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"Words used in an insurance policy are to be interpreted according to the plain
meaning which a layman would ordinarily attach to them." Reserve Insurance Co.
v. Pisciotta, 30 Cal.3d 800, 807 (1982). "The policy should be read as a layman would read it and not as it might
be analyzed by an attorney or an insurance expert." Crane v. State Farm Fire &
Cas. Co., 5 Cal.3d 112, 115, (1971).
Insureds and insurers no doubt wish that these words were true–that insurance policy language was so clear
that it could be interpreted and understood by the average person.
Unfortunately, policy language often is not so clear and an insurer’s
obligations are complex and sometimes in conflict.
Insurance coverage law, even if technical, concerns nearly all businesses. For policyholders hit with
a massive lawsuit or a substantial property loss, insurance coverage can be the
difference between a success and bankruptcy.
Our goals are to make the complex simple, to make mysterious language understandable, and to give our
clients prompt, efficient, and, most important, correct advice. We specialize in
the interpretation and application of all forms of insurance and in the
litigation of insurance questions.
A large part of our practice involves representing insureds in the assertion of their rights under
business package and property policies.
While we always endeavor to reach amicable meetings of the minds with insurers,
we are not afraid to go to court and have substantial experience in such case,
including actions alleging breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair
dealing (both first and third party) and violation of unfair claims practices
statutes.
We have been heavily involved in insurance disputes and suits over mold problems, including coverage
for mold litigation, mold remediation measures, and coverage for mold claims
under property policies, such as homeowners’ policies. We understand the
liability and damage issues and protocols associated with mold and mold
remediation, and we are conversant with the experts who actually design and
carry out the work.
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