Archive | March, 2016

March Comp in Focus

The Monson Law Firm attended the March Comp in Focus luncheon at Ralphs on the Park in New Orleans. We enjoyed hearing guest speaker Clark Cossé, former lobbyist for the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, speak on the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation (LWCC) Formation and Place in the Current Market.  Pictured are Matthew Monson, Esq., guest speaker Clark Cossé and Nina Luckman with the Louisiana Comp Blog. Click here to view pictures!

Happy Easter!

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Romans 5:6-10

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Fighting Insurance Fraud

Matthew D. Monson, Esq., enjoyed speaking at the Louisiana Surplus Lines Association’s annual conference last week in New Orleans. Matt addressed the conference on “Fighting Insurance Fraud”.  Thanks to the LSLA Board and outgoing President, Bonnie Steen, for another great conference! Click here to view pictures!

Louisiana Surplus Lines Association’s Annual Convention

The Monson Law Firm attended the Louisiana Surplus Lines Association’s Annual Convention at the Montelone Hotel in New Orleans. We enjoyed hearing Jim Donelon, Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance, give an update on the upcoming Legislative Session and on the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Pictured wearing green for St. Patrick’s Day are Commissioner Jim Donelon, Ann’Lee Earles, CPIA and Matthew Monson, Esq.  Click here to view pictures!

 

Baton Rouge Chapter of Professional Insurance Agents

The Monson Law Firm attended the Baton Rouge Chapter of Professional Insurance Agents March lunch meeting at Oak Lodge. We learned from guest speaker Shawn Robinson, with Delta Pest Services, on how to protect your home from termites and other invasive insects. Pictured are Ann’Lee Earles, CPIA, Shay Robinson with Accu Auto and Shawn Robinson with Delta Pest Services.

 

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The Monson Law Firm would like to recognize our female attorneys: Laura Abel, Sarah Barro, Rachel Flarity and Janna Underhill. We are proud that 57% of our attorneys and 75% of our staff are the best women any law firm could want as part of the team!

The Monson Law Firm Obtains Record Subrogation Recovery for Insurer

The Monson Law Firm recently obtained subrogation settlements totaling $663,500 from three separate defendants for Atain Specialty Insurance Company in the case entitled “Atain Specialty Insurance Company vs. Storm Electric, et al”.  In this contested matter, the F.S. Williams Country Store in Ethel, Louisiana suffered a total loss due to an electrical fire.  The store had been an institution in the small local community for over 80 years.  Atain promptly paid the policy limits of $830,000 to the insured.  The Monson Law Firm successfully pursued multiple defendants over three years, including the electrical utility, Entergy, in recovering 80 percent of Atain’s payments.  According to Atain, this is the largest subrogation recovery in the company’s history.

If you are an insurer seeking subrogation, call The Monson Law Firm today!

 

NOLA PIA Donates to St. Baldrick’s Foundation

The Monson Law Firm attended the New Orleans Chapter of Professional Insurance Agents March lunch meeting at Impastao’s restaurant. The chapter donated $105.00, which was raised during the 50/50 raffle, to go towards Matthew Monson’s fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation! If you would like to join in on Matt’s journey of raising money to help fight childhood cancer, you can do so by clicking the following link: https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/813868/2016 Pictured are Matthew Monson, Esq. and Alicia Stanley, PIA President with Markel FirstComp.

Laura H. Abel and Donald J. Latuso, Jr. Win Bad Faith Summary Judgment

Attorneys Laura H. Abel and Donald J. Latuso, Jr. recently won a summary judgment motion on behalf of Southern Fidelity Insurance Company (“SFIC”) in the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson.  In the matter entitled “Tammy Bourgeois wife of/and Corron Bourgeois vs. Southern Fidelity Insurance Company,” plaintiffs made claim for bad faith damages following Hurricane Isaac.  SFIC and plaintiffs agreed to the appraisal process, resulting in a confirmed appraisal award to plaintiffs of only $5,457.05. In granting SFIC’s Motion for Summary Judgment, the Court determined that plaintiffs’ failed to establish that they could satisfy their evidentiary burden of proof at trial.  In contrast, the Court determined that SFIC successfully established that plaintiffs’ claim arose solely out of a good faith dispute as to the amount of plaintiffs’ loss.  It further found that SFIC successfully demonstrated that it timely issued all undisputed amounts owed to plaintiffs.  As a result, the Court granted SFIC’s summary judgment motion and dismissed plaintiffs’ claims for penalties pursuant to La. R.S. 22:1892 and La. R.S. 22:1973.  Please click here for a copy of the judgment.

The Monson Law Firm has successfully used the appraisal process to efficiently handle first-party claims at lower litigation costs than the traditional “take everybody’s deposition” method, while at the same time greatly reducing the insurer’s bad faith exposure.  If you think that you too can benefit from this approach, call The Monson Law Firm today!