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As a Partner and Subrogation professional in Butler’s Tampa office, Aaron Jacobs enjoys the challenge of taking a complex matter and boiling it down to the most critical terms to assist a client in achieving the most favorable recovery resolution possible. Recently, Aaron settled a complex pipe failure case in a high-rise office building with damages exceeding $7.8 million, and, in another instance, he resolved a water loss at a business that involved an aquarium leak with damages over $6.1 million. Fire losses are also a crucial component of his practice. His credentials include handling a lawsuit from a fire that occurred during an office renovation with damages that measured more than $4.7 million.  

Aaron has handled subrogation claims arising in numerous jurisdictions in the continental United States, as well as Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), the Dominican Republic, and St. Lucia. He also has experience handling claims against and obtaining service for international defendants. Aaron has also handled several Aviation-related subrogation claims and fully recovered a property damage claim caused by a plane crash at the Key West International Airport.

Before becoming an attorney, Aaron was a state-licensed professional boxing promoter, which provided him with a unique skill set that he utilizes daily in his subrogation practice, such as issue-spotting and problem-solving in a time-sensitive manner. His hard-hitting and detail-oriented approach, in conjunction with the negotiation skills and business perspective he garnered from the boxing world, are some of the qualities clients love most about working with Aaron.

Aaron hosts Butler’s popular Subro Sense Podcast, which provides insightful tips and enlightening conversations with subrogation experts nationwide. He also provides subrogation case updates in Butler’s video blog, Subro in Seconds. He has showcased his knowledge and acumen in several webinars he has presented over the years, which include presentations on aquarium failures and the management of forensic investigations. Aaron is involved in several professional organizations and has presented for the National Association of Subrogation Professionals and Claims Litigation Management. He has also authored several publications on a variety of subrogation topics.

When he is not in the office, Aaron believes that community is essential to the Service principal at Butler. He actively donates to Bay Area Legal, which provides free civil legal services to qualified and low-income residents and nonprofits throughout the Tampa Bay area. He also actively donates to the United Way Suncoast organization, which aims to break the cycle of generational poverty throughout the Suncoast region. However, the charity that remains closest to his heart is the Alan M. Jacobs Memorial Fund, which is dedicated to providing financial support to engineering students at the University of Florida.

Admissions

  • Florida

Education

  • Florida State University
    Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Advertising
  • Stetson University College of Law
    Doctor of Jurisprudence

Courts

  • United States District Court – Middle District of Florida
  • United States District Court – Southern District of Florida
  • Florida State Courts

Experiences

Lexington Insurance Company, a/s/o 1111 Brickell Office, LLC v. Advance Water Technology, Corp. (subrogation lawsuit arising from a flood loss caused by a pipe failure in a high-rise office building. Damages exceeded $7.8 million.)

Zurich American Insurance Company, as subrogee of Douglas Development Group, Inc., et. al., v. Pass International, Inc., et. al. (subrogation lawsuit arising from a fire that occurred during an office building renovation. Damages exceeded $4.7 million)

Home Quality Management, et. al., v. Turner Roofing Company, Inc., et. al. (subrogation lawsuit arising from a catastrophic roof leak. Damages exceeded $1.8 million)

Media

Subro Sense Podcast S04E05 | Subrogation Success: Evaluating Recoverable Damages

As subrogation professionals, it is sometimes easy to direct our concentration on the liability issues in each case and to overlook the details associated with the damages and first-party claim adjustment. That said, in most cases, it is beneficial to conduct a thorough evaluation of the legally recoverable damages during the early stages of the subrogation investigation. An error in the proper c...

Subro Sense Podcast S04E04 | Florida Shortened Statute of Repose for Construction Defect Claims

On April 13, 2023, and as part of other recent tort reform measures implemented in Florida, Senate Bill 360 was signed into law, which shortened Florida’s Statute of Repose for construction claims from 10 to 7 years. Join host, Aaron Jacobs and guest, Sean Ravenel, with Butler, as they discuss the impact the bill will have on subrogation claims in the state of Florida. ...

