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First-Party Coverage

There are many valuable interests at stake in first-party property claims. These kinds of cases involve unique complexities, and insurance policies with language that often require interpreting.

Clients quickly turn to Butler when a property loss has occurred. Our team of well-versed attorneys has spearheaded first-party property matters, including boiler and machinery, builder’s risk, time element and extra contractual claims for over 40 years. Starting with our office in Tampa, Florida, our first-party property practice has grown significantly over the decades. Butler lawyers are sought after in numerous complex, multi-million dollar first-party claims, both domestically and abroad, including several where the exposure has been in excess of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Coverage experience in a spectrum of industries

  • Mining
  • Aviation
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Financial Institutions
  • Power Generation and Energy
  • Stadiums
  • Hospitality
  • Real Estate
  • Builder’s Risk
  • Equipment Breakdown
  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • Commercial Buildings
  • Structures & Warehouses
  • Arson & Fire
  • Public Entities
  • Construction Sites
  • Food and Beverage
  • Catastrophic Losses
  • Residential (including Condos)
  • Warehouse Distribution Facilities

We work with you every step of the way

We have significant experience in representing and working with claims involving multiple insurers on shared and multi-tiered programs, including those involved in the London market. At the helm of every matter, we advise and counsel our clients in all phases of the claim, partnering with them to obtain satisfactory resolution in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

We offer:

  • Coverage support
  • Assist in managing the claim investigation
  • Work closely with experts and consultants
  • Conduct examinations under oath
  • Assist in obtaining a resolution of the claim prior to litigation through negotiation
  • Mediation or other alternative dispute resolution processes

Representation from industry leaders and skilled attorneys

Our extensive experience in litigating cases adds significant value when predicting probable outcomes to assist in valuing the case for settlement and trying the case if necessary.

Our property lawyers are admitted to the Bar in over 11 states and have litigated property cases in twice as many states, as well as in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Butler lawyers are leaders in the property insurance industry. We have numerous partners who were Chairs of the Property Insurance Law Committee of the Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association. Our property lawyers have authored numerous articles and publications on first-party property and speak frequently in industry seminars and events.

Blog Posts | Texas Supreme Court Answers Certified Question in Favor of Insurer on Preclusion of Attorney’s Fees Under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542A

Mar 05, 2024 | By Jeffery Allcorn

When an insurer pays the full amount of an appraisal award plus statutory interest, the insured is precluded from recovering attorney’s fees under Chapter 542A…

Blog Posts, News | Analyzing AOBs: Are the Courts Splitting Hairs or Seeking Statutory Compliance?

Feb 23, 2024 | By Kimberly Matot

So many things in life can be randomly assembled and made to function seamlessly: puzzle pieces for your five-year-old, online gaming teammates, and music mixed…

Events | Bad Faith in Florida: Development of, and Changes to, First-Party Bad Faith Law

January 31, 2024 | By William Collum

Join Tampa Partner William Collum as he presents with co-presenters Brent Brummer (Florida Family Insurance), Tina Ann Dampf (Stockham Law Group), and Christine NeJame (InsAdj…

Events | Hurricane and Wind Forces on Building Envelope Components

January 31, 2024 | By T. Wiley Hodges

Join Tampa Senior Associate Wiley Hodges and co-presenters Megan L. Reese (YA Engineering Services), Michael A. Fried (Strategic Claims Consultants), and Sean Fee (Forensic Building…

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Events | Hurricane Ian Shoreline Loss: Four Policies, Oh Joy!

November 16, 2023 | By Thomas Keller

Join Tampa Partner Thomas Keller and co-presenters Joey Lang (Cat Claims Unlimited) and Michael Rimoldi (J.S. Held LLC) for the 2023 PLRB Large Loss Conference…

Blog Posts | Tear-Out Costs Get Torn Out Again

Oct 04, 2023 | By Julius “Rick” Parker III

On September 13, 2023, the Third District Court of Appeal released its opinion in People’s Trust Insurance Company v. Banks.1 The opinion is a substitute…

Blog Posts, News | Insurers May be on-the-hook for Pre-Suit Attorney’s Fees, but Can Avoid Them by Considering Pre-Suit Settlement

September 5, 2023 | By Michael Montgomery, Vincent Fernandez, Jamal McBroom, IV, Samantha Wuschke

