Jeffrey B. Fecht

Partner

Assistant: Rhonda L. McClintic – rmcclintic@rbelaw.com

317-955-7163

Biography

Jeff Fecht’s practice focuses on insurance coverage and civil litigation. In addition to drafting coverage opinions for insurers, he represents them in insurance coverage litigation including multi-million-dollar environmental pollution claims. Jeff also counsels and defends business clients relating to environmental claims by third parties and governmental agencies.

Jeff also defends clients in construction defect, product liability, personal injury, environmental, premises liability and complex toxic and tort claims.

Community Activity

  • Cadeaux Ball Sponsorship Committee (fundraiser for Catholic Social Services)
  • Ask A Lawyer

Representative Matters

Environmental Coverage/Claims

  • Represented insurers in action where the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the insurers against a city seeking insurance coverage for costs related to an underlying USEPA action demanding that the city upgrade its sewer system to prevent future combined sewer overflows.
  • Represented insurer in multi-million-dollar environmental coverage action filed by insured. Obtained dismissal of Indiana action in favor of another coverage action filed by the insurer in a more favorable jurisdiction.
  • Represented insurer in multi-million-dollar environmental coverage claim by insured relating to contamination at neighboring facility. Case settled on terms favorable to client prior to trial.
  • Defended paving contractor against Clean Water Act violations alleged by EPA and IDEM at multiple sites. Claims resolved on terms favorable to client without imposition of civil penalties.
  • Defended municipality in IDEM environmental cleanup arising from petroleum spill. Claim resolved favorably with majority of costs reimbursed by Indiana’s Environmental Liability Trust Fund.

UIM Coverage

  • Represented excess insurer in claim for underinsured motorists coverage relating to serious bodily injury. Court of Appeals determined that policy did not provide coverage.

Construction

  • Defended real estate developer against purchaser’s claims relating to alleged defects in construction of warehouse. Case settled on terms favorable to client prior to trial.

Personal Injury/Product Liability/Premises Liability

  • Defended manufacturer in premises liability claim by employee of contractor injured during remodeling project. Obtained summary judgment in favor of client.
  • Defended property owners in multiple premises liability claims relating to toxic mold. Cases settled on terms favorable to client prior to trial.
  • Defended distributor of dietary supplement in product liability claim by seriously injured consumer. Case settled on terms favorable to client prior to trial.
  • Defended restaurant owner in wrongful death dram shop action. Case settled on terms favorable to client prior to trial.

Publications

Presentations

  • Insurance Coverage: A Master’s Level Symposium

Awards & Recognition

Best Lawyers in America – (2023)

  • Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Recognition in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by clients and legal professionals as a significant honor conferred on a lawyer by their peers

Indiana Super Lawyers (2014 – Present), Rising Star (2012 – 2013)

  • Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Associations

  • Indianapolis Bar Association
  • Indiana State Bar Association
  • Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
  • Defense Research Institute

Bar Admission

  • Indiana (1998)

Education

  • Vanderbilt University, J.D. (1998)
  • Vanderbilt University, B.A., cum laude (1995)

Industries Served

Construction
Finance
Health Care
Insurance
Manufacturing
Wholesale & Retail Sales

Practice Areas

Business Litigation
Construction
Commercial Litigation
Government Law
Insurance
Business Contract Disputes
Construction Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Insurance Defense / Insurance Coverage
Arbitration / Mediation / Alternative Dispute
Product Liability
Toxic Tort
Insurance Defense
Insurance Coverage