SUBRO SENSE PODCAST S04E03 | FLORIDA’S TORT REFORM AND ITS IMPACT ON SUBROGATION

HB 837 was introduced to the Florida House of Representatives on February 15, 2023, and was signed into law on March 24, 2023, by Governor Ron DeSantis.  Join host, Aaron Jacobs and his guest, Matthew Peaire, a partner with Butler, as they discuss the impact the bill will have on subrogation litigation in the state of Florida. ...

Subro Sense Podcast S04E02 | Wind, Water, and Windows: Investigation & Testing of Window Leak Claims

Join host, Aaron Jacobs and Halliwell Director and Senior Forensic Architect, Roberto Beauchamp, as they discuss the proper methods of investigating claims associated with water infiltration through window installation during high wind events, as well as a number of misnomers about the proper testing methods and interpretation of testing data with regard to the forensic investigation into these cl...

Holiday Hazards – NEFCO Seminar

The Holiday Season is here, but what if the celebrations don’t always bring cheer? On December 15, 2022, Partner, Aaron Jacobs and NEFCO’s National Instructor & Director of Training, Todd Soong will be giving a 2-hour presentation that will take property adjusters and subrogation personnel through a review of the types of fire losses associated with the winter holiday season and the potent...

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Subro Sense Podcast S04E01 | TIPS FOR INVESTIGATING SUBROGATION FOLLOWING A HURRICANE

Join host, Aaron Jacobs and Partner, Matthew Peaire with Butler as they discuss the unique factors and challenges a subrogation professional encounters when investigating a large volume of hurricane claims for recovery potential.  Aaron and Matt cover a variety of practical tips that will help you efficiently triage claims and maximize your recoveries, based on over 20 years of experience in deal...

Subro Sense Podcast S03E02 | Hey Google! Where did the fire start?

Amazon, Google, Apple, Samsung and numerous other manufacturers have “Smart Home” devices that may be found in an estimated 175 million homes worldwide.  Join host, Aaron Jacobs, and guest co-hosts, Bob House and Nick Mahoney, with SEA, Ltd., as they discuss how Smart Home product data can assist you in your forensic fire investigations and potentially increase your opportunities for a subrog...

Complexities of a Crisis: Caring for Clients, Colleagues, and Yourself

Partner Aaron Jacobs and guest host John Lesko (Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.) presented "Complexities of a Crisis: Caring for Clients, Colleagues, and Yourself". The presentation covered the impact of the pandemic on mental health and how to help those who may be suffering from stress and fatigue. This was presented to the Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company on March 17, 2021. JOHN L...

Subro Sense Podcast S03E01 | Subrogation at Sea

Get ready to sail the high seas with Butler Partner and host, Aaron Jacobs and co-host, Craig Sylvester with Jensen Hughes, as they discuss the factors and circumstances that should be considered when evaluating boat and vessel fire losses and associated subrogation claims.  From the components of vessels most commonly involved in fire claims to potential subrogation claims against third parties ...

Subro Sense Podcast | Holiday Havoc “Fireplace & Chimney Fire Losses”

The Holiday Season is here, but what if the celebrations don’t always bring cheer? Host Aaron Jacobs presents the “Holiday Havoc” series featured on Butler’s Subro Sense Podcast. Three podcasts + Holiday mishaps = Everything you need to know about Holiday-related claims. Stockings hung on the mantel above a warm fire sounds like a delight to many during winter’s cold months, but did you...

Subro Sense Podcast | Holiday Havoc “Christmas Tree & Light Fires”

The Holiday Season is here, but what if the celebrations don’t always bring cheer? Host Aaron Jacobs presents the “Holiday Havoc” series featured on Butler’s Subro Sense Podcast. Three podcasts + Holiday mishaps = Everything you need to know about Holiday-related claims. The Christmas Tree: Big, beautiful...and flammable? With the cat chomping on the string of lights and the kids forgetti...

Subro Sense Podcast | Holiday Havoc “Cooking Fires”

The Holiday Season is here, but what if the celebrations don’t always bring cheer? Host Aaron Jacobs presents the “Holiday Havoc” series featured on Butler’s Subro Sense Podcast. Three podcasts + Holiday mishaps = Everything you need to know about Holiday-related claims. Episode One: What happens if the insured fries more than just the turkey? Who is at fault if the fries turn to flames?...

