Top best Insurance Lawyers Near me in ZIP 70130

I have twenty-six years of experience in diversified areas of legal practice ranging from criminal prosecution to civil litigation. I represent clients in insurance defense, premises liability, property damage and automobile insurance claims and also against claims of medical malpractice.. I have strong litigation experience having litigated in Civil Court, Juvenile Court, Criminal Court, Appellate Court, Federal Court, before the Office of Workers’ Compensation, the Civil Service Commission, and the Division of Administrative Law in the State of Louisiana.

I have over 40 years experience as a civil litigator representing corporations and insurance companies in a wide variety of matters.  My main focus includes civil litigation defense; admiralty and maritime litigation; insurance defense litigation; insurance coverage; product liability litigation; class action and mass tort / disaster litigation.

I have developed a very diverse legal practice that encompasses all facets of civil litigation with an emphasis on both insurance defense and coverage work as well as domestic/family law.

I have 20+ years defending clients against medical malpractice and legal malpractice, premises liability, insurance coverage and general casualty claims. I represent individual healthcare providers, as well as large facility health care providers in cases involving serious personal injuries, including death, paraplegia, debilitating orthopedic injuries, brain injuries, and cardiovascular problems.. In my legal malpractice practice, I've successfully represented attorneys both in litigated matters and before the Louisiana Office of Disciplinary Counsel.  I also defend real estate agents and brokers and insurance agents and adjusters in their professional liability claims.

I engage in a diversified practice that includes the routine representation of clients in the areas of commercial transportation, casualty litigation, products liability with an emphasis on oil and gas equipment, maritime law and insurance coverage.

I am privileged to represent clients who share a desire to “get to the right result, quickly.”. “Unfortunately, an offshoot to Louisiana’s intertwined networks of transportation, tourism, and industry is a significant human cost. Whether it’s a trucking accident or a conventioneer failing to navigate a side-walk, severe injuries occur on a daily basis.” While most of my practice is dedicated to achieving the best-possible result for clients in litigation, I work with my clients in Louisiana and around the country to develop training and investigation protocols to reduce accidents and to effectively investigate the ones that happen. By developing claim and case-handling protocols, for example, I am able to significantly reduce a client’s exposure in high-value personal injury across multiple jurisdictions.

I am a regular speaker at national conferences focusing on products liability and work place exposures and have been named to Thomson Reuters’s list of "Louisiana Rising Stars" published in Louisiana Super Lawyers magazine, recognizes the state’s best attorneys 40 or under, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less.As native New Orleanian, I love photography, spending time with her family, and being at the beach.

I am a passionate writer of state and federal appeal briefs with experience in alternative dispute resolution methods. I am certified by the American Arbitration Association as an arbitrator and mediator.. In my professional liability practice, I defend architects, engineers, lawyers and insurance agents against coverage disputes, malpractice, and construction claims.  I also have an active products liability practice.

I am a partner in the firm practicing in the areas of maritime, products liability, insurance defense, offshore litigation and workers’ compensation. My maritime practice is devoted primarily to the representation of oil and gas producers and their contractors, defending them against personal injury and property damage claims, as well as prosecuting claims on their behalf for property damage and lost oil and gas revenues.. I defend the interests of the firm’s clients in state workers’ compensation proceedings and federal Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act actions.

I aim my career on trying all types of commercial matters before juries, judges and arbitration panels.  I have over 25 years of extensive experience defending insurance carriers and insurance guaranty associations in the areas of professional liability, employment law, securities and commodities fraud, and insurance.. I also defend life, health, disability, directors & officers, and errors & omissions claims for the insurance industry and malpractice suits for CPAs, attorneys, surveyors, appraisers and insurance agents.

