News: FHMS News
Matthew Vodzak Appointed as Co-Chair of the Amicus Committee of PADC
Matthew Vodzak was recently appointed as Co-Chair of the Amicus Committee of the Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel (PADC). PADC is a nonprofit association of approximately 300 lawyers from the five-county Philadelphia area. Organized in 1947, PADC is the oldest continuously operating local defense organization in the United States. PADC protects and advances the interests… Read More ❯
Hirtzel, Lettieri, Novak Win Motion to Dismiss Breach of Insurance Contract
By: Gregory Hirtzel, Frances Lettieri, and Benjamin Novak FHMS attorneys Gregory Hirtzel, Frances Lettieri, and Benjamin Novak recently secured a dismissal in a federal case involving an alleged breach of insurance contract. The decision reinforces the rule that coverage under a liability insurance policy is not triggered unless there is a claim by a third… Read More ❯
A Case for Why the First Manifestation Rule Should be Applied in Construction Defect Cases
By: Gregory S. Hirtzel and Benjamin P. Novak The first manifestation rule is straightforward to apply, derived from policy language, and consistent with the notion that insurance exists to cover fortuitous losses. Recently, however, there has been a push in Pennsylvania to replace the first manifestation rule with the “continuous” or “triple” trigger rule in construction… Read More ❯
Joseph Fowler Named Leader of The Gavel Transportation Group
FHMS Partner Joseph Fowler was chosen to lead the Transportation Group of The Gavel, a national claims defense network. The group consists of vetted attorneys throughout the country who have significant experience defending transportation cases. Under his leadership, the Transportation Group plans to be a collaborative resource for advancing the defense of these cases across… Read More ❯
Eckell and Spaulding Present Webinar on Premises Liability Law
FHMS partners Lee Eckell and Andrew Spaulding presented a webinar on the basics of premises liability law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The webinar provided attorneys and insurance industry claims handlers with basic knowledge on how to defend premises liability claims. Mr. Eckell and Mr. Spaulding used real case examples to discuss topics such as… Read More ❯
Lettieri, Chow, and Molotsky Present Webinars to Insurance Professionals
Last month, FHMS partners Frances Lettieri, Dennis Chow, and Allan Molotsky presented two webinars to insurance professionals. The first webinar was given on December 15, 2020. Ms. Lettieri, Mr. Chow, and Mr. Molotsky presented the latest case law updates and discussed coverage litigation trends. On December 16, 2020, Ms. Lettieri, Mr. Chow, and Mr. Molotsky… Read More ❯
Lettieri and Chow Present Webinar on Condominium and Homeowners Associate Claims
FHMS partners Frances Lettieri and Dennis Chow presented a webinar to insurance professionals reviewing Director and Officer’s coverage for condominium and homeowners associations. This presentation was designed as a training program to provide an overview for the handling of such claims.
Pennsylvania Superior Court Fast Tracks Personal Jurisdiction Case on Consent
By: Matthew Vodzak The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will decide whether Pennsylvania’s long arm personal jurisdiction statute is constitutional. That statute permits Pennsylvania to exercise general personal jurisdiction over foreign companies that are registered to do business in Pennsylvania. FHMS Partner Matt Vodzak provides insight on how the Pennsylvania Supreme Court might rule. Click here to… Read More ❯
Fowler Presents Webinar to Lancer Insurance Company
On Tuesday, December 8th, FHMS Partner Joseph Fowler presented a 2-hour webinar to Lancer Insurance Company. Mr. Fowler was joined in presenting the webinar by David Farina, Esq. of Cray and Huber of Chicago, Il. Mr. Fowler and Mr. Farina discussed how to effectively use biomechanics experts to defend cases, how to document and preserve… Read More ❯
Fowler Presents Webinar to Carolina Casualty Insurance Company
On Friday, December 4th, FHMS Partner Joseph Fowler participated in a live webinar presentation to commercial vehicle insurance company, Carolina Casualty. Fowler was joined by six other members of the Gavel Network. The CLE-accredited webinar featured three sessions and ended with a trucking potpourri. Fowler, alongside Michael Hostetter of Nall & Miller, led the first… Read More ❯
Hirtzel, Chow, and Novak Present Webinar on Auto Case Law and UM/UIM Coverage
On Thursday, December 3rd, Gregory Hirtzel, Dennis Chow, and Benjamin Novak presented a lunchtime webinar on some of Pennsylvania’s most recent court decisions regarding auto case law and UM/UIM coverage. The topics discussed included coverage election forms, UM and UIM coverage exclusions, whether the admissibility of future medical bills are subject to the MVFRL’s cost… Read More ❯
