletters
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Insurance Coverage Update - July 2007
2007-07-27
NEW YORK LEGISLATURE SET TO AMEND 'LATE NOTICE' RULE TO REQUIRE INSURER PREJUDICE
The New York Legislature recently sent a bill to the Governor that will reverse years of case law by imposing what is sometimes referred to as the "notice prejudice" rule. This rule states t
2007-07-27 : Insurance Coverage Update - July 2007
Insurance Coverage Digest - November 2005
2005-11-23
PENNSYLVANIA
INSURED IS BOUND BY DEFENSE COST REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
Interdigital Communications Corp. v. Federal Insurance Company, 392 F.S
2005-11-23 : Insurance Coverage Digest - November 2005
Insurance Coverage Digest - October 2005
2005-10-26
Continuous Trigger Theory of Coverage Not Applicable to Mold Claim
The New Jersey Appellate Division has affirmed a lower court decision finding that the plaintiffs suffered no bodily injury or property damage during the policy period, that there was no basis to extend co
2005-10-26 : Insurance Coverage Digest - October 2005
Insurance News
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Insurer Victorious in UIM 'Step-Down' Appeal
2009-11-27
In a victory for the insurance industry, a New Jersey appeals court held on November 25, 2009 that a commercial auto insurer sued for payment of Under-Insured Motorist (UIM) benefits by an employee of the insured business was entitled to a dismissal because the auto policy’s UIM limit
2009-11-27: Insurer Victorious in UIM 'Step-Down' Appeal
Michael S. Savett Prevails in Declaratory Insurance Action
2009-08-03
Deciding an issue of first impression in Pennsylvania, a state court judge ruled that a driver of a dealer-owned car who allegedly struck a pedestrian is only entitled to umbrella coverage after the exhaustion of a $500,000 gap between the umbrella insurance policy and the reduced limits of the d
2009-08-03: Michael S. Savett Prevails in Declaratory Insurance Action
New York's Appellate Division Upholds Dismissal of Action Against Insurer
2009-06-08
An insurer was justified in disclaiming coverage for a copyright infringement action where the allegations in the complaint did not allege "advertising injury," according to the New York Appellate Division, First Department. The appellate court upheld the trial court's grant of summary judgment t
2009-06-08: New York's Appellate Division Upholds Dismissal of Action Against Insurer
Richard K. Tavani Wins Coverage Dispute Before New York Comp Board
2009-03-27
A New York judge dismissed an employer's claim against the Maryland Injured Workers Insurance Fund where the workers' compensation policy at issue did not cover the employer in New York State.
The IW
2009-03-27: Richard K. Tavani Wins Coverage Dispute Before New York Comp Board
Weber Gallagher Opens Wilmington Office
2009-01-19
Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP is pleased to announce the opening of the firm’s newest office in Wilmington, Delaware. The office, located at 1426 North Clayton Street, will be managed by
2009-01-19: Weber Gallagher Opens Wilmington Office
Insurer Wins Coverage Action Over Defense Costs
2008-12-05
2008-12-05: Insurer Wins Coverage Action Over Defense Costs
Insurer Granted Summary Judgment in Coverage Action
2008-01-30
A Burlington County, New Jersey judge relieved a general liability insurer from any coverage obligations after concluding that the allegations against the company's insured, a gas station owner, were grounded in breach of contract and did not constitute an "occurrence" under the policy.
2008-01-30: Insurer Granted Summary Judgment in Coverage Action
Michael S. Savett and Shawn C. Gooden Named 2007 PA 'Rising Stars'
2007-11-21
Partner Michael S. Savett and associate Shawn C. Gooden have been selected as Pennsylvania "Rising Stars" for 2007 by the publishers of Philadelphia magazine and Law & Politics magazine. The att
2007-11-21: Michael S. Savett and Shawn C. Gooden Named 2007 PA 'Rising Stars'
Michael S. Savett Prevails in 'Advertising Injury' Coverage Dispute
2007-11-13
The New York Supreme Court in Manhattan recently granted summary judgment to an insurance company in a coverage dispute involving an alleged “advertising injury,” based on a motion drafted and argued by Philadelphia-based partner Michael S. Savett.