Butler Presents COVID-19 Insurance Litigation Update / Forensic Investigation of Subrogation Claims During COVID-19

  Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig, LLP, presented a 1-hour webinar on Covid-19 and property insurance policies. Butler partner Clark Schirle discussed coverage issues. He provided an overview of cases filed to date, discussing and analyzing specific allegations and common themes he is seeing in the complaints. He will also address court opinions that have been highlighted by policyh...

Subro Sense Podcast | The ABC’s of RCV and ACV

Oftentimes, third-party liability adjusters will refuse to pay the full amount of the “Repair Cost Value” (“RCV”) of the damages included in the subrogation demand, and contend that they only owe “Actual Cash Value” (“ACV”), regardless of the amount paid in the underlying First-Party Property claim.  Join host, Aaron Jacobs and guest host, Raymond Franks with Rimkus Consulting Gro...

The Made Whole Rule On The Forefront Of A Whole Lot Of Litigation

The Made Whole Rule and the handling of the insured’s deductible and uninsured losses alongside the subrogation claim remain ever-present topics of discussion amongst subrogation professionals and within subrogation case law. For example, in Daniels v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 2019 WL 2909308 (Wash. July 3, 2019), the Washington Supreme Court considered whether the Made Whole ...

Butler’s Thursday Tips #6 | Made-Whole Rule

Join us for this week's Thursday Tip as Partner Aaron Jacobs discusses the Made-Whole Rule in Subrogation law. #ButlerLegal #ThursdayTips #ThursdayThoughts https://youtu.be/vKfUgQB45MA...

Subro Sense Podcast | Forensic Investigation Of Subrogation Claims During Covid-19

Like all other aspects of life, the forensic investigations of existing and new subrogation claims has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior Mechanical Engineer and Certified Fire Investigator, C. Tripp Wagner III, BME, CFI, with Jensen Hughes joins host, Aaron Jacobs to discuss how to approach forensic investigations in light of the current COVID-19 guidelines and limitati...

Subro Sense Podcast with Aaron Jacobs

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Subro Sense podcast hosted by Aaron Jacobs. The podcast will return with a second season in 2020. Click Here to Subscribe to Aaron’s Podcast, and we will deliver each Podcast straight to your inbox. View the popular subrogation podcast episodes below: If you haven't caught up on season 1, listen to the podcast episodes at these links: Subro Sens...

Butler’s Subro Sense Podcast

Click below to listen to our past episodes of the Subro Sense Podcast, hosted by Aaron Jacobs. [modula id="8645"]...

Subro Sense Podcast – Considerations in Fixed Funds/Limited Pool Scenarios

Insurance subrogation professionals face unique hurdles when a tortfeasor’s liability insurance limit is insufficient to pay the entirety of the subrogation claim and claims asserted by other parties. In other words, sometimes, the pie is not big enough for everyone to eat. Please join host Aaron Jacobs and guest Robert Meyer, Esq. (VP and General Counsel of Subrogation Strategies) as they disc...

Subro Sense Podcast – Unpacking Product Claims against Amazon

Historically, many jurisdictions have held that Amazon was not a “Seller” when considering products sold on its website by third-party vendors. Recently, a U.S. Court of Appeals held for the first time that Amazon was a “Seller” and therefore potentially liable for defective products purchased on its website. Host Aaron Jacobs will be joined by guest Michael Wolfer as they discuss the ...

Subro Sense Podcast – Made Whole Rule: Lessons Learned from the 9/11 World Trade Center Litigation

The litigation ensuing from the catastrophic events of 9/11 highlighted the importance of addressing “Made Whole” considerations when evaluating subrogation claims. Butler’s Managing Partner, Scott Katz and Partner, Jessica Skarin join host, Aaron Jacobs to share four critical Made Whole Rule lessons to be learned from the World Trade Center litigation. Listen to the podcast below.   ...

Subro in Seconds | Vlog 3

The trucking industry has experienced considerable growth in recent years. Trucking and transportation needs are expected to continue in the foreseeable future and this may lead to an increase in the volume of damaged cargo claims. Watch as Subrogation Partner Aaron Jacobs discusses a recent Federal case analyzing the application of the Carmack Amendment to subrogation claims involving a loss th...

