The firm has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with insurance company clientele. The firm is approved panel counsel for several property and casualty insurers and their third-party administrators. We have defended insureds under policies covering a wide array of risks, including personal injuries, products liability, professional errors and omissions, hazardous waste, and maritime. Our attorneys have many years of experience in handling insurance defense litigation and are committed to performing assignments cost-effectively.
A substantial practice area within our firm focuses on insurance coverage issues. We have expertise in a broad range of different policy forms, including commercial general liability forms, commercial fire forms, access forms, special multi-peril forms, first party coverage, personal homeowners, auto and excess forms, marine insurance, and title insurance. Other significant coverage work has involved policies issued to governmental bodies who become involved as defendants in major litigation such as the WPPSS lawsuits and various employment discrimination claims. Assignments have involved marine insurance, first party property insurance, arson investigations, and products liability coverage. These assignments include advising the carrier as to its defense and indemnity obligations, writing reservation of rights letters, preparing defense agreements, participating in settlement negotiations, and defending declaratory judgment actions brought by the insured or by other insurers seeking contribution.
As a result of this experience, we are familiar with how the standard policy terms under the various forms are interpreted in Washington as well as elsewhere in the country. Our library and computer resources have contributed substantially in identifying pertinent judicial interpretations and providing responses to our clients in a timely manner. This experience enables us to provide our clients with carefully considered legal opinions that are based upon an understanding of the fundamentals of insurance law and the purpose behind basic underwriting principles that are reflected in the language of the insurance contract. We believe this understanding fosters sound advice and ultimately promotes successful results in coverage litigation.
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Wallace E. Skidmore, Jr.