What types of insurance matters does Riley Bennett Egloff LLP handle?
Riley Bennett Egloff LLP represents insurers and other insurance industry participants in a broad range of insurance matters, including coverage disputes, bad faith allegations, agent and broker liability, business interruption claims, and other high‑stakes disputes. The firm also advises insurers on regulatory compliance, policy drafting and interpretation, risk management, and litigation strategy in state and federal courts.
Do you represent insurance companies, policyholders, or both?
The firm’s Insurance practice primarily represents insurance carriers and related entities in disputes involving coverage, extra‑contractual liability, and alleged bad faith. Attorneys at Riley Bennett Egloff LLP are experienced in defending insurers in complex litigation as well as counseling them on underwriting, claims handling, and regulatory issues. However, the firm also represents policyholders—including construction industry participants—seeking coverage for general liability and professional liability claims.
What insurance lines and coverages do your attorneys work with?
Riley Bennett Egloff LLP’s Insurance team regularly handles matters involving commercial general liability (CGL), professional liability and errors and omissions (E&O), directors and officers (D&O), property and casualty, excess and umbrella policies, and specialty lines. The firm is familiar with manuscript and industry‑standard forms and frequently litigates issues such as the duty to defend, indemnity obligations, exclusions, and allocation of loss.
In what geographic areas do you handle insurance disputes?
The firm is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and regularly represents insurers in courts throughout Indiana, including Marion County and surrounding counties. Riley Bennett Egloff’s attorneys also appear in federal courts located in Indiana and are experienced with multijurisdictional insurance disputes that implicate Indiana law.
How does Indiana law affect insurance coverage disputes?
Indiana insurance law governs key issues such as policy interpretation, the duty to defend versus the duty to indemnify, notice requirements, and the availability of bad faith or extra‑contractual damages. Because these rules can differ significantly from other states, insurers facing claims or lawsuits in Indiana often benefit from counsel that is deeply familiar with Indiana statutes and case law.
What is an insurance coverage dispute?
An insurance coverage dispute arises when an insurer and an insured (or another insurer) disagree about whether a policy covers a particular claim, loss, or lawsuit. Common disputes involve questions about policy language, exclusions or conditions, policy limits, late notice, or whether a defense is owed.
What is “bad faith” in the context of Indiana insurance law?
“Bad faith” generally refers to an allegation that an insurer mishandled a claim to the detriment of its insured by, for example, unreasonably denying coverage, failing to investigate, or not settling within policy limits when warranted. Indiana recognizes a cause of action for insurer bad faith in certain circumstances. Bad faith claims can expose carriers to extra‑contractual damages, making early, knowledgeable legal guidance important.
Does Riley Bennett Egloff handle insurance litigation as well as counseling?
Yes. The firm’s Insurance practice includes both litigation of coverage and bad faith disputes and day‑to‑day counseling on underwriting, claims handling, and policy wordings. Attorneys represent insurers in state and federal trials, appeals, arbitrations, and mediations, and also help clients avoid disputes through proactive advice and training.
Can you assist with policy drafting and interpretation for insurers?
Riley Bennett Egloff regularly helps insurers draft and revise policy forms, endorsements, and underwriting guidelines tailored to their risk tolerances and regulatory obligations. The firm also provides coverage opinions and interpretive analyses that address how Indiana law is likely to treat certain policy provisions, exclusions, and claims scenarios.
Do you advise on insurance regulatory and compliance issues?
Yes. The firm assists insurers and related entities with regulatory compliance issues, including interaction with state insurance departments, licensing, filings, and compliance with Indiana’s insurance statutes and regulations. Attorneys also advise on corporate governance, market conduct, and other risk and compliance topics that affect carriers, agents, and brokers.
How do you work with insurance claims professionals and in‑house counsel?
Riley Bennett Egloff’s Insurance team collaborates closely with claims professionals, in‑house counsel, underwriters, and executives to understand business objectives and claim‑specific concerns. The firm emphasizes early and accurate case evaluation, strategic planning, and clear communication so insurers can make informed decisions about reserving, settlement, and litigation strategy.
What industries and insureds are typically involved in your insurance disputes?
The firm’s Insurance practice often involves claims arising in industries such as construction, manufacturing, professional services, health care, and technology, among others. Disputes can involve bodily injury, property damage, business interruption, professional negligence, employment‑related claims, and other complex commercial losses.
Do you handle excess and umbrella coverage disputes?
Yes. Riley Bennett Egloff’s attorneys have experience with excess and umbrella policies, including priority of coverage, exhaustion of underlying limits, and coordination among multiple carriers. These disputes often require careful analysis of multiple policy layers, “other insurance” clauses, and indemnity agreements, along with a deep understanding of Indiana insurance law.
Can you help resolve insurance disputes without going to trial?
Many insurance disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Riley Bennett Egloff’s Insurance team evaluates early resolution opportunities, including coverage settlements, structured negotiations, and ADR, when those approaches align with the insurer’s risk assessment.
When should an insurance company contact outside counsel about a claim?
Insurers often benefit from involving counsel early when a claim raises complex coverage issues, potential exposure to bad faith allegations, a large potential damages recovery, or overlapping policies and insureds. Attorneys can assist with investigations, reservation‑of‑rights letters, coverage opinions, and advice to manage risk and position the claim for favorable resolution.
How can I contact Riley Bennett Egloff about an insurance matter?
Insurers, claims professionals, and in‑house counsel can contact Riley Bennett Egloff LLP’s Insurance practice by calling the firm’s Indianapolis office or submitting an online inquiry through the firm’s website. A member of the Insurance team will review your matter, discuss your goals, and determine how the firm may assist with your coverage, litigation, or regulatory needs.
