Dickstein Shapiro has developed several resources to assist companies and individuals in understanding the complex insurance coverage issues that come into play when a hurricane or other severe weather strikes. These resources include practical solutions so individuals and businesses can navigate these issues and ensure adequate protection for the future.

The firm has prepared a Q&A: Hurricanes Bring Insurance Issues Along with Destruction to answer pressing questions regarding insurance issues arising in the wake of hurricanes and other natural disasters.

The firm’s guide for companies, entitled “An Overview of Insurance Coverage for Losses from Hurricanes,” offers a comprehensive look at the complex questions, issues, and potential pitfalls faced by businesses and individuals attempting to recover losses from hurricanes and weather disasters.

Firm attorneys have also recently developed an Insurance Coverage Alert, entitled “How Businesses Can Maximize Available Insurance To Pay For Hurricane-Related Losses.” The alert is based on lessons learned as a result of our work with clients rebuilding from the devastating effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. This alert is a helpful resource for companies in hurricane-prone regions of the country impacted by this year’s storms or facing future storms.

Dickstein Shapiro also developed a pro bono version of the guide that it distributed to charitable organizations and referral clinics to offer useful information to victims of the 2005 hurricanes as they worked to reestablish their homes and businesses. The guide was featured by the American Bar Association on its website.

In the months following the release of the guide, Kirk Pasich was interviewed by numerous media sources and gave presentations across the country on hurricane-related issues affecting businesses.

For more information on disaster-related losses for individuals and small businesses, please click here.

Related Publicity and Events

09/03/2009 – Speaking at the RIMS 52nd Annual Western Regional Conference, Kirk Pasich reviewed the recurring mistakes that policyholders make and how to avoid these missteps in his program titled “The Ten Worst Mistakes Made on Property and Business Interruption Claims.”

05/11/2009 – National Underwriter published an article by Kirk Pasich, titled “Eight Lessons Can Save Risk Managers on Disaster Claims.” The article details eight lessons learned in connection with disaster-related losses.

04/09/2009 – Insurance Law360 published an article titled “Ensuring Contingent Business Interruption Coverage” by Scott N. Godes. The article encourages policy holders to argue for compensation even when denied by insurance companies due to differing interpretations of “interruption” versus “suspension” of business operations.

9/03/2007 – Kirk Pasich was quoted in an article published by Business Insurance entitled “Buyer Wins Fight Over Surge Claim.” The article discusses the wind-driven storm surge losses caused by Hurricane Katrina and covered under a property policy that Factory Mutual Insurance Co. sold to Northrop Grumman Corp.

9/03/2007 – Kirk Pasich was quoted in an article published by Business Insurance entitled “Insurers Face Wave of Katrina Lawsuits.” Pasich speaks to the flood of insurance-related lawsuits surfacing two years after Hurricane Katrina.

9/27/2006 – Metropolitan Corporate Counsel discusses “What If A Hurricane Or Other Catastrophic Event Hits New York: Insurance Preparation And Recovery,” the September 27 panel in which firm attorneys spoke to the potential consequences to large property owners in New York City in the event a hurricane or other catastrophe hit the New York metropolitan area.

7/31/2006 – Andrews Government Contract Litigation Reporter published an article by Kirk Pasich, entitled “Breach of Contract Insurer Seeks Partial Ruling in Contractor’s $1.2B Katrina Suit.”

12/12/2005 – Daily Report quotes Kirk Pasich in “After Katrina, Lawyers Hustle for Federal Relief,” in which Pasich discusses Dickstein Shapiro’s counseling of Fortune 500 companies on potential litigation on policies valued between $25 million and $1 billion.

12/01/2005 – Richard Fields presented at a Georgia Association of Corporate Counsel meeting regarding “Current Issues on Insurance: the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Availability of Premiums and Coverage, and D&O Liability.”

12/2005 – Real Estate Finance published an article by Kirk Pasich, entitled “Insurance Coverage for Losses from Hurricane Katrina.” Pasich outlines the different insurance policies that cover disaster related losses.

11/28/2005 – A leading Legal Times story focused on the legal and lobbying work that has arisen as a result of Katrina mentioned Dickstein Shapiro in connection with Katrina-related commerical litigation, specifically the complaint that the firm filed on behalf of Northrop Grumman. The article also noted that the firm is counseling close to a dozen clients on Katrina-related matters. Kirk Pasich was quoted in the article regarding the types of legal issues that businesses are facing.

11/14/2005 – Business Insurance published an article by Kirk Pasich, entitled “Don’t Get Shortchanged on Katrina Cover,” discussing ways policyholders can ensure that they receive the complete coverage they are due after an event like Hurricane Katrina. 

10/2005 – In connection with his presentation at The Wall Street Transcript’s Conducting M&A Due Diligence Conference, Kirk Pasich was interviewed about Dickstein Shapiro, his work, and various insurance considerations, including insurance coverage issues surrounding Hurricane Katrina.

9/20/2005 – Kirk Pasich participated in an Association of Corporate Counsel webcast entitled “Maximizing Insurance Recoveries in the Aftermath of Katrina,” and covering key insurance coverage issues that insureds face after Hurricane Katrina. Speakers addressed practical considerations, claims strategies, and substantive coverage issues. 

9/11/2005 – Kirk Pasich was interviewed on Fox News’ national “Weekend Live” program with Brian Wilson. Kirk discussed how individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina can navigate the related insurance coverage issues. He also provided practical insurance coverage advice for individuals who want to protect themselves for the future.