  Tendering policy limits to an insured in response to a Notice of Intent to Litigate, under section 627.70152, Florida Statutes (2021), precludes insureds from…

Blog Posts | Florida Law Requiring Property Claims-Handling Attestation Takes Effect Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Jul 28, 2023 | By Shaheen Nouri

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued an important memorandum to the insurance industry about the new Florida law that requires each authorized residential…

Publications/ Whitepapers | Partner Michael Montgomery Featured in FDCC Friday 5

Jul 21, 2023 | By Michael Montgomery

Mobile and Tallahassee Partner Michael Montgomery was featured on this week’s FDCC Friday 5! This weekly newsletter highlights important developments, upcoming events, and progress being…

News | Welcome New Philadelphia Partner Michael Savett

July 12, 2023 | By Michael Savett

Join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest Partner in the Philadelphia office, Michael Savett!  Michael Savett represents domestic and London market insurers…

Blog Posts | An Update on Artificial Intelligence and the Law

Jul 05, 2023 | By Timothy Engelbrecht

A just machine to make big decisions, Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision …. Lyrics from the song I.G.Y. by Donald Fagen. In May…

Events | Fundamentals of First Party Property Claims Handling

July 12, 2023 | By Tracy Jurgus, William Collum, Michael Montgomery

Join Partners Tracy Jurgus, William Collum, and Michael Montgomery as they present for the 2023 FIFEC Annual Conference. The event will be held from July…

News | Hurricane Season 2023 Begins

June 15, 2023

With the 2023 Hurricane Season upon us, keep this summer a safe and fun one for your family by staying informed and being prepared over…

Events | Butler Sponsors the 2023 Florida Liability Claims Conference

June 14, 2023

Join us at the highly anticipated 2023 Florida Liability Claims Conference, proudly sponsored by Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig. With the ever-evolving landscape of liability claims,…

Blog Posts | Can I Knock the Opposing Expert Out? Understanding How Florida Courts Allow or Prevent Proposed Experts

Jun 08, 2023 | By Timothy Engelbrecht

Experts are key witnesses in any case.  They have the ability to testify about things that are usually beyond the scientific or technical understanding of…

Events | Liability Mitosis: Creating Multiple Accidents or Occurrences out of One

June 14, 2023 | By Jamie Combee Novaes, Kimberly Ramey

Join Tampa Partners Jamie Combee Novaes and Kimberly Ramey as they present for the FDLA’s 2023 Florida Liability Claims Conference in Lake Buena Vista, FL…

News | Partner Tim Engelbrecht at the 2023 PICG Conference

May 16, 2023 | By Timothy Engelbrecht

On May 11, 2023, Tampa Partner Tim Engelbrecht presented at the prestigious Property Insurance Claims Group Conference of 2023 in London, UK. Tim was joined…

Blog Posts | Confined to the Four Corners by the Rules of Contract Interpretation

Apr 26, 2023 | By Vincent Fernandez, Shaheen Nouri, Kristina Harris

A Review of Shiloh Christian Center v. Aspen Specialty Insurance Company The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently held that the plain text of an…

Publications/ Whitepapers | The Comprehensive Guide to Economic Damages, Seventh Edition

Apr 03, 2023 | By John Garaffa

Butler congratulates Tampa Partner John Garaffa for his contribution to The Comprehensive Guide to Economic Damages, Seventh Edition.  The Comprehensive Guide to Economic Damages, 7th Edition…

Blog Posts | TO FEE OR NOT TO FEE, THAT IS THE QUESTION (PART II)

Mar 30, 2023 | By J. Blake Hunter

An issue that remains contentious is whether the Supplementary Payments provisions in the general liability policy provide coverage for attorney’s fees, which the insured is…

Blog Posts | Words matter: a series of leaks constitutes a single occurrence under particular policy language

Mar 24, 2023

In a recent decision from the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, styled KT State & Lemon, LLP et…

Events | Matthew Lavisky Panelist at Florida Law Con

March 31, 2023 | By Matthew Lavisky

Join Partner Matthew Lavisky and a panel of other legal professionals for the 2023 Miami Bar Association Florida Law Con where they will provide informative…

