Irell & Manella LLP’s expertise in matters involving business and property insurance is widely recognized.  Business entities and individuals named as defendants in complex business litigation often retain Irell & Manella to identify and assist them in pursuing coverage under policies of commercial general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, fidelity and crime insurance, directors and officers liability insurance, and umbrella and excess liability insurance.  When necessary to obtain policy benefits, the firm has represented clients in litigation against insurers in both state and federal courts across the country, as well as in arbitration proceedings.

Clients have also sought Irell & Manella’s help in obtaining benefits under policies of life insurance, fire and multi-peril insurance, boiler and machinery insurance, business interruption and extra expense insurance, and marine insurance.  Here, too, the firm has extensive experience in obtaining benefits for clients in trial and appellate courts.

Irell & Manella has been retained to investigate and pursue claims on behalf of its clients against insurance brokers for errors or omissions in connection with the sale or issuance of insurance policies.  The firm has also defended insurance brokerage firms against malpractice claims.  The firm has represented other attorneys and law firms in the defense of legal malpractice claims relating to insurance and reinsurance matters.

Irell & Manella also assists clients in evaluating their insurance needs before losses occur or claims have been asserted.  Thus, the firm’s attorneys have expertise in reviewing a client’s current coverage and evaluating whether it provides sufficient protection against loss and liability.  Irell & Manella’s experience also includes negotiating and enforcing various agreements pertaining to self-insured retentions, minimum premium arrangements, captive insurance and reinsurance programs, multiple employer trusts, group and association agreements, and similar arrangements.

Recently, we represented leading national gaming operator Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:  PNK) in one of many high-profile insurance coverage cases arising out of Hurricane Katrina.  Two insurance companies, Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company and RSUI Indemnity Company, refused to cover claims stemming from damage to one of Pinnacle's casinos in Biloxi, MS caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  Pinnacle's facility was extensively damaged by Katrina, sustaining property damage and business interruption loss.  The insurance companies took the position that coverage for all storm surge damage falling within their policy layers was precluded by flood exclusions contained within their policies.  A partial summary judgment was granted in favor of our client stating that the insurance companies' flood exclusions did not apply to loss covered as a weather catastrophe occurrence.  This partial summary judgment comes on the heels of a recent $36.75 million settlement with Arch Specialty Insurance Company, which brought Pinnacle's total current insurance recovery for its claim to $141.75 million. 

For more information, please contact Marc Maister.