Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. (MWL) represent insurance companies, self-insureds, and third-party adjusting vendors in actions seeking equitable or contractual contribution in connection with property and liability insurance policy obligations. Often overlooked in the maze of subrogation law are the ubiquitous contribution claims for defense costs and settlements paid in construction cases, environmental liability, and other large losses. Liability insurers who have settled large claims on Commercial General Liability (CGL) paper may have opportunities to seek contribution from other parties whose negligence contributed to causing a loss or damage.
When our clients pay more than their share of a loss, they engage us to seek equitable contribution from co-insurers with concurrent coverage who refuse to pay their fair share of a loss. We review “other insurance” clauses to determine priority of liability and coverage, and seek reimbursement under contractual subrogation or equitable contribution of coverage owing under the other policy or policies.
MWL has had a great deal of success in representing commercial insurers who successfully defended construction defect cases to pursue contribution of court-ordered attorneys’ fees and costs from unsuccessful plaintiffs. Pursuing contribution against joint tortfeasors and their insurers after defending and settling cases involving personal injury and wrongful death claims serves the principles of civil justice and helps your bottom line.
