Weather-Related Catastrophe Litigation
In recent years, major storms on the Gulf Coast, such as Hurricanes Harvey, Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Dolly, have led to an increase in high-volume property insurance litigation. After a catastrophe, insurers now face an onslaught of multimedia advertising from well-financed and organized plaintiff firms, whose goal is to efficiently file a high volume of lawsuits based on the mass tort litigation model. Thompson Coe has unmatched experience helping insurers formulate cost-effective defense strategies to respond to a high volume of lawsuits and claims after a catastrophe.
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About this Topic
Our catastrophe lawyers possess unparalleled knowledge of the insurance industry and expertise in insurance law and insurance-related litigation. Thompson Coe stands ready to assist the insurance industry as it navigates the aftermath of weather-related catastrophes. Our team has unmatched experience helping insurers formulate strategies to respond to a high volume of lawsuits and claims after a weather-related catastrophe.
Thompson Coe has:
- Defended insurers in thousands of catastrophe claims, including over 400 Hurricane Rita and over 2,000 Hurricane Ike property damage suits and appraisals;
- Formulated and implemented mediation and appraisal strategies for resolution of voluminous contested claims;
- Developed efficient and cost-effective corporate document management and discovery strategies for large volume litigation;
- Gained an in-depth understanding of the strategies employed by the major players among the catastrophe plaintiffs’ firms;
- Prepared and tried hurricane cases to jury verdict;
- Represented insurers in class-action litigation involving coverage and claims handling practices;
- Succeeded in consolidating over 500 similar Hurricane Dolly and Ike cases into more cost-effective “Multi-District Litigation”;
- Developed Alternative Fee Agreements (such as flat-fee or phased billing) that reduce post-catastrophe legal expenses;
- Provided insurer clients with custom-certified continuing education seminars and webinars addressing subjects critical to claims handling and litigation both before and following hurricanes and other catastrophes;
- Assisted insurers in the formulation of claims policies and procedures for catastrophe claims management, including coordination of defense with independent adjusting firms and independent adjusters;
- Represented insurers before Departments of Insurance in enforcement proceedings and civil investigations relating to policy provisions and claims practices and
- Defended insurers on complex commercial property, business interruption losses, and inland marine claims, including Hurricanes Harvey, Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Dolly.
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Representative Experience
Defended insurers in thousands of catastrophe claims, including over 400 Hurricane Rita and over 2,000 Hurricane Ike property damage lawsuits and appraisals
Formulated and implemented mediation and appraisal strategies for the resolution of voluminous contested claims
Developed efficient and cost-effective corporate document management and discovery strategies for extensive volume litigation
Gained in-depth understanding of the strategies employed by the major players among the catastrophe plaintiffs’ firms
Provided insurer clients with custom-certified continuing education seminars and webinars addressing subjects critical to claims handling and litigation, both before and following hurricanes and other catastrophes
Prepared and tried hurricane cases to jury verdict
Succeeded in consolidating over 500 similar Hurricane Dolly and Ike cases into more cost-effective “Multi-District Litigation”
Developed Alternative Fee Agreements (such as flat-fee or phased billing) that reduce post-catastrophe legal expense
Represented insurers in class-action litigation involving coverage and claims handling practices
Assisted insurers in the formulation of claims policies and procedures for catastrophe claims management, including coordination of defense with independent adjusting firms and independent adjusters
Represented insurers before Departments of Insurance in enforcement proceedings and civil investigations relating to policy provisions and claims practices
Defended insurers on complex commercial property and business interruption losses as well as inland marine claims, including claims stemming from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike and Dolly
Related Resources
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Rhonda J. Thompson
What to Expect from Laura and Ida: Louisiana Coverage Practice
Mark A. Hill
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