Insurance Law

GMSR has a long history of representing insurance carriers on a wide range of issues, including first- and third-party coverage, excess insurance, contribution and allocation claims, as well as bad faith liability issues, such as Brandt fee questions and punitive damages.  GMSR’s appellate lawyers regularly use this experience to assist clients in all facets of the appellate process.  The firm also counsels both carriers and policyholders regarding their potential liabilities and rights.

May 21, 2003 Kent L. Richland Related Cases
Velasquez v. RE/MAX Big Bear (2003) 2003 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 4936

Liability for injuries to homeowner’s guest caused by appliance defectively installed by unlicensed handyman hired by real estate agency

Oct 04, 2002 Related Cases
Barratt American, Inc. v. Transcontinental Insurance Company (2001) 102 Cal.App.4th 848

Duty to indemnify real estate developer for repairs and upgrades to homes whose owners never sued the developer

Sep 10, 2002 Related Cases
Hanstad v. Truck Ins. Exch. (Sept. 10, 2002, B143750) 2002 WL 31045505 [nonpublished opinion]

$40 million punitive damages award reversed because trial court improperly usurped jury’s role in determining facts regarding managing agent’s ratification of tortious conduct

Jun 10, 2002 Robert A. Olson, Edward L. Xanders (Ted) Related Cases
Levitsky v. Farmers Ins. Group of Companies (June 10, 2002, A096220) 2002 WL 1278071 [nonpublished opinion]

Requirement that medical bills be submitted within 60 days of treatment to be covered

May 28, 2002 Related Cases
Maxwell v. CSE Insurance (May 28, 2002, A092818) 2002 WL 1057470 [nonpublished opinion]

Duty to defend a claim brought by another insured person covered by auto policy

Mar 21, 2002 Robert A. Olson, Edward L. Xanders (Ted) Related Cases
Tradewinds Escrow, Inc. v. Truck Ins. Exchange (2002) 97 Cal.App.4th 704

Escrow agent’s commercial general liability policy covered only accidental occurrences, not professional negligence

Sep 12, 2001 Robert A. Olson, Edward L. Xanders (Ted) Related Cases
Breiholz v. Farmers Group, Inc. (2001) 2001 Cal. LEXIS 6247

Professional services exclusion included construction contract manager

Aug 20, 2001 Edward L. Xanders (Ted) Related Cases
Safeco Ins. Co. v. Robert S. (2001) 26 Cal.4th 758

Insurance coverage for accidental shooting (amicus curiae brief)

Apr 20, 2000 Robert A. Olson Related Cases
Vollmer v. Farmers Insurance Group of Companies (2000, D029130)

Judgment against attorney in fact and management company for insurer reversed

Dec 03, 1999 Edward L. Xanders (Ted), Robert A. Olson Related Cases
Mez Industries, Inc. v. Pacific Nat. Ins. Co. (1999) 76 Cal.App.4th 856

Liability insurer’s duty to defend patent infringement action under coverage for advertising injuries

Who We Serve

PUBLIC ENTITIES

Whether on appeal, assisting trial counsel, or advising government officials contemplating legislative action, GMSR provides unique insight into the complex laws that impact public entities.

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INSURERS

Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.

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BUSINESSES

GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.

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