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Hugh is a partner in Reed Smith’s Insurance Recovery Group. Prior to joining Reed Smith, he was a founding – and at times managing and name – partner in two earlier associations where, since 1986, he has focused on insurance disputes. His national practice includes litigating, trying to verdict, and appellate advocacy concerning all manner of liability claims as well as first-party property claims. When needed, Hugh also evaluates and prosecutes insurance bad faith claims, and he is regularly called upon to advise on related issues.
Experience
Representative matters
Representative matters
Advocated for small and large business interests in relation to insurance coverage for the COVID-19 pandemic, including seeking coverage under property insurance, business interruption, contingent business interruption, civil authority, pollution insurance, event cancellation, and general liability insurance coverages.
Represented a multinational chemical manufacturing company sued in multiple jurisdictions concerning the alleged failure of a component used to make impact-resistant windows, resulting in widespread product failures claiming almost $200 million in damages. All of the underlying claims were resolved following litigation with the manufacturer’s insurers, allowing the company to remain in business.
Represented a product manufacturer in a product defect multi-district litigation (MDL) involving 17 disparate class actions in multiple jurisdictions as lead coverage counsel. The MDL and class actions were successfully resolved, entirely funded by insurer payments.
Experience
Advocated for small and large business interests in relation to insurance coverage for the COVID-19 pandemic, including seeking coverage under property insurance, business interruption, contingent business interruption, civil authority, pollution insurance, event cancellation, and general liability insurance coverages.
Represented a multinational chemical manufacturing company sued in multiple jurisdictions concerning the alleged failure of a component used to make impact-resistant windows, resulting in widespread product failures claiming almost $200 million in damages. All of the underlying claims were resolved following litigation with the manufacturer’s insurers, allowing the company to remain in business.
Represented a product manufacturer in a product defect multi-district litigation (MDL) involving 17 disparate class actions in multiple jurisdictions as lead coverage counsel. The MDL and class actions were successfully resolved, entirely funded by insurer payments.
Represented one of the leading providers of plumbing and air conditioning/heating services in the United States in a dispute with its insurer over contingent business interruption losses arising from Hurricane Harvey, the most significant rainfall event in U.S. history (Texas), and Hurricane Irma, the strongest storm on record in the open Atlantic region (Florida).
Recognitions
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® (Insurance Law; Litigation - Insurance), 2010–2027
- Recipient of the Thomas F. Segalla Service Award, American College of Contractual and Extra-Contractual Counsel, 2018
- Named a Life Fellow by the American Bar Foundation
Credentials
Education
Education
- University of Miami School of Law, 1980, J.D.
- Duke University, 1977, A.B.
Professional admissions & qualifications
Professional admissions & qualifications
- Florida
Court admissions
Court admissions
- U.S. Federal Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court - Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court - Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court - Northern District of Florida
Professional affiliations
Professional affiliations
- American College of Contractual and Extra-Contractual Counsel; Co-Chair, First Party Section
- Insurance Coverage and Litigation Section of the ABA; formerly Co-Chair, Life, Health and Disability Sub-section
- American Bar Association, Section of Insurance Coverage
- Florida State Bar
- Dade County Bar Association
- Former board member, Children’s Home Society (Outstanding Volunteer Board Member, 1999)
News
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Media mentions
Insights
Insights
Insurance News Net
Attorneys: Chubb ruling could have ‘dangerous’ implications for brokers, policyholders
Blogs
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Events
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