I
2007-11-13: Michael S. Savett Prevails in 'Advertising Injury' Coverage Dispute
Seven Weber Gallagher Attorneys Named 2006 PA 'Rising Stars'
2006-11-27
Partners Wendi D. Barish, Michael B. Pullano, Regan S. Safier, Michael S. Savett and Jeffrey T. Strittmatter and associates Shawn C. Gooden and Joshua A. Gray
2006-11-27: Seven Weber Gallagher Attorneys Named 2006 PA 'Rising Stars'
David J. Rosenberg and Samuel H. Foreman Author IADC Newsletter Article
2006-11-15
David J. Rosenberg and Samuel H. Foreman, partners in the Firm's Pittsburgh office, co-wrote an article published in the International Association of Defense Counsel's November 2006 Casualty Insurance newsletter. The article is titled "A Hobso
2006-11-15: David J. Rosenberg and Samuel H. Foreman Author IADC Newsletter Article
Kenneth M. Portner and Michael S. Savett Obtain Summary Judgment in Three Insurance Coverage Lawsuits
2006-09-29
Kenneth M. Portner and Michael S. Savett, partners in Weber Gallagher's Insurance practice group, obtained summary judgment on behalf of Pennsylvania National Insurance Company in three insurance coverage lawsuits that concluded in September 2006.
In
2006-09-29: Kenneth M. Portner and Michael S. Savett Obtain Summary Judgment in Three Insurance Coverage Lawsuits
Kenneth M. Portner and Michael S. Savett Author Article in NJ Law Journal
2006-09-18
Michael S. Savett and Kenneth M. Portner, partners in Weber Gallagher's Insurance practice group, authored an article published by the New Jersey Law Journal on September 18, 2006. The article, titled "Insurance Law: Testing the Limits of
2006-09-18: Kenneth M. Portner and Michael S. Savett Author Article in NJ Law Journal
Kenneth M. Portner Gains NJ Appellate Court Reversal in Insurance Coverage Dispute
2006-07-17
In a significant ruling for insurers, the New Jersey Superior Court - Appellate Division has reversed a trial court's decision and has found that even where an insurance policy exclusion is nullified as contrary to statute, the face amount of the insurance policy is trumped by the amoun
2006-07-17: Kenneth M. Portner Gains NJ Appellate Court Reversal in Insurance Coverage Dispute
Michael S. Savett Wins Summary Judgment for Insurer in Coverage Dispute
2006-06-14
Michael S. Savett, a partner in Weber Gallagher's Philadelphia office, recently prevailed in an insurance coverage dispute on behalf of his client, Pennsylvania National Insurance Company.
The insured, a masonry contractor, was subcontracted to perform work at
2006-06-14: Michael S. Savett Wins Summary Judgment for Insurer in Coverage Dispute
Weber Gallagher Attorneys Speak at Special Investigations Association Meeting
2006-06-08
David J. Rosenberg, William M. Conwell and Christopher P. Deegan of Weber Gallagher's Pittsburgh office addressed insurance fraud issues before the Greater Pittsburgh chapter of the International Association of Special Investigations Units (
2006-06-08: Weber Gallagher Attorneys Speak at Special Investigations Association Meeting
Weber Gallagher Attorneys Author Article in Insurance Counsel Journal
2006-04-19
Weber Gallagher partners David J. Rosenberg, Kenneth M. Portner and Matthew Stool co-authored an article titled "Insurance Industry Woes in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita," published in the April 2006 issue of the International Asso
2006-04-19: Weber Gallagher Attorneys Author Article in Insurance Counsel Journal
Weber Gallagher Joins Insurance Society as Sponsoring Member
2006-01-19
Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP is proud to announce that the Firm has joined the Insurance Society of Philadelphia as a Sponsoring Member.
The Insurance Society was founded in Philadelphia in 1901. Its primary purpose at the time was to provide an arena for
2006-01-19: Weber Gallagher Joins Insurance Society as Sponsoring Member
David J. Rosenberg Speaks at IADC Annual Meeting
2005-06-27
David J. Rosenberg, a partner in the Pittsburgh office of Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP, spoke at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the International Association of Defense Counsel in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 6, 2005. Th
2005-06-27: David J. Rosenberg Speaks at IADC Annual Meeting
Weber Gallagher Promotes Four Attorneys to Partnership
2004-12-20
Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP is pleased to announce that Richard D. Arnold, Dominick J. Georgetti, Michael S. Savett and Matthew Stool have been promoted to partnership at the law firm effective January
2004-12-20: Weber Gallagher Promotes Four Attorneys to Partnership