Insurance Defense and Coverage | McGlinchey Stafford PLLC

McGlinchey’s defense of insurance companies is a founding practice of the firm.

After more than 40 years of representing insurance companies and reinsurance companies, our attorneys continue to set the standard for the defense of high-risk, complex insurance and reinsurance coverage cases.

A significant practice focus is on environmental and toxic torts issues, including long-term exposure casualty claims on aromatic hydrocarbons, NORM-related injuries, and other substances.

In one landmark representative coverage matter, our attorneys were the first lawyers in Louisiana to successfully invoke the pollution exclusion and the applicability of the Doerr criteria. Arguing persuasively before the Louisiana 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, we prevailed at the appellate level on behalf of our client. The appellate court reversed the finding of the trial court that the pollution exclusion could not be asserted as a defense to an insured’s claim for coverage.

A further team strength is providing coverage analysis to our insurance clients, which requires an understanding of policy interpretation and up-to-date knowledge of ever-changing jurisprudence involving coverage disputes.

Counseling cost-efficiently and strategically, McGlinchey defends insurers in litigation matters involving:

Aviation
Casualty Matters
CERCLA
Class Actions
Consumer Credit Insurance Class Actions
Contamination Releases
Denial of Benefits
Environmental Claims
ERISA
Maritime
Medical Malpractice
Petrochemicals
Plant Operators
Products Liability
Professional Services Liability
Refineries
Regulatory Compliance
Toxic Torts

In addition to our considerable success at the appellate level, we have extensive litigation experience in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana and Texas, as well as in other states across the country. We serve as general and national counsel for several insurance companies. McGlinchey's industry-rich experience in such areas as aviation, healthcare, consumer financial services, and environmental law add value to the defense strategies and solutions we devise. In connection with our business counsel of the insurance industry, we also provide comprehensive counsel on insurance regulation and compliance. Attorneys in this area focus on preventive compliance counsel, manage the regulatory approval process, and represent insurers in hearings and audits before administrative and governmental authorities.

Represented a life insurer in a national putative class action alleging improper insurance sales practices, misrepresentation, and breach of contract
Represented a life insurer in a national putative class action alleging improper insurance sales practices, misrepresentation, and breach of contract. This case is significant because remand to an unfavorable state court jurisdiction on a fraudulent joinder claim was denied. The case settled after the filing of a motion for summary judgment.
Represented a life insurer in a putative class action lawsuit alleging discriminatory pricing
Represented a life insurer in a putative class action lawsuit brought by policyholders who alleged discriminatory dual-pricing of life insurance policies. The case was won on a motion for summary judgment.
Skill, Perseverance, Clear Communication Earn Hard-Fought Jury Defense Verdict in CA Wrongful Foreclosure Case
Where we started: In January, 2020, Michelle McCliman and Kere Tickner took over a 2018 case against a homeowners association and its property management company. The case involved an alleged wrongful foreclosure of Plaintiff’s home for failure to pay his monthly HOA assessments. Plaintiff also claimed that the foreclosure and other conduct by the propertyMore

Podcast: #WhyMcGlinchey? Lateral to Leadership with Mag Bickford
After joining McGlinchey in 2016, Mag Bickford has risen to firm leadership, serving on the executive Policy Committee, leading the Labor and Employment practice group, and managing the firm’s largest office in New Orleans. In this episode, she speaks with Director of Talent Acquisition Margeaux Roush about the avenues and opportunities for leadership that she has found, priorities forMore
Courtney Joiner Honored as SULC Distinguished Alumni
McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce that Member Courtney Joiner has been recognized as a 2024 Distinguished Alumni by Southern University Law Center (SULC).
Kerry Cummings to Lead McGlinchey’s Fort Lauderdale Office
McGlinchey Stafford is proud to announce the appointment of Kerry Ann Cummings as the Office Managing Member of its Fort Lauderdale office. Kerry brings a wealth of legal expertise and leadership skills to her new role, which will further enhance the firm's presence and service offerings in the South Florida region.
Litigator Joshua Populus Joins McGlinchey in Baton Rouge
McGlinchey Stafford announces the addition of Associate Joshua C. Populus to the firm’s Enterprise Litigation and Investigations practice as an associate attorney in its Baton Rouge office.
Lessons from Skyway Disaster Failed to Help Protect Baltimore Bridge
Maritime attorney José Cot (New Orleans) was quoted in a March 30 article in the Tampa Bay Times regarding key takeaways from the Francis Scott Key bridge accident in Baltimore.