Chris J. Fichtl

Partner
Long Island
1000 Franklin Ave.
Suite 300
Garden City, NY 11530

Chris Fichtl represents leading insurance companies in complex coverage litigation and extra-contractual disputes in both state and federal courts throughout the country. With comprehensive experience handling high-exposure claims, Chris advises insurers on a wide range of coverage issues, including environmental contamination, asbestos, lead paint, construction defects, labor law, additional insured, clergy abuse, sex abuse, product liability, professional liability, other insurance and malpractice.

Chris has successfully litigated complex insurance matters at both trial and appellate levels, securing favorable outcomes for his clients.

Chris understands the importance of balancing legal strategy with practical business solutions. He works closely with insurance professionals to develop resolution strategies that mitigate risk, control costs and achieve client objectives efficiently.

Professional & Community Involvement

  • New York Bar Association

Cases and Experience

  • Resolved complex insurance issues related to the multi-million-dollar Champlain Towers Collapse Litigation in Florida
  • Resolved a multi-million-dollar insurance coverage dispute between an engineering firm’s general liability and professional liability insurers related to numerous negligent construction and design lawsuits throughout the Northeastern United States
  • Obtained summary judgment in a multi-million-dollar medical malpractice action, addressing a novel legal issue in New York regarding the number of “Dental Incidents,” which was upheld on appeal
  • Secured summary judgment in class actions involving thousands of plaintiffs nationwide, arguing that claims related to alcohol advertising did not trigger coverage for “bodily injury” or fall within liquor liability endorsements. This decision was upheld on appeal
  • Resolved a large Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) pollution coverage litigation involving a major petroleum manufacturer facing multi-state lawsuits brought by Attorneys General seeking compensation of billions of dollars for soil and groundwater contamination from MTBE
  • Successfully litigated multi-million-dollar coverage disputes involving clergy abuse claims in Montana and Minnesota, navigating complex bankruptcy considerations to minimize insurer exposure

Prior results cannot and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter that we or any lawyer may be retained to handle.

News & Presentations

04.11.25 | Firm News | Casualty, General Liability, Product Liability, Premises Liability, Insurance | Insurance & Risk Management

Education

  • Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, J.D., 1988
  • Villanova University, B.S., 1985

Practices

Admissions

  • New York
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of New York

Industries

Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby, LLP
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