Tessa P. Vorhaben

Obtained dismissal for WYO insurance carrier against suit brought by insured seeking to invoke appraisal provision in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy.

Counseling and representation of film production company during OSHA investigation into an accident that occurred during the filming of a movie.

Representation of chemical corporation in defense of claims arising from an accident that occurred at the chemical corporation's facility.

Representation of domestic commercial lines insurance companies in defense of insurance coverage claims arising from Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Ike, and Isaac. These matters involve the defense of claims for property damage, business income, statutory penalties, and bad faith damages.

Representation of domestic commercial lines insurance companies against claims for breach of contract and extra-contractual damages resulting from hail and fire losses.

Obtained dismissal for domestic insurer against suit brought by a lessee of the insured on grounds that the lessee had no right of action.

Obtained summary judgment for chemical corporation against suit brought by an employee of a subcontractor on grounds that the subcontractor's employee was a statutory employee of the chemical corporation.

Coverage opinions interpreting CGL and commercial property policies concerning claims for construction defects, product recall, personal and advertising injury, and employee dishonesty.

As second chair, represented an insurance company in a breach of contract dispute concerning a multi-million dollar commercial property damage claim. The first jury trial resulted in a mistrial after four days. After a six-day trial, the jury returned a defense verdict after only 30 minutes of deliberation.

Secured summary judgment on behalf of a flood insurance company sued for breach of contract by plaintiffs alleging entitlement to additional proceeds under their flood insurance policy for damages allegedly stemming from two flood losses. The court held that the plaintiffs failed to comply with the proof of loss requirements under their flood insurance claims and dismissed plaintiffs’ claims.

Obtained a dismissal for a wholesale insurance broker against a claim brought by an insurance customer asserting claims for negligence, misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty.