Insurance Coverage & Litigation

Determining the scope of insurance coverage available under a policy can be daunting. It requires extensive knowledge of policy forms and endorsements; experience in dealing with insureds, insurers and brokers; and an intimate knowledge of insurance law. KMK's Insurance lawyers are all litigators by training and in practice, which enables them to view insurance issues with the goal of avoiding disputes in the long-run, but also to ensure that the client is protected in the event of a future dispute.

Policy Review
Our lawyers assist clients by determining the extent of coverage needed, reviewing policies to help clients understand the risks covered, and negotiating to ensure that clients obtain the coverage desired. We regularly review policies for our corporate clients as those policies come up for renewal. Our involvement ranges from a few hours of policy review and analysis to detailed, comprehensive analysis of the interaction between the many policies that some businesses maintain. 

Claims Handling
We assist clients in presenting insurance claims to the appropriate insurers in such a way as to increase the likelihood of coverage, and we work with the client to obtain insurance coverage without the necessity of litigation.  Should litigation become necessary, however, we represent our clients in insurance coverage disputes, including defending clients against declaratory judgment actions filed by their insurers.

Coverage Consultation
Our lawyers also consult with both insureds and insurers about the likelihood of insurance coverage under a variety of types of insurance policies, including comprehensive general liability, excess and umbrella liability, director and officer liability, professional liability, property and casualty, and automobile policies.

Areas of Experience:

• Directors & Officers (public and private)
• CGL / Commercial Property
• Fiduciary Liability
• Pollution / Environmental Coverage
• EPL Coverage
• Benefits / Stop-Loss / Health Insurance
• Negotiating Broker Agreements / Contracts
• Insurance Alternatives
• Insurance Insolvency

Many of KMK’s Insurance attorneys have been recognized in this practice area, as evidenced by the summary listing below. 

Insurance Attorneys:  Notable Recognitions

Steven C. Coffaro, a partner in KMK’s Business Litigation group with significant experience in Insurance matters, was named to the 2009 Rising Stars in Ohio Super Lawyers (2005-2009) and Cincy Leading Lawyers (2005-2009).  He is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Louis F. Gilligan, a partner in KMK’s Business Litigation group with significant experience in Insurance matters, was selected for inclusion to the Best Lawyers in America (1989-2009) and Ohio Super Lawyers (2004-2009).  He is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Pamela Morgan Hodge, a partner in KMK’s Business Litigation group with significant experience in Insurance matters, was named a Cincy Leading Lawyer (2005-2009).

James R. Matthews, a partner and KMK’s Business Litigation Co-Practice Group Leader with significant experience in Insurance matters, is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

David A. Meyer, a partner in KMK’s Insurance and Environmental Law group, was named to the 2009 Rising Stars in Ohio Super Lawyers.

Jamie M. Ramsey, a partner in KMK’s Business Litigation group with significant experience in Insurance matters, was named to the Rising Stars in Ohio Super Lawyers  (2005-2009).

News

• Ten Lawyers from KMK Named Cincy Leading Lawyers by Cincy Magazine

Publications

• Client Alert: KMK Forms Evolving Media & Technology Team to Help Clients Navigate Social Media's Legal and Business Challenges, May 4, 2010
• Good Faith Required in ESI Disclosure, The CBA Report, February 15, 2008