We represent insurance industry clients in a wide variety of insurance issues and disputes, including coverage analysis, coverage litigation, and bad faith litigation.
Our Insurance Law and Coverage Practice Group can advise you on a variety of coverage issues, including the duty to defend, the duty to indemnify, contractual and extra-contractual obligations of insurer and insured, and other insurance and loss allocation matters. Our attorneys:
- Draft reservation of rights and denial letters
- Institute and defend declaratory judgment actions
- Defend bad faith litigation
- Assist clients with drafting policy terms
The group is led by Jennifer Welch. With more than 15 years of experience practicing in this area of law, Jennifer has authored hundreds of coverage opinions and been involved in numerous declaratory judgment actions involving insurance coverage disputes.
Other attorneys on the team have been consistently recognized as among the top insurance coverage lawyers in North Carolina. And with our knowledge management resources, including a large bank of research and opinions in this area of law, our firm can help save you time and money.
The Insurance Law and Coverage Practice Group covers all of North Carolina from our offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington. To speak to an attorney, please contact Jennifer Welch.
Most Recent Posts
Steven Bader Wins Jury Trial in Federal Court
Attorney Steven Bader recently won a jury trial in the United States District Court for the Western District of North… Read More
25 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2023
Twenty-five attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2023.… Read More
Jennifer Welch Presents at Harmonie Group Spring Conference
Jennifer Welch served as a presenter for the 2022 Spring Conference for the Harmonie Group April 21-23. The event was held in Boston.… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Hosts Dog Bite Webinar
Georgia Malik hosted the “Litigating Dog Bites” webinar on Feb. 17. The webinar was offered as part of Cranfill Sumner LLP’s webinar series.… Read More
Steven Bader Discusses Communicable Disease Insurance Coverage
“Communicable Disease Coverage in the Age of COVID-19,” an article by Steven Bader recently appeared in For the Defense. Steven outlines what communicable disease coverage is intended to cover and the legal issues surrounding it throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The article appeared in the January 2022 edition.… Read More
Farm Bureau v. Dana‘s Impact on Future UIM Claims
In Farm Bureau v. Dana, the North Carolina Supreme Court held that the Financial Responsibility Act requires a claimant to… Read More
Cranfill Sumner LLP Offices Ranked as Metropolitan Tier 1 Firm in “Best Law Firms” List
Cranfill Sumner LLP today announced that the 2022 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” ranked the firm as a Metropolitan Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 law firm in multiple practice areas.… Read More
26 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2022
Twenty-six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022.… Read More
Recent Ruling in COVID-19 Business Interruption Coverage Case
On March 16, 2021, an order was entered by US District Court Judge Richard E. Myers, II granting Valley Forge… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Offices Ranked as Metropolitan Tier 1 Firm in “Best Law Firms” List For 2021
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that the 2021 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” ranked the firm as a Metropolitan Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 law firm in multiple practice areas.… Read More
North Carolina Superior Court Bucks National Trend and Rules for Policyholders in COVID-19 Business Interruption Suit
State and local governments around the country, including in North Carolina, directed bars, restaurants, and other businesses to suspend or… Read More
27 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2021
Twenty-seven attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).… Read More
Jennifer Welch Elected Chair of NCBA Insurance Law Section
Jennifer Welch has been elected to serve as the Chair of the Insurance Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. Jennifer’s term began in July 2020 and continues through June 2021.… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Launches COVID-19 Response Team
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced the creation of its COVID-19 Response Team. The team is comprised of… Read More
NC COVID-19 Insurance Coverage Lawsuit Filed
One of the first insurance coverage lawsuits related to the COVID-19 pandemic was recently filed in North Carolina. The Complaint… Read More
Recent COVID-19 Coverage Lawsuits
The outbreak of COVID-19 has spawned a number of recent lawsuits by policyholders seeking business interruption coverage for losses resulting… Read More
NC Insurance Commissioner Issues Order Deferring Certain Acts Following COVID-19 Major Disaster Declaration
In the wake of President Trump’s recent Major Disaster Declaration for the State of North Carolina, the North Carolina Insurance… Read More
Ohio and Massachusetts Propose Legislation to Require Insurers to Provide COVID-19 Coverage – Will NC?