Hirtzel and Lettieri Present Webinar on Reservation of Rights
On Thursday, November 19th, partners Gregory Hirtzel and Frances Lettieri presented a webinar on Reservation of Rights. Hirtzel, a seasoned litigator in all manner of high exposure casualty claims whose practice crosses over into risk transfer and insurance coverage matters and Lettieri, a partner in the firm’s Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith practice, provided a… Read More ❯
Fowler to Present Webinar for Northfield and Northland Insurance Companies
FHMS Partner Joseph Fowler will participate in a live webinar presentation to Northfield and Northland insurance companies on Wednesday, October 28. The webinar will include six attorneys from the Gavel Network. In addition to Fowler, John Messersmith (Kalbaugh Pfund & Messersmith), Daniel Santaniello (Luks Santaniello Petrillo & Cohen), Derrick Dewitt (Dewitt Paruolo & Meek), Michael… Read More ❯
Fowler and Taranto Present Webinar on Catastrophic Incidents
Joseph Fowler and Damian Taranto of FHMS, along with Justin P. Schorr, Ph.D., Lt. Col. Bryan J. Smith, P.E., and Robert Kinder, Jr. of DJS Associates, recently presented a webinar on catastrophic incidents. The three-hour webinar educated attendees on how to avoid, prepare for, and react to these incidents. The speakers used data, collection technology,… Read More ❯
Joe Fowler & Matthew Vodzak Litigated Successful Appeal in Delaware Supreme Court
Joe Fowler and Matthew Vodzak recently won an appeal in the Delaware Supreme Court. FHMS represented a construction subcontractor sued when a single-car accident occurred in a roadwork zone. The teenage driver was seriously injured, and her passenger died in the accident. After discovery but before expert reports were exchanged, FHMS entered into a settlement… Read More ❯
Dennis Chow Presents E&O Webinar
Dennis Chow, a member of the firm’s Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith practice group, recently presented a webinar on errors and omissions and statutory regulatory liability coverage under garage/auto dealer policies. The webinar provided training to insurance professionals for claims under the Truth in Lending Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Federal Regulation 455, and… Read More ❯
Spaulding, Fleming & Vodzak Obtained Dismissal
Andrew Spaulding, Alison Fleming, and Matthew Vodzak recently obtained dismissal of a subrogation action filed against FHMS’s clients, a commercial landlord and property manager. A tenant’s insurance company filed a subrogation action in Philadelphia state court action against FHMS’s clients for claims from a fire loss. FHMS successfully argued that the terms of the lease… Read More ❯
Molotsky and Vodzak Obtained Summary Judgment
Allan Molotsky and Matthew Vodzak recently obtained summary judgment in Philadelphia in an insurance coverage action. FHMS represented an insurance company that insured a restaurant under a general liability policy. One of the restaurant’s employees killed a co-employee while at work. The deceased employee’s estate sued the restaurant, and the restaurant sought insurance coverage from… Read More ❯
Matthew Vodzak Litigated Successful Appeal
Matthew Vodzak litigated a successful appeal in the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in a slip-and-fall case. The plaintiff was at the home of FHMS’s client for a personal-training session. The plaintiff slipped and fell on an icy sidewalk, and fractured her leg. FHMS successfully obtained summary judgment in the trial court, and the plaintiff appealed…. Read More ❯
Justin Boehret Obtains Defense Verdict
Justin Boehret obtained a defense verdict in a jury trial in Bucks County. Mr. Boehret, who practices in FHMS’s Allentown office, represented a driver in a contested intersectional accident. The jury found our client free of any negligence.
Spaulding Presented Civility in Civil Litigation CLE
Founding FHMS partner, Andrew J. Spaulding, and Roy DeCaro of Raynes Lawn Hehmeyer presented a CLE on Friday, November 1, 2019 titled “Civility in Civil Litigation”.
Fowler and Campbell Obtain Defense Verdict in Philadelphia Trial
Joe Fowler and Jacqui Campbell obtained a defense verdict after 8 days of trial in Griffin v. Advanced Disposal Services in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas before Judge Messiah Jackson on October 30, 2019. The case was tried over 8 days. Plaintiff’s demand at the start of trial was $5 million. At the end… Read More ❯
Gregory Hirtzel and Cody Kauffman Presented Traumatic Brain Injury Seminar
Greg Hirtzel and Cody Kauffman spoke at Donegal Insurance on October 15, 2019 on best practices in evaluating, handling and defending Traumatic Brain Injury claims.