Subro Sense Podcast – Unique Factors and Considerations in a Subrogation Release

SUBRO SENSE PODCAST: EPISODE 3 There are many critical factors that must be considered when drafting or reviewing a proposed subrogation release. For example, many insurers are reluctant to agree to indemnify, hold harmless, or confidentiality provisions in a release, which are commonly requested by a settling defendant. In this episode of our Subro Sense podcast, Aaron Jacobs with guest speaker...

Subro in Seconds | Vlog 2

ALL NEW VLOG! In the landlord/tenant context, the question of who is an insured under the applicable policy may not always be clear. Watch as Subrogation Partner Aaron Jacobs revisits subrogation in the landlord/tenant context on this episode of Subro in Seconds. Watch the video below. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUx_nzJPRJY&feature=youtu.be[/embed] Listen to the latest episode in o...

Subro Sense – Coordination of Insured’s Interests and Deductible

Join Aaron Jacobs and guest speakers, Ying Tse of McLarens and Lisa Weinstein of Southport Financial Services, Inc., as they discuss methods of coordinating the insured's interests and deductible from a client's perspective in this Subrogation Podcast. Listen to the podcast below.   Mark your calendars for the dates listed below the video. Click Here to Subscribe to Aaron’s Podcast, an...

Subro in Seconds | Vlog 1

Aaron Jacobs recaps the latest in the world of Subrogation. In this episode, he discusses a recent Pennsylvania case decision that highlights difficulties associated with identifying liable parties in pipe freeze cases.  Watch the video below. [embed]https://youtu.be/t4bL-gZGiJU[/embed] Listen to the latest episode in our Subro Sense podcast for more Subrogation news and be sure to save the ...

Diversity For Jurisdictional Purposes In Federal Litigation

Recently, I was speaking with a client, and we were discussing some of the unique issues subrogation professionals face on a regular basis. He stated that one of the things that new recovery adjusters are rarely familiar with is the concept of “diversity” for jurisdictional purposes in federal court litigation. The United States Code – Title 28, Part 4, Chapter 85 – conveys original juri...

Subro Sense – Strategies & Techniques in Mediation

The first episode of Subro Sense is now available to listen and download! In this episode, Partner Aaron Jacobs and guest Gerald Albrecht discuss tips and techniques for successful mediation practice. A special thank you to our guest speaker, Gerald “Jerry” Albrecht, of Albrecht Mediation Services for being a part of Butler's subrogation podcast. Listen to the podcast below. Check the...

Subro Sense with Aaron Jacobs

What’s going on in the world of Subrogation and Recovery? Join Partner Aaron Jacobs as he hosts Butler’s brand-new Podcast Series, Subro Sense. Filled with insightful tips and enlightening conversations with subrogation experts from around the country, you won’t want to miss an episode of Subro Sense! Mark your calendars for the dates listed below the video. Click Here to Subscribe to Aar...

Subro Sense with Aaron Jacobs

What’s going on in the world of Subrogation and Recovery? Join Partner Aaron Jacobs as he hosts Butler’s brand-new Podcast Series, Subro Sense. Filled with insightful tips and enlightening conversations with subrogation experts from around the country, you won’t want to miss an episode of Subro Sense! Mark your calendars for the dates listed below the video. Click Here to Subscribe to Aar...

Xactly How Can “Xactimate” And Other Cost Estimating Tools Assist Property Adjusters And Subrogation Professionals In The Preparation Of Damages?

Aaron Jacobs presented at the CLM Southeast Conference on the topic "Xactly How Can “Xactimate” and Other Cost Estimating Tools Assist Property Adjusters and Subrogation Professionals in the Preparation of Damages?" on November 8, 2018, in Atlanta, GA. This presentation explored how the evaluation and adjustment of the damages in a property claim can substantially affect the subrogation deman...

Our Newest Partners

Join us in celebrating our newest Partners! Congratulations to Sarah Burke, Aaron Jacobs and Jason Seitz!...