Events | Property Claims Ethics: Adjusting In Good Faith

March 20, 2023 | By Jonathan Barger

Join Partner Jon Barger and co-presenter Nanci L. Smilie (Erie Insurance Group) as they present “Property Claims Ethics: Adjusting In Good Faith” at the PLRB…

Events | Surfside Condominium Collapse: First-Party Issues

March 20, 2023 | By Thomas Keller

Join Partner Tom Keller and co-presenter Paul R. Marsenison (Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.) as they present “Surfside Condominium Collapse: First-Party Issues” at the PLRB Claims…

Events | Multiple Claimants & Insufficient Policy Limits

March 20, 2023 | By Kathy Maus

Join Partner Kathy Maus and co-presenter Julia Molander (JAMolander Consulting) as they present “Multiple Claimants & Insufficient Policy Limits” at the PLRB Claims Conference &…

Events | Ensuing Loss Under Property Policies

March 20, 2023 | By K. Clark Schirle

Join Partner Clark Schirle and co-presenter Alex Furrukh (Core Specialty Insurance) as they present “Ensuing Loss Under Property Policies” at the PLRB Claims Conference &…

Publications/ Whitepapers | Hurricane Ian: A Storm of Challenges

Mar 08, 2023 | By Thomas Keller

Tampa Partner Thomas Keller recently wrote an article alongside co-authors Jonathon Held (J.S. Held), Mike Rimoldi (J.S. Held), Megan Walker (Blue Skies Meteorology), Cynthia DiVicenti…

Events | Keeping Everyone Honest with Technology

March 31, 2023 | By Brian Hohman

Join Partner Brian Hohman as he collaborates with Dean Meyers and Zane Sadik (Charles Taylor Adjusting & Technical Services) for the CLM’s one-of-a-kind Annual Conference…

Events | Hail Hath No Fury: An Interactive Workshop

March 30, 2023 | By Ashley Mattingly

Join Partner Ashley Mattingly as she collaborates with Frank Griffin (Envista Forensics), Brian O’Connor (Engle Martin), and Brett Reuter (Arch Insurance Group) for the CLM’s one-of-a-kind…

News | Attorneys Vincent Fernandez and Shaheen Nouri Published in Claims Journal

Feb 24, 2023 | By Vincent Fernandez, Shaheen Nouri

The Claims Journal recently republished a blog written by attorneys Vincent Fernandez and Shaheen Nouri discussing a Florida Supreme Court decision which answered the question…

Events, Webinars | Flood vs. Wind Claims Following Hurricane Ian Webinar

February 23, 2023 | By Matthew Lavisky

Partner Matthew Lavisky and co-presenters Ryan Jones (Traub Lieberman) and Paul McCullough (S.E.A. Ltd.) will be presenting for the FDLA on the topic of Flood…

Events | How to Calculate Depreciation – Replacement Cash Value vs. Actual Cash Value claims

January 24, 2023 | By Thomas Keller

Join Partner Thomas Keller as he presents for the WIND 2023 Conference. This presentation will take place in Caribe Royale, Orlando, FL on January 24,…

Events | Managing the Complexities of Large Excess and Surplus Losses

January 24, 2023 | By William (Bill) Lewis

Join Partner William Lewis and co-presenters Jonathan Camarro (RSUI), Evelyn M. Merchant (Berk, Merchant & Sims, PLC), Alan Palma (Palma Legal Services, P.A.), and Michael…

Events | Intricacies of Commercial Policies and Claims

January 24, 2023 | By William Collum

Join Partner William Collum and co-presenters Donna DeVaney Stockham (Stockham Law Group), Chris Glenn (Beazley USA), Rick Tutwiler (Tutwiler & Assoc. Public Adjusters), and Kristine…

Events | Property Case Law Update 2023

January 26, 2023 | By K. Clark Schirle, Richard Gable Jr., Jamie Combee Novaes

Join Partner Clark Schirle, Rich Gable and Jamie Combee Novaes as they present for the Loss Executives Association (LEA) 2023 Annual Meeting on January 26,…

Blog Posts | New Florida Law Allows Carriers to Serve Joint Offers and Proposals

Dec 30, 2022 | By Shaheen Nouri

On December 16, 2022, Florida’s Governor signed Senate Bill 2A into law, bringing a number of changes to Florida’s insurance litigation landscape. These reforms include…

News, Webinars | Major Florida Property Insurance Reform

December 21, 2022 | By Thomas Keller, Matthew Lavisky

Partners, Thomas Keller and Matthew Lavisky will address the major changes contained in Senate Bill 2A. The focus will be on adjusting claims and the…

Blog Posts | In South Carolina, Insurers Owe Fees for Losing a First Party DJ? – It’s Un-American!