FHMS Sponsors Counselor’s V. Cancer
FHMS was proud to be an elite level sponsor for the 2019 Counselor’s v. Cancer Charity Golf Classic held on September 30, 2019 at the Westfield Country Club, Westfield Ohio. This annual event serves to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and bring increased awareness to the importance of ACS’s role in funding research… Read More ❯
Campbell Presents Risk Transfer Seminar
Jacqueline Campbell of Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding recently presented a webinar for a local insurance carrier. The webinar focused on strategies for making and pursing outbound tenders. The presentation reviewed the different types of risk transfer, information needed to evaluate and pursue outbound tenders, factors that should be considered in making the tender, and… Read More ❯
Campbell and Lettieri Present Webinar on Snow Removal Standards and Risk Transfer
On September 25, 2019, Jacqueline Campbell and Frances Lettieri presented a webinar on snow removal standards and risk transfer issues in snow and ice cases. This webinar focused on the various snow removal standards and how they impact litigation. The seminar also addressed risk transfer issues, discussing the language in snow removal contracts needed to effectuate the… Read More ❯
Joseph Fowler and Lee Eckell Speak at Pure Insurance
Joseph Fowler and Lee Eckell of FHMS, along with accident reconstruction experts Robert Lynch, P.E. and Dr. Justin Schorr of DJS Associates, recently presented a seminar at Pure Insurance. The two hour seminar to a group of personal transportation claims handlers focused on emergency response to catastrophic motor vehicle accidents, forensic evidence gathering techniques and… Read More ❯
Gregory Hirtzel and Cody Kauffman Presented Traumatic Brain Injury Webinar
Gregory Hirtzel and Cody Kauffman of Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding recently presented a webinar discussing the investigation and evaluation of Traumatic Brain Injury (“TBI”) claims. The webinar focused on strategies for defending what often are highly subjective and potentially significant damage claims. This presentation reviewed the science behind traumatic brain injury and the pertinent… Read More ❯
FHMS Lawyers Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding is pleased to announce that the following attorneys have been selected to the 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list: Joseph R. Fowler, Gregory S. Hirtzel, Joseph F. McNulty, and Andrew J. Spaulding. The Super Lawyer designation is limited to no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in Pennsylvania. FHMS is… Read More ❯
Lettieri Speaks at CLM Course
Frances Lettieri presented a CLM Continuing Education Course on Evaluating Additional Insured Coverage to Glatfelter Claims Management, Inc. The CLM is the largest professional association in the insurance business with a membership of more than 45,000 professionals in the claims resolution and litigation management industries.
Campbell Speaks at The Gavel
Jacqueline Campbell was a featured speaker to the more than 200 attendees at the 3rd Annual National Conference of The Gavel. The conference was held in January at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, in Boca Raton, Florida. Ms. Campbell, a partner in the Philadelphia office of FHMS, joined by fellow Gavel member Sandy Eloranto from Sutton Booker, discussed… Read More ❯
Sparks Finalist for CLM’s 2019 Outside Counsel of the Year
John Sparks, who is Of Counsel to Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding, has been selected as one of five finalists for the Claims Litigation Management Alliance Outside Counsel of the Year. The nominees will be introduced, and the winner identified, on March 13th at the CLM’s 2019 Annual Conference in Orlando.
Mike Socha Obtains Lancaster County Defense Verdict
A six day trial in Lancaster County arising from an alleged slip and fall ended with a verdict in favor of Mike Socha’s client, a snow removal contractor who Plaintiff alleged improperly performed snow removal services. As a result of the alleged fall, Plaintiff claimed to have suffered a concussion and traumatic brain injury… Read More ❯
FHMS Contributes to Support Center for Child Advocacy Toy Drive
The lawyers and staff of Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding are proud to continue their support for the annual holiday toy drive of the Support Center for Child Advocacy. The Support Center advocates for victims of child abuse and neglect, with the goal of securing safety, justice, well-being, and a permanent, nurturing environment for every… Read More ❯
Lettieri Presents at IRMI Conference
Frances Lettieri, a partner in Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding’s Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Department, addressed the 38th International Risk Management Institute conference. Ms. Lettieri addressed the conference on the topic of Effective Contractual Risk Transfers: The Power of Checklists.
