Insurance Litigation
Insurance Defense
Buckley & Buckley is a top tier defense firm whom insurers seek out to provide quality representation for their insureds. Our firm works closely with both the insured and the claims professional to quickly evaluate a claim or lawsuit and implement a plan for resolution.
Our practice has grown because we are willing to try jury cases, even in the face of serious injury or damage claims. Clients appreciate our candor in evaluation of claims, our trial skills in defending the case and our cost-effective approach to litigation.
We have successfully defended cases in areas such as:
- Auto liability;
- Construction defects;
- Defamation;
- Premises liability;
- Products liability;
- Restaurant and retailer liability;
- Sexual abuse; and
- Wrongful Death.
Josh Engelbart had one of the top 25 defense wins in 2022 as reported by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. His was the only top defense win reported for a case tried in the City of St. Louis, a venue that is ranked as a top ten Judicial Hellhole per the American Tort Reform Foundation. Plaintiff's last demand before trial was $1.2 million and in closing argument, plaintiff's counsel asked the jury to award $3.1 million. The jury agreed with Josh's defense arguments and awarded a mere $50,000.
Insurance Coverage
Insurers have relied on our advice on coverage matters for many years. Buckley & Buckley is recognized as a Tier One law firm for Insurance Coverage by Best Lawyers.
We have defended insurers in ca ses involving large property loss claims under Commercial Property Policies. See, for example:
- Macheca II, 649 F.3d 661 (8th Cir. 2011)
- Macheca III, 737 F.3d 118 (8th Cir. 2013)
- Murphey v. Electric Ins. Co., 2017 WL 1056203 (Mo. Ct. App. E.D. 03/21/17)
We have defended insurers against claims of wrongful denial of coverage under liability policies, including bad faith claims. See, for example:
- Kretsinger v. Amerisure, 498 S.W.3d 506 (Mo. Ct. App. W.D. 2016)
- MPM v. Clark, 337 S.W.3d 28 (Mo. Ct. App. E.D. 2011)
Whether the case involves claims of statutory vexatious refusal or claims of bad faith under a liability policy, Buckley & Buckley has the experience necessary to successfully defend the company and its employees.