Insurance Company Team

Team Leaders

Melanie Morgan Norris

Of Counsel

melanie.norris@steptoe-johnson.com

Download VCard

Laurie C. Barbe

Member

laurie.barbe@steptoe-johnson.com

Download VCard

Overview

The impact of COVID-19 on the insurance industry is a situation that is continuing to evolve as claims continue to be submitted and litigation is filed. Our Insurance Company Team has a long history and depth of experience providing coverage analysis for commercial claims and, when necessary, litigating coverage claims to conclusion. As a Team, we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, including any proposed legislation in all jurisdictions in which we practice, as well as new lawsuits being filed. We are committed to providing the necessary resources and legal expertise needed to guide our insurance clients through these unprecedented times. Please contact us with any questions that you may have.

Steptoe & Johnson’s Insurance Company Team has more than 100 years of experience providing legal service and advice to the insurance industry. Our attorneys possess a wealth of knowledge and understanding of insurance issues. We are prepared to manage insurance carriers’ complex legal issues and defend insurance companies during claim investigations.

Areas of Focus

Preparation of insurance coverage opinions
Development of successful strategies used in federal and state courts to resolve complex insurance claims
Defense of first party cases involving bad faith claims, unfair claim settlement practices, and general first party responsibilities
Providing advice and guidance regarding the regulatory aspects of insurance
Insurance claim handling training
Compliance issues, including the Unfair Trade Practices Act
Investigation of fraudulent fire, theft, and phantom vehicle claims, including Examinations Under Oath
Investigation of insurance losses for subrogation potential
Representation of insurers before the WV Department of Insurance in defense of 1st and 3rd party claims

Representative Experience

Preparation of coverage opinions and litigation of coverage issues in claims arising under commercial, personal, and other lines of insurance, including claims for business interruption coverage
Defense of insurer arising from COVID coverage claims
Appeal of case for insurer brought by claimant seeking to establish per se violations of insurance bad faith statute arising from use of net pay as opposed to gross pay in the settlement of claims
Assistance to insurer in defense of $400,000 property damage subrogation claim
Defense of multiple insurance companies against claims of statutory bad faith and breach of contract
Representation of insurers in claims involving suspected fraud arising from fire and theft losses
Representation of insurer in arbitration proceedings involving claims for surplus lines coverage arising from mining accident
Defense of insurers at the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner against consumer complaints alleging unfair claims settlement practices
Prosecution of cases seeking declarations of the existence or non-existence of coverage under various types of insurance policies