Insurance Defense Law Firm in Pennsylvania

Insurance Attorney in Norristwon, PA

Insurance coverage disputes most commonly arise when there is an issue interpreting what is and what is not covered in an insurance policy. Many times, an insurance company will deny a claim stating that because of extenuating circumstances, the claim will not be covered by the insurance company.  In response, the insurance company can hire an insurance coverage attorney to represent its interests.

By combining the attorney’s knowledge of various insurance provisions and endorsement exclusions, insurance coverage lawyers can both defend the insurance company in coverage disputes, as well as to review policies for businesses to ensure the policy will cover all possible business liability scenarios for that business.   

When Sherr Law Group is hired to represent an insurance company, we evaluate claims to determine whether the claim is valid or if it should be denied by the insurance company. In many insurance coverage cases, our role can be two-fold.  First, to help the insurance company interpret the exclusions and endorsements of the policy they issue considering the claim filed and to help the insurance company make the decision to pay or deny a claim. On the other side of insurance coverage, we also help business clients select the appropriate coverage for their business liability and other insurance policies to ensure that if an accident on their premises happens, it will most likely be covered as a legitimate claim.   

Our insurance coverage group is comprised of experienced attorneys familiar with the complex coverage questions that arise for insurance companies in regards to commercial, homeowner’s and automobile policies. At Sherr Law Group, not only do we have experience in providing sound legal advice in complex issues of coverage, defense, and indemnification, but also in litigating these questions of coverage by virtue of declaratory judgement actions.

Experienced Philadelphia Insurance Coverage Attorney

We provide counsel on a wide spectrum of issues ranging from construction indemnification agreements and related demands for coverage and defense, to complex insurance disputes between competing insurance carriers. Our experienced practice can help with everything from initial coverage investigation through providing coverage opinions; reservation of rights position letters and indemnification decisions through declaratory judgment litigation.

Our group provides these all-encompassing services for several large insurance entities and private clients. We pride ourselves on providing sound, sensible, successful advice to our clients.

Sherr Law Group represents insurers and insureds in Pennsylvania litigation involving premises liability, personal injury, municipal liability, employment claims, products liability, coverage disputes, and other complex liability matters. The firm works with insurance carriers and their policyholders to evaluate exposure, develop defense strategies, manage discovery and motion practice, negotiate when appropriate, and prepare cases for trial.

When a customer files a slip-and-fall lawsuit, the business typically notifies its liability insurer, which determines its coverage obligations and may retain defense counsel for the insured. The defense attorney investigates the accident, preserves evidence, evaluates whether a dangerous condition existed and whether the business had notice, conducts discovery, and develops a defense based on the facts and Pennsylvania law.

When an insurance policy provides a duty to defend, the insurer generally pays the reasonable cost of defense counsel retained to represent the insured in a covered lawsuit. The specific arrangement depends on the policy, the allegations, and any coverage issues. Insureds should review their policies carefully because deductibles, self-insured retentions, coverage limitations, or uncovered claims may affect responsibility for legal expenses.

Third-party liability coverage generally addresses claims brought against an insured by someone alleging that the insured caused injury, property damage, or another covered loss. First-party coverage concerns an insured’s own claim against its insurer for benefits under the policy. The distinction matters because third-party cases typically involve defending the insured against another party’s lawsuit, while first-party disputes focus on coverage owed directly to the insured.

An insurance defense lawyer prepares for trial by developing the factual and legal defenses, taking and defending depositions, handling discovery, retaining experts when appropriate, filing and arguing motions, preparing witnesses, and evaluating settlement opportunities. At trial, counsel presents evidence, examines witnesses, challenges the opposing party’s proof, and advocates for the insured while coordinating appropriately with the insurer throughout the litigation.

The answer depends on the nature of the representation and whether the parties’ interests are aligned. In many liability cases, insurer-retained counsel represents the insured while the insurer funds the defense. Coverage disputes or other conflicts can complicate that relationship, however, and professional-responsibility rules may require separate counsel when interests materially diverge.