Don’t Let Your Subrogation Claim Get Tanked: The Investigation of Acrylic Aquarium Failures

Aaron Jacobs will be hosting a CLM Webinar on Wednesday, October 11th at 12:00 PM EST. The topic is "Don't Let Your Subrogation Claim Get Tanked: The Investigation of Acrylic Aquarium Failures".  With reality television series such as "Tanked" on Animal Planet and "Fish Tank Kings" on National Geographic, the popularity of large acrylic aquariums has never been greater. Large-scale acrylic aqua...

The ABC’s of ACV in Subrogation Claims

Oftentimes, during the course of a subrogation claim, third-party liability adjusters will refuse to pay the full amount of the “Repair Cost Value” (“RCV”) of the damages demanded, and contend that they only owe “Actual Cash Value” (“ACV”), regardless of the amount paid in the underlying first-party property claim adjustment. Oftentimes, this position is not necessarily predicated ...

2017 NASP National Webinar – “Let’s Get Tanked: Investigating Acrylic Aquarium Failures”

Aaron Jacobs will be hosting a 2017 NASP National Webinar on Tuesday, February 14th at 1:00 PM EST. The topic is "Let’s Get Tanked: Investigating Acrylic Aquarium Failures".  With reality television series such as "Tanked" on Animal Planet and "Fish Tank Kings" on National Geographic, the popularity of large acrylic aquariums has never been greater. Large-scale acrylic aquariums can be found ...

Selection of Proper Experts and Management of Forensic Investigations

Aaron Jacobs will be hosting a CLM webinar on Wednesday, October 12th at 12:00 pm on the topic of "Selection of Proper Experts & Management of Forensic Investigations". The presentation will focus on the property of the key factor claims professionals must consider when selecting an expert and will detail the various contexts and circumstances where an expert's participation will be useful and...

When Is The Contract Complete? Court Rules That Statue Of Repose Commences Upon Final Payment

Recently, Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal reviewed the statute of repose relative to improvements to real property, which states, in pertinent part, that “the action must be commenced within 10 years after…the date of completion…of the contract….”[1]   In Cypress Fairway v. Bergeron Construction,[2]  the Court clarified what constitutes the “date of completion” as cite...

Optimizing The Use Of Technology In Mediation

From cell phones to the worldwide web, to electronic mail, and beyond, over the past twenty years, we have experienced an unprecedented growth in technology, as well as a growing dependence in our day-to-day lives on these technologies. Accordingly, it is of little surprise parties and mediators alike have implemented the advancements in information technology to the mediation process. Various for...

The Language Was Not Enough: Florida Supreme Court Holds That The Standard “Transfer Of Rights” Provision Does Not Abrogate The “Made Whole Rule”

The scope of these transferred rights had not been addressed in Florida until the Eleventh Circuit certified the issue to the Florida Supreme Court. In its recent opinion, the Florida Supreme Court clarified that a basic transfer of rights provision, without more, does not give the insurer a right of priority. Under such circumstances, priority of recovery remains dictated by Florida's common law ...

Stuck Between A Collapsed Wall And A Hard Place: The Failure To Establish The “Standard Of Care” In A Negligence Claim

This article was originally published in the Subrogator, a publication by the National Association of Subrogation Professionals, Spring Summer, 2013. © Copyright 2013 by NASP. All rights reserved. Republished by Butler with permission from NASP. Generally, "to establish a claim for negligence, a plaintiff must show: (1) the defendant had a legal duty to conform to a certain standard of conduct; ...

Aaron Jacobs | Fight Night Productions

How did you get involved with boxing? I was first introduced to boxing when I watched a Bernard Hopkins (at that time, the Middleweight World Champion) fight in high school. I was fascinated with the sport, and from that point forward, was consumed with learning as much about boxing as possible. I would read books, magazines, and watch as much boxing as I could. In college, I started the Florid...

Does The “Case-By-Case” Approach In Florida Apply Only On A Case-By-Case Basis?

The "Anti-Subrogation Rule" dictates that an insurer is generally precluded from seeking recovery against its own insured. While this premise on its face seems simple, a special circumstance arises in the context of damage to leased property caused by a tenant's negligence, Where "the obvious intent of the parties [to a lease] was to shift the risk of daruages ... to an Insurer ... [the lessee] qu...

Aaron Jacobs