Experienced Representation For Insurance Coverage Disputes

As a law firm experienced in handling a broad range of insurance coverage disputes, the attorneys of Kramer Shull Reeths LLP provide reliable counsel and strategic advocacy for insurers, individuals, and businesses. We craft efficient and personalized legal solutions designed to achieve prompt and positive resolution to our clients’ cases.

Backed by decades of proven results and a depth of insurance law knowledge that few firms can match, our lawyers will put their skills to work for you. We provide a high level of accessibility and service for defense clients in Wausau, across central and northern Wisconsin, and throughout the state.

Attorneys That Understand The Insurance Industry

Together, our team of trial lawyers achieves timely and effective solutions to insurance coverage disputes. As seasoned litigators, as well as regular speakers and published authors on a wide range of insurance law and insurance coverage topics, our lawyers are familiar with industry practices and trends. As defense counsel, we quickly assess the coverage issues, understanding complexities and anticipating obstacles that less-experienced attorneys might not grasp. When we are hired as advocates to establish coverage, our insight into the insurance claims process and knowledge of insurance contract law helps us provide a more effective level of representation.

Skilled And Strategic Advocacy

Disputes surrounding insurance coverage can show up in several ways. We represent clients in insurance policy disputes involving:

• Property injuries or damages
• Car accidents
• Home issues/damage
• Renters claims
• Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage

We can also represent insurers dealing with misrepresentation and bad-faith claims. We have a strong understanding of how insurance policies are written, what they cover, what they don’t cover and how insurers and the insured may interpret them. We can also review and analyze the effect of other existing policies and determine coverage priorities.

Focused On Resolutions

As experienced trial attorneys, we are aware of the time and cost involved with litigation. We approach every case with an eye toward efficient resolution. We will conduct a prompt and thorough coverage analysis and, where appropriate, bring dispositive motions early in the litigation. However, should a coverage trial become necessary, you can rely on us to be your advocate in the courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Coverage

Below, we have provided answers that can give you important information when it matters most.

Why would an insurance company deny a claim that seems covered?

A claim may be denied for several reasons, and the explanation is not always straightforward. In some situations, the insurer may believe a policy exclusion applies.

In others, there may be disagreements about how policy language should be interpreted or whether all policy conditions were met.

Common reasons disputes arise include:

• Policy exclusions that limit coverage for specific events or losses.
• Questions regarding notice requirements, documentation or reporting deadlines.
• Disagreements over the facts surrounding the claim.

Exclusions are often the first line of defense in a coverage dispute. Identifying which apply and whether Wisconsin courts have interpreted them narrowly or broadly is critical before any coverage position is finalized.

What role do policy limits play when a loss occurs?

Insurance policies generally contain limits that cap the amount available for a covered claim. Even when coverage applies, those limits can affect how much compensation is available and whether additional sources of recovery may need to be considered.

Several distinct limit structures can come into play at once, including the following:

• Per-occurrence limits: The maximum the insurer will pay for a single covered event, regardless of how many claimants are involved.
• Aggregate limits: The total amount available across all claims during a policy period, which can be eroded quickly in high-volume litigation environments.
• Deductibles and self-insured retentions: Amounts the insured must contribute before the policy responds, which can affect litigation strategy and settlement timing.

Understanding these provisions is important because the amount of available coverage can influence settlement discussions, litigation strategy and overall risk exposure. Policy language should always be reviewed as a whole rather than focusing on a single provision.

When does an insurance coverage issue become serious enough to seek legal guidance?

Legal guidance is worth pursuing when any of the following arises:

• A claim denial or partial denial has been issued, and the stated basis references a policy provision you believe was misread or misapplied.
• A reservation of rights letter has been received. This signals that the insurer is defending under a potential conflict of interest and has implications for how the defense is managed.
• Coverage litigation has been threatened or filed, including cases where Wisconsin’s direct action statute puts the insurer directly in the line of litigation.
• A dispute involves bifurcation. Wisconsin courts allow coverage and liability issues to be tried separately, a procedural reality that affects how both sides prepare.

Waiting too long in any of these situations can narrow available options.

Contact Our Office For A Consultation

If you or your business is involved in an insurance coverage dispute, contact attorney John Kramer to schedule a consultation by calling 715-203-4534 or by emailing the firm. We also welcome inquiries from in-state and out-of-state attorneys seeking co-counsel in a coverage dispute.