Elia focuses on several insurance coverage practice areas including third-party insurance coverage, general liability, and environmental and toxic tort liability coverage. Elia also focuses on property insurance coverage and bad faith claims litigation. She has served as defense counsel for insurers in commercial and residential property insurance cases resulting from hurricanes, hailstorms, and other first-party claims.. Elia is a shareholder in the firm, and her primary areas of practice are industrial employment/long-latency lung disease litigation, insurance defense and coverage, environmental law, and commercial litigation. In the last eighteen years, Elia has successfully defended thousands of occupational exposure claims, including exposure to asbestos and silica-containing products. Elia focuses her practice on insurance coverage litigation and counseling, and has significant experience representing insurers as direct action defendants in litigation in Louisiana. Elia’s extensive experience defending mass tort claims enables her to provide clients with an early strategic plan, vigorous defense, and efficient litigation.. Elia‘s professional credentials include being nominated as an AV-rated attorney, an honor bestowed on less than 5% of women lawyers. As an AV-rated attorney, Elia was selected for the inaugural edition of the Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers™ – an organization created exclusively for women attorneys who have received the highest possible peer rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.. In addition, Elia actively promotes diversity and the inclusion of women and Hispanics in the legal professions through various professional organizations. She is president of the Hispanic Lawyers of Louisiana. Elia is also a member of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), where she currently is one of fifty members selected nationally to participate in the HNBA/Associate of Corporate Counsel Executive Leadership Program. Elia also monitors legal trends and proposed laws that directly impact or affect the local Hispanic community. Her professional engagements include presenting a seminar on effectively communicating with corporate counsel, diversity seminars at the 2012 ABA mid-year meeting and 2011 HNBA National Corporate Conference, leading round-table discussions at several in-house corporate meetings, serving as a diversity facilitator for the Louisiana State Bar Association, participating in the Louisiana State Bar Association’s diversity and inclusion video, and presenting continuing legal education throughout the state.. Elia also serves on the Board of Directors of the ASI Federal Credit Union, which facilitates loans of all sizes for transportation, home ownership, business development, and education as well as international microloans in partnership with Kiva, a non-profit connecting individual investors with microfinance institutions.. In addition to her professional pursuits, Elia also volunteers and participates in a number of social and community programs including elementary school reading programs and various habitat/environmental groups, including Habitat for Humanity. She is a founding member of Candy Girls/Life Savers of New Orleans, a non-profit group that supports and provides services to families in need as well as a local orphanage.

Doug Kleeman practices in the area of insurance and reinsurance. He counsels clients, manages disputes and tries cases involving a variety of first- and third-party insurance coverage issues.. Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Mr. Kleeman practiced in the areas of insurance coverage and litigation at Bienvenu, Foster, Ryan & O’Bannon, LLC in New Orleans.

Dick Chopin is a Member of The Chopin Law Firm and licensed to practice in Louisiana and Texas.  Dick Chopin is one of the pre-eminent attorneys in the entire Gulf South. He has represented his clients in the smallest courthouses in southern Louisiana as effectively and professionally as he has in England and Belgium. Quite simply, there are few better lawyers out there.. Dick has tried over 125 civil jury trials and so many bench trials that he does not even bother to keep count. A fearless and powerful advocate, Dick is the warrior clients need on their side when everything is on the line, whether insignificant personal injury litigation, a domestic matter, or a large casualty case.. Dick was admitted to the Bar in Louisiana in 1973 and Texas in 1997. Dick has extensive experience in virtually all types of litigation and is recognized locally and nationally as one of the best trial lawyers. He is well respected for his skills, ethics and professionalism and has consistently been selected for the highest possible ratings in all areas by his peers.. Contact Richard:

Developing a profound reputation in the Gulf Coast area in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Jeffrey P. Berniard is an established and proven litigation entity. In working to defend the rights of hundreds of Louisiana and Texas residents against the unfair and illegitimate efforts of insurance companies, the Berniard Law Firm has been highly successful at getting clients the payments and claims they are entitled to. Employing a variety of tools and judicial approaches such as arbitration and expert testimony, we take every angle we can to guarantee that our clients receive the legal support that they deserve.. Established by Jeffrey Berniard, a native son to the Gulf Coast, the Berniard Law features employees from all across the United States that each bring a different expertise and experience to our litigation. Educated at McNeese State University and Loyola Law in New Orleans, Mr. Berniard is able to handle federal and state cases in courts across the South. For far-reaching jurisdictions, Mr. Berniard has highly qualified colleagues that are also capable of meeting your legal needs. As such, our firm is able to come to clients to bring them the legal assistance they need to keep insurance companies at bay with their low payouts and denied claims.. With a focus on storm damage and insurance litigation, the Berniard Law Firm also takes cases relating to serious injuries, medical malpractice and other disputes with insurance companies. Any Texas resident that feels they need legal support for a variety of reasons is encouraged to contact the Berniard Law Firm to speak with an attorney regarding what we can do for you.

Chris Bynog practices in the area of insurance and reinsurance, with a focus on counseling insurance companies on complex coverage issues in areas including pollution and health hazard, construction defect, auto and garage liabilities, and professional services. As national coverage counsel for a crane insurance program, Mr. Bynog is experienced in dealing with additional insured and contractual indemnity issues, as well as OCIPs and other construction industry insurance-related issues. He has also taught classes on coverage issues to clients’ claims representatives in these areas.

