Claims Administration
Harrington, Ocko & Monk has developed an extensive practice in insurance coverage matters ranging from disputes over termination of coverage to bad faith litigation. Our attorneys provide counsel to private companies and insurers on often-overlooked coverage considerations, policy drafting, interpretation, claims analysis, claims management, allocation methodologies, litigation, alternative dispute resolution and the use of cost-saving technology. We have written hundreds of opinion letters, reservation of rights letters and disclaimers and, when called upon, have successfully defended these opinions in both the prosecution and defense of declaratory judgment actions. Our Risk Transfer Unit has not only set precedent in securing coverage for our clients, but has also recouped hundreds of thousands of dollars in defense costs incurred during the pendency of the coverage disputes.
Harrington, Ocko & Monk has an extensive and distinguished record of speaking and publishing on cutting-edge coverage issues of concern to insurance professionals and has played a leading role in such reputable industry organizations as the Defense Research Institute and the New York State Bar Association. We regularly apprise our existing clients of significant changes in the law that can potentially impact coverage. Whenever possible, we ensure to tailor our efforts with a conscious recognition of potential changes in the law.
Our objective is to provide clients not only with correct legal advice, but also a roadmap to resolve a claim before it becomes contentious. If a dispute arises between the insurer and insured, we strive to find a correct, effective and fair resolution without litigation, if possible. When the need for litigation arises, we staff coverage-related litigation in the most efficient manner possible, attempting to have each project performed by the attorney who is most capable of performing the task at the most efficient cost.
While our insurance coverage practice normally extends to every type of property, casualty, and commercial coverage matter, we have attained an in-depth understanding and experience in the following areas:
Awarded summary judgment and reimbursement of defense costs after successfully diffusing “late notice” defense in action where notice was not provided until nearly a year after the occurrence.
Successfully defended against seven-figure property damage coverage action by establishing time-on-the-risk defense.
First Department upheld summary judgment and awarded full defense and indemnification from an insurance company that refused to provide anything more than co-insurance in underlying personal injury action.