Ohio and Massachusetts have followed New Jersey’s lead in attempting to push through legislation that would force insurers to provide… Read More
Insurance Coverage & COVID-19
With the spread of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and its devastating impact on public health and the global economy, you can… Read More
11 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) proudly announced that 11 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2020 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
Russell Racine Chosen as Legal Elite Overall Winner in Intellectual Property
Russell Racine, a partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was recently recognized as the Overall Winner in Intellectual Property by the 2020 Legal Elite from Business North Carolina magazine. As an Overall Winner, Russ is now a member of the Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame.… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Offices Ranked as Metropolitan Tier 1 Firm in “Best Law Firms” List
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that the 2020 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” ranked the firm as a Metropolitan Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 law firm in multiple practice areas.… Read More
31 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2020
Thirty-one attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020(Copyright 2019 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).… Read More
Jennifer Welch Appointed Vice Chair of NCBA Insurance Law Section
Jennifer Welch, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was recently appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Insurance Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. Jennifer, who previously served as Secretary of the section, assumed the new role in June and will hold the position for one year.… Read More
21 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) proudly announced that 21 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2019 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
Your Auto Policy: Review, Don’t Just Renew
In her latest Insights column, Deedee Gasch reviews the types of automobile insurance and how to ensure a person is… Read More
Hurricane Preparations: Frequently Asked Questions about Homeowners Coverage
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP is closely monitoring Hurricane Florence and hopes that everyone in the state is taking the… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition
Four attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently named the Best Lawyers® 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” for their respective practice areas in their local metropolitan area. (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)… Read More
32 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2019
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).… Read More
20 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2018 N.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Star Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) proudly announced that 20 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2018 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
33 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2018
Thirty-three attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018 (Copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Eight attorneys were selected for inclusion in the list for the first time.… Read More
Jennifer Welch Elected Treasurer of NCBA Insurance Section
Jennifer Welch, Co-Chair of the Insurance Law & Coverage Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner LLP, was recently elected Treasurer of the Insurance Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. Jennifer has been a member of the Insurance Law Section Council since 2015. She is also a member of the Insurance Law Section’s Pattern Jury Instruction Committee.… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Recognized by Women in the Law List
Seven female attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently listed among the 2017 Women in the Law by Best Lawyers Business Edition. The list was printed in the Spring 2017 edition and recognizes female attorneys from each state.… Read More
Andrew C. Avram Joins Cranfill Sumner Raleigh Office
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that Andrew C. Avram has joined the firm’s Raleigh office as an associate attorney. He will focus his practice in civil litigation, specifically the Medical Malpractice and Insurance Law & Coverage practice groups.… Read More
UIM Carrier has Standing to Seek Determination of Workers’ Comp Lien
In the recent case of Dion v. Batten, No. COA16-63, 2016 WL 4088417 (N.C. App. Aug. 2, 2016), the North… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition in 2017
Attorneys chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 Five attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (Cranfill… Read More
26 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2017
Twenty-six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 (Copyright 2016 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2016 Women in the Law
Best Lawyers Business Edition featured Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys among its Best Lawyers Business Edition 2016 Women in the Law list. This is the inaugural year for the Women in the Law list by the publication.… Read More
Susan Burkhart Speaks About Cyber Insurance
Susan Burkhart, Chair of the Insurance Law & Coverage Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner LLP, will discuss “Insurance Coverage for Cyber Exposures” at the 2016 Insurance Law Section Annual Meeting and CLE on April 25. Susan’s presentation will address recent caselaw addressing coverage for cyber events under CGL policies and new cyber liability policies.… Read More
17 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2016 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH) is proud to announce that 16 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2016 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2016 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
Ginger Hunsucker Obtained Dismissal of All Extra-Contractual Claims
Ginger Hunsucker established new precedent in North Carolina by obtaining dismissal of all extra-contractual claims against a surety company on… Read More
28 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2016
Twenty-eight attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2016.… Read More
Raising the Bar: Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Answer Readers’ Questions
Emily Goodman & Jennifer Welch are featured in Midtown Magazine answering readers’ questions about legal issues including employment, divorce and DUIs.… Read More
Jennifer Welch Named Co-Chair of Insurance Law Practice Group
Jennifer Welch has been named the Co-Chair of Cranfill Sumner’s Insurance Law and Coverage Practice Group.… Read More
Susan Burkhart to Address PLAN Meeting
Susan Burkhart, Chair of the Insurance Law & Coverage Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner LLP, will speak at the 2015 PLAN Regional Meeting in NYC.… Read More
Jennifer Welch Joins CLM Insurance Committee
Jennifer Welch, an attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP’s Raleigh office, recently joined the Insurance Committee for the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM).… Read More
Ted Smyth to Address NCBA Seminar
Ted Smyth, an attorney in the Raleigh office of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, will be a featured speaker at… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Eleven attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 8th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 6. … Read More
Susan Burkhart to Speak at I-Day 2015 Event
Susan Burkhart, the Chair of the Insurance Law & Coverage Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), will be a featured speaker at “Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges | I-Day 2015.”… Read More
Williams Joins Cranfill Sumner LLP
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that David Williams has joined the firm as an associate attorney based in the firm’s Raleigh office. Williams will support various practice groups within the firm’s general liability practice areas.… Read More
20 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner announced that 20 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers and North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition
Cranfill Sumner is proud to announced that nine of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition.… Read More
Ted Smyth Assists Duke Law Students for Mock Mediation
Ted Smyth, Of Counsel at the Raleigh office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, participated in a Mock Mediation Presentation at Duke Law School. | Cranfill Sumner… Read More
24 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2015
Twenty-four attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.… Read More
Jennifer Welch Joins Committee for Working Mothers with Raleigh Chamber
Jennifer Welch, an attorney with Cranfill Sumner, is appointed to the Committee for Working Mothers with the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. … Read More
Susan Burkhart Receives 2014 “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition From Best Lawyers®
Susan Burkhart, an attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was named the Best Lawyers® 2014 Raleigh Insurance Law “Lawyer of the Year.”… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys to Speak at Insurance Law Section Annual Meeting
Ted Smyth and Susan Burkhart, attorneys based in the Raleigh office of Cranfill Sumner, discuss Emerging Data Breaches at the Insurance Law Section Annual Meeting.… Read More
Melody Jolly Appointed to Eastern Carolina Community Board
The Eastern Carolina Community Board is designed to develop ambassadors and educators for Lawyers Mutual and to strengthen local ties and relationships. … Read More
21 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
Cranfill Sumner announced that 21 of its attorneys are selected for inclusion in the 2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2014 North Carolina Rising Stars lists.… Read More
Insurance Bad Faith: Conduct Counts
Bad faith claims are on the rise in North Carolina. As an insurer, you must familiarize yourself with the possible… Read More
25 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America© 2014
Cranfill Sumner is proud to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America©.… Read More
23 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 Edition
Twenty-three lawyers from Cranfill Sumner were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013… Read More
