Insurance disputes

Represented widow to recover death benefits on life insurance policy in claim against insurer. Prevailed on appeal.

Represented estate to recover death benefits on life insurance policy in claim against insurer. Settled following appellate argument.

Defended C&K Market against contract rescission claims brought by its self-funded pension plan’s stop loss insurance provider. Case was successfully settled. 

Represented medical bill auditing company in claims brought by patient because insurance company refused to pay medical bills. Court denied class action status, and following depositions, plaintiff voluntarily dismissed case with prejudice, full release and no payment.

Represented insurer against claims for long term disability benefits under ERISA. Obtained summary judgment in favor of insurer overcoming arguments that the California insurance commissioner had disapproved of discretionary clauses in insurance contracts.

Represented commissioned telecommunications contractor against declaratory relief claim that contract had expired. Prosecuted counterclaims for unpaid commissions and unlawful reduction of commission rate. Following a court trial, a circuit court judge denied the company's claims and found in the client's favor. The Court ruled that the contract had not expired, and that the company has wrongfully withheld commissions due and had unlawfully reduced the commission rate. The Court awarded more than $200,000 to the client, plus attorneys' fees and declared future commissions must be paid if certain fees are earned by the company.

Represented Mount Angel Abbey in lost policies case seeking more than $1 million in damages resulting from insurers' failure to defend and indemnify it from multiple lawsuits filed against the Abbey alleging acts from 1955 to 1964. Settled in mediation.

Represented property owners against insurer on homeowner's policy to recover for landslide caused by burst water pipes. Settled prior to trial.

Represented construction company to obtain insurance coverage for worksite injury from insurer. Prevailed on appeal.