Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces that Florida Partner Chad Dunigan will present at the 2026 Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Annual Conference, scheduled for March 25-27 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. His session, "Closing the Gaps: Confronting Insurance Shortfalls in Catastrophic Construction Claims," will take place on March 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Catastrophic construction defect claims are increasingly pushing the boundaries of available insurance, especially within OCIP and CCIP wrap-up programs. As claim values escalate, policy limits can be exhausted long before a case reaches resolution, leaving contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and owners exposed to staggering financial risk.
This session offers a candid, actionable look at the realities of depleted limits, exhausted defense costs, key exclusions, missed enrollment, unsatisfied SIRS, and other structural weaknesses that commonly emerge when catastrophic claims collide with insufficient coverage.
"Today's construction risk environment demands a much sharper focus on how wrap programs are structured and monitored," said Dunigan. "Once limits begin to erode, every strategic decision becomes magnified. Our goal is to give attendees the tools to identify and address gaps early, long before they compromise the defense or derail settlement efforts. "
Joining an experienced group of industry professionals including Carolyn Crawford, Director of Construction Defect from Nationwide Insurance Company; Ian Hall, Assistant General Counsel for Beazer Homes; Dermot Leech, Vice President- Construction Defect Claims for Cranmore (US) Inc.; and Mac Taylor, VP & Assistant General Counsel for M/I homes, the panel will outline practical strategies to strengthen wrap oversight, evaluate exposure, preserve defenses, and ensure more predictable outcomes in high-stakes construction litigation.
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Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.
