Insurance: Policyholder
USA Guide 2024 : District of Columbia
Band 1
Contact number
+1 202 420 2200About
Provided by Blank Rome LLP
Our lawyers have over 100 years of insurance experience, including substantial trial experience, between us. We work exclusively for policyholders – one of few firms in our market with this focus – and have recovered $7.5 billion+ for clients from insurers and brokers in the last decade.
Our concentrations include bankruptcy Insurance, business conduct liabilities, cybersecurity insurance, directors’ and officers’ insurance, employment insurance, energy Insurance, political risk insurance, business interruption insurance, and sports insurance.
Our clients are frequently defendants, but in pursuing recoveries, our "plaintiff approach" focuses on maximizing benefits and recoveries. While other firms in our area adopt a more defensive/settlement-type approach, we have a trial mindset and are known to fight hard for our clients’ interests.
Regarding insurance coverage for sexual abuse liability, we have recovered $1 billion+ in insurance proceeds in sex abuse cases, have worked on cutting-edge cases, and have secured multi-million recoveries for victims.
Two of our partners (James Murray, Steven Roman) are fellows to the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.
For decades, we've been on the cutting edge of new insurance developments, have been involved in ground-breaking cases establishing the law for insurance coverage, and continually push into new areas, including product recall, representation & warranties, sports and athletic injury, and credit risk insurance.
Chambers Review
Blank Rome fields a high-caliber insurance practice advising policyholders on a wide range of coverage issues. It has key strengths in environmental, product liability and property damage claims and is frequently involved in disputes involving sensitive underlying litigation, such as sexual abuse and sports-related injury. The team is also involved in cybersecurity insurance matters and D&O claims linked to the False Claims Act.
Work Highlights
- Blank Rome represented 3M in coverage litigation concerning its insurer's obligations with regard to coverage for more than 6,000 product liability claims concerning the design and manufacture of the Bair Hugger Patient Warming System.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Blank Rome see issues from all sides and offer strategic solutions that are both effective and practical."
"I am astounded by them as a team. They are able to see the big picture to achieve the best outcomes possible."
"Blank Rome see issues from all sides and offer strategic solutions that are both effective and practical."
"I am astounded by them as a team. They are able to see the big picture to achieve the best outcomes possible."
Notable Practitioners
John Heintz possesses significant experience in the representation of policyholders in large-scale recovery actions and complex disputes.
"John is very good, especially knowledgeable and has a very positive temperament under pressure."
"John Heintz is a giant in this field."
Helen Michael's broad practice spans issues such as product liability, insurance-related bankruptcy, class actions and mass tort claims. She is a highly respected practitioner in the space.
"Helen is an expert and totally stands out in the field for her knowledge of the law."
"Helen is one of the finest attorneys I know. She takes the time to understand an issue and always comes up with practical suggestions."
James Murray possesses significant litigation experience and attracts praise for his adroit handling of sensitive and difficult insurance disputes.
"James has a grasp of larger issues at hand and wealth of experience in this space."
Robert Jacobs offers experience across an array of coverage issues, including sensitive and complex personal injury claims. He has notable expertise in matters with a London market component.
"Robert is an excellent technician and writer with detailed knowledge."
"Robert is exceptionally experienced in insurance matters and very good to work with. He is extremely thorough and responsive."
John Gibbons is highly regarded for his expertise in litigating a wide variety of disputes on behalf of policyholders. His diverse practice includes claims relating to property damage and bankruptcy.
"I find John to be extremely knowledgeable, especially creative and he has a great knack for creating inflection points and urgency. He is a really good lawyer."
Omid Safa has a strong reputation for his expertise in corporate policyholder claims and has particular experience in aviation insurance and product defects.
"Omid has great mastery of insurance law and the details of cases."
"He is on top of everything, really into the details and exceptionally prepared."
Kyle Brinkman is developing a strong practice as an insurance coverage expert, advising policyholders on claims ranging from business interruption to professional liability to environmental damage.
"Kyle is great with the details and keeps things running."
"Kyle is a trusted adviser and a real resource for me on lots of questions. He is so experienced and I really feel I can ask him anything."
Ranked Lawyers at
Blank Rome LLP
District of Columbia
Members
Provided by Blank Rome LLP