Céleste focuses on several insurance coverage practice areas including third-party insurance coverage, general liability, environmental and toxic tort liability coverage, and marine insurance coverage.. Céleste represents insurers in connection with insurance coverage and bad faith disputes involving a variety of matters including environmental and latent injury claims, business torts, and labor- and employment-related claims. In addition, she has significant experience representing insurers as direct action defendants in litigation in Louisiana.. Céleste graduated from Tulane University Law School in 1994. During law school, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Judge Veronica Wicker at the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. Prior to joining Lugenbuhl, Celeste served as a staff attorney for the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana.

Calling on over 35 years of experience, my practice includes insurance defense and general litigation in the areas of products liability, toxic torts and maritime personal injury. I defend clients in toxic tort cases involving long-term latent disease, personal injury and death claims involving silicosis or asbestosis. I also have experience with asbestos property damage and building abatement claims. I also defend clients in products liability and maritime personal injury claims defense.

Bill Riviere practices in the areas of collision, maritime personal injury, terminal/installation damage, pollution, fire, salvage, maritime lien matters, oilfield indemnity and insurance coverage disputes, and appellate matters. He represents maritime employers, vessel owners, energy interests and their underwriters in personal injury defense litigation, including Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act claims, and represents vessel owners, operators, dock and terminal owners, and their underwriters in connection with collisions, allisions, wavewash/surge damage, groundings and salvage matters. He also represents general liability and marine underwriters with respect to coverage issues involving a broad range of marine, general liability and excess forms of coverage.. Mr. Riviere has attended numerous legal continuing education seminars focusing on civil litigation and the trial process, with a concentration primarily on admiralty matters. Included in this continuing training was a seminar presented at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point focusing on collision and fire at sea.

Benjamin "Ben" Schupp is a member in the firm's New Orleans office, where he focuses his practice on admiralty and maritime law. Ben has special experience in vessel financing, vessel charters, marine construction and maritime lien issues.. Business. Ben has represented numerous banks, vessels and rig owners worldwide in financing the purchase or construction of vessels and oil rigs. In connection with such representation, Ben has drafted numerous construction contracts, sale agreements, charters, ship mortgages as well as various loan and registration documentation. He has handled vessel registration in registries throughout the world. Ben has significant experience in MARAD Title XI financing and financing through the Export-Import Bank of the United States, as well as financing through banking and private equity channels.. Representative Transactions. Litigation. Ben has represented U.S. and international underwriters, brokers and businesses in a wide variety of maritime, energy, casualty and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. He has also represented vessel and rig owners in maritime and oil and gas disputes, including several cases leading to important decisions in these fields by the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ben has drafted countless insurance coverage opinions in both the maritime and non-maritime context.. Sample of Litigation Resulting In Published Opinions

Anne focuses on several insurance coverage practice areas including third-party insurance coverage, general liability, environmental and toxic tort liability coverage, and marine insurance coverage.. Anne is originally from New Jersey. She graduated from Tulane University Law School in 2004, magna cum laude, and was elected to the Order of the Coif. During law school, she served on the Moot Court Board from 2002-2004 and was senior managing editor of the Tulane Maritime Law Journalfrom 2003-2004. She also worked as a law clerk in the criminal division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.. Anne has experience in commercial transactions, vessel finance, and bankruptcy. She currently practices in the areas of insurance coverage and litigation, representing insurers in claims under the Louisiana direct action statute and in first-party claims.

Alicia M. Bendana practices bankruptcy law and commercial litigation. She has considerable and wide-ranging experience representing creditors, creditors’ committees, bankruptcy trustees, asset purchasers, and Chapter 7 and 11 debtors. Ms. Bendana has represented a variety of debtors in connection with bankruptcy proceedings and workout negotiations with creditors, taxing authorities, and other governmental agencies. In addition, she has represented creditors in Chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcy proceedings with respect to the prosecution of claims and contract rights, the partitioning of marital property, the excepting of debts from discharge, the opposing of plans of reorganization, and the proposing of competing plans. Ms. Bendana has also represented bankruptcy trustees in connection with their administration of bankruptcy estates, including in actions seeking turnover of estate property, objections to proofs of claim, prosecution of debtors’ causes of action, prosecution of avoidance actions and objections to discharge.. In addition to her bankruptcy work, Ms. Bendana has extensive experience litigating a variety of commercial and business tort cases in both state and federal courts including disputes involving commercial fraud, racketeering, officer and director liability, professional malpractice, insurance coverage, a wide variety of contracts, and trusts and estates. She has also handled indigent consumer bankruptcy and criminal defense cases on a pro bono basis.. Ms. Bendana enjoys an “AV” Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards. She has authored numerous articles for professional publications and is a frequent lecturer at professional programs.