Dec 06, 2022 | By T. Nicholas Goanos

Bottom Line, Up-Front A recent South Carolina federal district court ruling interprets South Carolina law in a new and potentially dangerous way – by allowing…

Blog Posts | Profiting from a Peril: Business Interruption Valuation During Economic Instability

Nov 30, 2022 | By J. Pablo Cáceres

Introduction The pandemic and political turmoil are causing widespread and long-term economic volatility after many years of positive trends. But covered commercial property losses continue,…

News | Fixing Florida’s Litigation Tsunami

December 6, 2022 | By Thomas Keller

Join Partner Thomas Keller and co-presenters Bob Ritchie (American Integrity Insurance Company), Will Arnold (American Integrity Insurance Company), John Huff (Association of Bermuda Insurers and…

Events | Make Sure You Are Covered: Good Faith Claims Handling and Common Issues That are Encountered Handling Property Claims

November 9, 2022 | By Michael Montgomery

Join Partner Michael Montgomery and co-presenters Stephen A. Melendi (Tollefson, Bradley, Mitchell & Melendi) and Venessa Perkins (PURE) as they present for the FDCC 2022…

Events | Causes of Loss From Cover to Cover (Part II)

November 9, 2022 | By Richard Gable Jr.

Join Partner Richard Gable, Jr. and co-presenter Meredith Murphy (FM Global) as they present for the FDCC 2022 Property Insurance Boot Camp on November 9,…

Events, Webinars | Hurricane Ian Webinar Series Episode 5 – Profiting From A Peril – Business Interruption Valuation During Economic Instability

November 30, 2022 | By J. Pablo Cáceres, Hudson Jones

Our latest webinar series will inform you on issues that may arise during adjustment of Hurricane Ian claims. In the fifth part of this series,…

Events | Too Little, Too Late: Late Notice Claims + Hurricanes

November 3, 2022 | By Jason Seitz

Join partner Jason Seitz as he presents with Alan Mullenix (PE, Envista Forensics) and Charles Beshara (Executive General Adjuster, Beshara and Associates) for the 2022…

Blog Posts | Nuanced Aspects of Hurricane Claims: Civil Authority, Ordinance or Law, and Mobile Home Claims

Oct 24, 2022 | By Timothy Engelbrecht, William Collum

The adjustment of hurricane claims sometimes involve discrete issues regarding either special coverages under insurance policies or different types of structures governed by a patchwork…

Events, Webinars | Hurricane Ian Webinar Series Episode 3 – Civil Authority, Ordinance or Law, and Mobile Homes

October 25, 2022 | By Timothy Engelbrecht, William Collum

Our latest webinar series will inform you on issues that may arise during adjustment of Hurricane Ian claims. In the third part of this series,…

Events | Hurricane Ian Webinar Series Episode 2 – Litigating Tile Roof Claims

October 21, 2022 | By Sarah Burke, D. Grayson Kelly

Our latest webinar series will inform you on issues that may arise during adjustment of Hurricane Ian claims. In the second part of this series,…

Blog Posts | What to Expect When You Are Adjusting: A Primer for Hurricane Ian Property Claims

Oct 10, 2022 | By Thomas Keller, Dericka Burke

The last week of September, 2022, the State of Florida braced for what was categorized to be one of the worst storms to make landfall…

Webinars | Hurricane Ian Webinar Series Episode 1 – What to Expect When You Are Adjusting

Oct 03, 2022 | By Thomas Keller, Dericka Burke

Our latest webinar series will inform you on issues that may arise during adjustment of Hurricane Ian claims. In the first part of this series,…

Blog Posts | To Remand or Not to Remand, That Is the Question

Sep 26, 2022 | By Barry Burkett, J. Blake Hunter

Generally, a case is not removable to federal court “more than one year after commencement of [an] action.” However, a defendant may remove a case…

First-Party Coverage