Duty to Defend in Good Faith Triggered by Filing of Lawsuit

On August 3, 2022, the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals held in the unpublished case of Trident Fasteners, Inc. v. Selective Insurance Co. of South Carolina, that under Michigan law, a liability insurer’s Duty to Investigate, Duty to Process an Insurance Claim, and Duty to Negotiate Settlements, in good faith does not arise…

Read More

To Disclose or Not to Disclose? Plaintiff’s Claims are Barred Due to Material Misrepresentations to Insurance Company in the Procurement of Policy

Pursuant to Farm Bureau, the insured must not forget that an insurance policy is a contract between the insured and the insurer. The insured is bound by the terms of the policy. The insured must first disclose all relevant information in the procurement of the policy. It is then the insured’s responsibility to provide the…

Read More

Secrest Wardle Attorney Has Received Best Lawyers 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” Award

Secrest Wardle is proud to announce that Senior Partner and Co-Managing Partner, Nathan J. Edmonds, has received Best Lawyers 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” award in Litigation — Insurance in Troy, Michigan. “Lawyer of the Year” recognitions are presented to individual attorneys with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region….

Read More

Seven Secrest Wardle Attorneys Have Been Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce that seven of the Firm’s attorneys have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2023. Congratulations to Senior Partner Thomas J. Azoni, Executive Partner Derk W. Beckerleg, Senior Partner and Co-Managing Partner Nathan J. Edmonds, Senior Partner Daniel P. Makarski, Senior Partner Mark E. Morley, Senior Partner Anthony…

Read More

Eight Secrest Wardle Attorneys Have Received 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Recognitions

Secrest Wardle is proud to announce that eight of the Firm’s attorneys have received 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Recognitions. Congratulations to Executive Partner Matthew J. Consolo, Executive Partner Justin A. Grimske, Executive Partner Matthew C. Lindgren, Partner, Kaitlynn M. Milroy, Partner Daniel S. Schrode II, Partner Cleveland B. Simmons, Executive Partner Renee T. Townsend,…

Read More

Evidence of an Insurer’s Handling of Claims: Is it Admissible?

The Pellegrino decision emphasizes a basic but highly important principle in the context of a question as to admissibility of evidence: relevancy. The Court in Pellegrino conceded that evidence of an insurer’s claims handling may be relevant to an award of no-fault attorney fees or to the recovery of penalty interest. However, the Court further…

Read More

Sign, Baby, Sign!

The Court of Appeals held that rental car companies are the true owners of the rental vehicle, and the only person allowed to drive that vehicle lawfully is the person or persons who have signed the rental agreement. To access the full article, click here: https://bit.ly/3dow3sQ

Read More