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.

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

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

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

Breiholz v. Farmers Group, Inc. (2001) 2001 Cal. LEXIS 6247

Professional services exclusion included construction contract manager

Safeco Ins. Co. v. Robert S. (2001) 26 Cal.4th 758

Insurance coverage for accidental shooting (amicus curiae brief)

Vollmer v. Farmers Insurance Group of Companies (2000, D029130)

Judgment against attorney in fact and management company for insurer reversed

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

Midiman v. Farmers Insurance Exchange (1999) 76 Cal.App.4th 102

Carrier’s rejection of insured’s choice of counsel did not allow insured to hold carrier to settlement made without carrier’s consent

Jun 01, 1999 Related Cases
Brifman v. CSE Insurance Group (1999, B120551)

Unclean hands of insured regarding earthquake insurance claim

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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TRIAL COUNSEL

The firm’s lawyers are team players, collaborating with trial counsel at any level from legal strategy to writing or editing trial court motions and appellate briefs.

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INDIVIDUALS

GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.

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COMMUNITY PRO BONO

As part of GMSR’s long-standing commitment to social justice and equality, GMSR provides pro bono appellate services to individuals and to community organizations on issues of concern.

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