The annual Construction Litigation Management (CLM) Construction Conference will take place at the Huntington Beach Waterfront Resort, bringing together the largest gathering of insurance and litigation professionals in the claims industry. This highly anticipated event will feature an important session focusing on current trends in facilitating pre-litigation and early litigation resolution.
Deter's panel, entitled "Let's Get Out of Here! Strategies for Early Resolution of Challenging Claims and the Pitfalls and Best Practices for a Piecemeal Settlement", is scheduled for September 19, 2024 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. WSHB Partner Catherine Deter along with fellow panelists: Fernanda Aragon, Senior Claims Examiner from Network Adjusters, Inc.; Kevin Follett, Executive Claims Analyst from RiverStone Resources LLC; Water Nelson, Casualty Claims Specialist from Tokio Marine HCC; and Lee Thunberg, Senior Complex Claims Director of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, will lead the discussion. This panel will delve into:
- Strategic use of negotiation tactics.
- Early motion practice.
- Risk transfer in pre-litigation and early litigation stages.
- Insightful discussion on the risks and benefits of participating in non-global, or piecemeal, settlements.
Piecemeal settlements can provide a creative approach to extricate an insured from a complex, multi-party case. However, understanding the potential risks of further exposure is crucial to avoid leaving the insured in harm's way. This session promises to equip participants with valuable strategies and considerations for managing these complex claims effectively.
"I am looking forward to participating in the CLM Construction Conference," said Deter. "This event continues to be a cornerstone for those in the construction industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for learning and collaboration."
About Catherine Deter
Catherine Deter is a highly accomplished trial lawyer and partner at WSHB’s Orange County office. With a wealth of experience in defense litigation, Catherine is known for her exceptional representation of national and regional construction, engineering, and architectural firms, as well as real estate professionals.
Catherine's passion lies in protecting the rights of architects, engineers, and other design professionals. She prides herself on her ability to quickly resolve complex claims and favorably represent creative individuals. In addition, Catherine has successfully represented some of the country's largest builders and developers, showcasing her expertise in construction litigation. As a thought leader in errors and omissions (E&O) claims, design professional, and construction, Catherine is frequently invited to speak at national conferences and contribute as an author in renowned publications. Her insights and knowledge are highly sought after, making her a respected authority in the field.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of almost 500 lawyers across 41 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 40 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.