Eckell Successfully Resolves Construction Injury Case
Lee Eckell successfully resolved a construction injury case where a 27-year-old Plaintiff sustained serious injuries after falling from a roof. Plaintiff’s injuries included fractures to the left and right wrists, orbital bone, and sphenoid bone; bilateral knee contusions with left distal vastus medialis/oblique muscle tear; and post-concussion syndrome with alleged cognitive impairment and depression. The… Read More ❯
FHMS Sponsors Lee Eckell’s Family’s Walk Team at National Alzheimer’s Walk
FHMS was the proud sponsor of Partner Lee Eckell’s family team at the Alzheimer’s Walk in Wilmington Delaware on Saturday, October 20, 2018. This walk is just one of many that the National Alzheimer’s Association holds throughout the country in order to raise money and awareness for the disease. Mr. Eckell’s family walks as part… Read More ❯
Allan Molotsky Receives Golden Gavel Award
The Golden Gavel Award is a formal monthly recognition program in which Westfield Insurance recognizes outstanding achievement by their outside counsel. Allan Molotsky received the Golden Gavel Award from Westfield in April, 2018 for his and his team’s work in providing outstanding advice and counsel in a matter where a million dollar policy limit was… Read More ❯
McCusker to Speak at CLM Conference
Quinn McCusker of FHMS’ New Jersey Office will serve as a panelist at the CLM South New Jersey Chapter Education & Networking Event on October 24, 2018. During his presentation, McCusker will examine a complex litigation and catastrophic loss litigation scenario from the perspective of litigation by outside counsel. As part of the panel, he… Read More ❯
McNulty Case Dismissal Through Preliminary Objections
Joe McNulty had a case dismissed through preliminary objections. Plaintiff was injured in a motorcycle accident allegedly caused by a dog that ran onto the road and into Plaintiff’s path. The dog had escaped from its owners property despite the presence of an electric fence. Our client is a neighbor of the dog owner. The… Read More ❯
Sparks Presents at DRI Managing Partner Conference
John Sparks, Of Counsel with FHMS, recently was part of a panel presentation at the Defense Research Institutes Managing Partners and Law Leaders Annual Conference. The panel, titled “The Business of Law,” featured a discussion focused on the need for firms to create an innovative and sophisticated business model to respond to changed business realities…. Read More ❯
Eckell Successfully Defends Pest Control Company on Negligence Claim At Trial
Lee Eckell successfully defended a local pest control company as co-counsel during a two week negligence trial involving the alleged improper use of a pesticide during a termite application. Plaintiff alleged that FHMS’ client failed to properly seal cracks in the basement foundation wall of the split level home before applying the pesticide which allegedly… Read More ❯
Damian Taranto Speaks at CLM Course – The Use of Technology in the Preservation of Evidence: A Valuable Tool in Claims Resolution
Damian Taranto, a partner in the Philadelphia Office of FHMS, presented at a CLM course in Chicago on June 15, 2018, regarding comprehensive data collection and the role it plays in the early resolution of claims. During his presentation, Taranto discussed the ways in which carriers and companies look to technology to assist in proactive… Read More ❯
Spaulding and Taranto Speak on Vehicle Data
Andrew Spaulding and Damian Taranto spoke on “Identifying and Managing Fleet Vehicle Data” at The Graham Company’s Fleet Safety Workshop. Their presentation focused on the vast amount of data that is present in both DOT and non-DOT fleet vehicles and strategies and best practices that employers can use to manage this data.
Lettieri to Speak at CLM Course: Avoiding and Defending Bad Faith – Best Claims & Litigation Strategies
Frances Lettieri, a partner in the Philadelphia Office of FHMS will be instructing a Claims Litigation Management course. The course will be held on May 22, 2018 for insurance professionals, and will focus on the avoidance and defense of bad faith. Ms. Lettieri is a member of the Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Department at… Read More ❯
Fowler and Campbell Obtain Defense Verdict in $18.5 Million Demand Case in Philadelphia County
Joe Fowler and Jacqueline Campbell obtained a defense verdict in a three-week trial in Philadelphia County. The Plaintiff sustained significant and permanent injuries after a tractor that he hot-wired ran over his foot. He alleged a crush injury to his foot, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and an injury to his neck that required a cervical… Read More ❯
Eckell Successfully Defends Automobile Negligence Case Involving TBI
Lee Eckell successfully defended a national supermarket wholesaler at trial in an automobile negligence case. Plaintiff, a married forty-six year old union electrician with four children, had not returned to work after being rear-ended by Eckell’s client. He asserted a multi-million dollar economic loss claim along with permanent injuries to the neck, vestibular system and… Read More ❯
Damian Taranto Speaks at CLM Course – The Use of Technology in the Preservation of Evidence: A Valuable Tool in Claims Resolution
Damian Taranto, a partner in the Philadelphia Office of FHMS, presented at a CLM course in Chicago on June 15, 2018, regarding comprehensive data collection and the role it plays in the early resolution of claims. During his presentation, Taranto discussed the ways in which carriers and companies look to technology to assist in proactive… Read More ❯
Spaulding and Taranto Speak on Vehicle Data
Andrew Spaulding and Damian Taranto spoke on “Identifying and Managing Fleet Vehicle Data” at The Graham Company’s Fleet Safety Workshop. Their presentation focused on the vast amount of data that is present in both DOT and non-DOT fleet vehicles and strategies and best practices that employers can use to manage this data.
FHMS Lawyers Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Fowler Hirtzel McNulty & Spaulding is pleased to announce that the following attorneys have been selected to the 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list: Joseph R. Fowler, William L. Thrall, III, Gregory S. Hirtzel. The Super Lawyer designation is limited to no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in Pennsylvania. FHMS is also pleased to… Read More ❯