Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce a major litigation victory in Louisiana, securing summary judgment for certain London based insurance syndicates in a significant dispute connected to a multimillion-dollar first-party property claim arising from a 2022 storm event at an academic learning center in Baton Rouge. The underlying property claim is valued at approximately $7.5 million, amplifying the importance of eliminating ancillary litigation risk.
The dismissed action—filed by a contractor seeking to convert what was essentially a breach-of-contract dispute into an insurance coverage claim—attempted to rope the insurers into liability where no coverage obligation existed. Although the contractor itself had never submitted a claim under the policies, its demand was mid-six figures, presenting a potential drain on resources and a distracting offshoot from the principal litigation.
Winning in a Plaintiff-Friendly, Insurer-Hostile Venue
This result is particularly significant given the notoriously plaintiff-friendly and insurer-hostile venue in which the case was pending. Opposing counsel employed a full spectrum of procedural maneuvers to sidestep the insurers’ dispositive arguments. Despite this, WSHB executed a disciplined and strategically calibrated defense that left no room for doubt or judicial discretion.
The Court ultimately agreed that the claims asserted against WSHB’s clients were legally baseless and granted summary judgment, removing all carrier clients from the suit in its entirety.
A Strategic Win with Broader Implications
“This ruling is an important victory not only in this individual matter but also in the broader context of the ongoing $7.5 million first-party claim,” said Partner Erik L. Vollenweider, who led the defense team and argued the motion. “By eliminating this satellite litigation, we were able to refocus the path of the main case and ensure that our clients aren’t burdened with meritless coverage demands. The Court’s decision confirms the strength and clarity of our coverage position.”
Alexander Clarke, who drafted the successful motion, emphasized the significance of methodical positioning “Our strategy from the outset was simple: keep the focus on what the policy does and does not cover. Opposing counsel tried every procedural shortcut available, but our commitment to a precise, disciplined record left the Court with only one legally supportable conclusion. We are very pleased to have obtained this outcome for our clients.”
A Clean Dismissal in a Difficult Environment
The decision removes the insurers from unnecessary and costly litigation while reinforcing the importance of policy language in disputes where claimants attempt to recast contractual or workmanship issues into coverage obligations. The ruling further underscores WSHB’s expertise in navigating challenging jurisdictions where insurers often face uphill battles.
WSHB remains committed to delivering superior results for clients in complex, high-exposure insurance disputes nationwide.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
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.