Insurance Law
Legal Services
Insurance Law
Kerr Russell’s insurance law attorneys assist clients in a variety of businesses to plan, review and monitor their insurance arrangements to protect their rights and minimize exposure.
For most businesses, insurance is a significant cost but also an important asset, and we help our clients to understand their options, maximize the efficiency of their insurance, and ensure that their risk management strategy aligns with their business strategy.
Our attorneys also possess significant experience and a long history of representing clients in insurance-related litigation. Businesses pay insurance premiums in good faith, with the expectation that coverage will be there if and when it is needed. We assist clients when claims are denied, and have a proven track record of helping clients recover.
Our experience includes a broad range of insurance matters, such as:
- Fidelity
- Suretyship
- Property and casualty
- Director and officer liability
- Captive insurance and risk retention groups
- Self-insurance and group sponsored plans
- Alternative risk and offshore insurance programs
- Licensing, regulation and corporate/governance
- Reinsurance
- Health
- Coverage disputes
Experience that Delivers Results
Our services are geared toward producing practical, business-oriented solutions for clients. We help clients in Michigan, across the country, and throughout the world.
+Practicing Attorneys & Staff
Attorneys
+Related Legal Services
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August 24, 2023
Is Group Captive Insurance Right For Your Client?
A group captive or other captive structure has several benefits for many companies. In this Q&A, Kerr Russell attorney Eric Lark discusses what factors to consider when deciding whether Captive Insurance is right for your client.
July 27, 2021
Michigan No-Fault Insurance Reform Act Limits Reimbursement Rates
The Michigan No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Act, effective July 1, 2021, introduced a fee schedule of set percentage limits on how much doctors, hospitals, clinics, institutions, and persons can be paid or reimbursed for providing treatment or care to auto accident victims.
January 17, 2020
Avoiding a National Practitioner Data Bank Report
Health Care attorney, Daniel Schulte, answers questions relating to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). The Q&A can be found in the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association (January 2020) –
Question: My attorney and I are getting close to settling a malpractice claim. The deductible on my malpractice insurance policy is nearly exhausted from my legal fees. I am being advised to consider avoiding a report to the National Practitioner Data Bank (“NPDB”) by paying the settlement amount myself. How does this make sense? Should I not use my available coverage? Can you explain what the NPDB is and how this affects me?
September 10, 2019
Patrick Haddad Featured in Captive Insurance Times Discussing Proposed Treasury Regulations
Kerr Russell attorney, Patrick Haddad, discusses recent proposals from the IRS to the Internal Revenue Code on the determination of ownership in a PFIC for purposes of Code Section 1297(a).
June 5, 2019
What You Need to Know About the Auto No-Fault Law
The recent changes to the Michigan No-Fault Act have been publicized as changes affecting medical coverage and insurance premium rates but the actual enacted changes in the law go well beyond what has been in the media. There are many unanswered questions that arise from the 120-page bill signed by Governor Whitmer on May 30, 2019.
April 18, 2018
Michigan Ownership Liability and No-Fault Act: Ramifications with Self-Driving Vehicles
By Daniel G. Beyer
Self-driving vehicles, also known as autonomous vehicles, are the subject of Michigan legislation amended in late 2016, specifically MCL 257.665, 665a and 665b. This memorandum, among other things, makes observations on this legislation and potential interplay with the Michigan No-Fault Act, MCL 500.3101 et seq.
January 26, 2018
Download Kerr Russell's updated firm brochure and overview of services
Kerr Russell is proud of Detroit. We are proud to have had a seat at the table here since 1874. Our exceptional attorneys understand the unique challenges facing business leaders. Our legal solutions are prompt, accurate, economical, and focused around your needs in every area. We know Michigan business like the back of our hands.
January 15, 2018
Honoring the legacy of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and every day, we at Kerr Russell honor Reverend King’s leadership and his legacy as well as the critical importance of diversity and opportunity in this great land of ours. Strength comes from difference; a multiplicity of voices brings positive change; understanding and inclusion inspire creativity and innovation.
September 28, 2017
Michigan No-Fault: New Challenges for Physicians to Collect Payment
The Michigan Supreme Court recently issued its opinion in Covenant Medical Center, Inc. vs. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 895 N.W. 2d 490 (Mich. May 25, 2017). This opinion is important for physicians and other providers who treat patients whose expenses are covered by Michigan no-fault personal protection benefits.
August 29, 2017
Tax Court Invalidates Section 831(b) “Micro-Captive” Finding Alleged Premium Payments Non-Deductible
The Tax Court issued its long-awaited decision in Avrahami v. Commissioner, 149 T.C. No. 7 (August 21, 2017), agreeing with the IRS that amounts paid to a captive/reinsurer that elected to be a treated as “micro-captive” pursuant to §831(b) were not deductible insurance premiums because the arrangement failed to qualify as insurance.
August 1, 2017
Daniel Schulte contributes "Direct Claims for Payment from No-Fault Insurers" to the Michigan State Medical Society's Michigan Medicine magazine
Kerr Russell's Dan Schulte contributes the article "Direct Claims for Payment from No-Fault Insurers" to the "Ask Our Lawyer" feature of Michigan State Medical Society's Michigan Medicine (July/August issue). Dan serves as legal counsel for the Society and is a member and managing partner of Kerr Russell.
+Related News
August 17, 2023
Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized By Best Lawyers In America© 2024 And Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch
Twenty Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024. In addition, six Kerr Russell attorneys were recognized as 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch.
November 3, 2022
Kerr Russell Ranked As U.S. News “Best Law Firm” 2023
Kerr Russell is once again ranked as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and Best Lawyers. Firms included on the list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.
August 18, 2022
Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2023 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Eighteen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023. Notably, fourteen of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.
August 19, 2021
Kerr Russell Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List
Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that 17 lawyers have been included in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
January 4, 2021
Anna Valk and Kathleen Westfall Named Members
Attorneys Anna Valk and Kathleen A. Westfall were named members at Kerr Russell. The two were selected at the end of 2020 for promotions effective January 1, 2021.
August 20, 2020
Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2021 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Seventeen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021. Notably, twelve of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.
July 14, 2020
15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Recognized as Leading Lawyers 2020
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named to the 2020 list of Leading Lawyers in Michigan. Only those lawyers who are most often recommended qualify for this honor.
March 17, 2020
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Business Continuity: A Message to Our Community, Clients and Friends
Kerr Russell is committed to its community, clients and people. As the world navigates through the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to assure you that Kerr Russell is committed to supporting our community, clients and people as effectively as we have through every other crisis our Nation has encountered over our firm’s nearly 150-year history.
Our firm is fully operational: We have made sure that our lawyers and staff are able to safely and effectively serve our clients’ needs and continue operations on an uninterrupted basis. Most of our people
September 5, 2018
Daniel Ferris serves as editor of "Damages and Remedies in Michigan" (4th edition) for Institute of Continuing Legal Education
Kudos to Kerr Russell member Daniel Ferris who served as editor of the recently published Damages and Remedies in Michigan, a leading litigation treatise published by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Fellow editors included Barbara A. Patek, Mark Granzotto, and David H. Freedman.
May 11, 2018
We've got you covered. Look for Kerr Russell advertising in Captive Insurance Times
Kerr Russell handles all aspects of captive insurance and alternative risk programs. For over 30 years, we have formed and advised countless captive insurance companies and other alternative risk entities, including pure captives, group captives, agency and association owned captives, IRC §831(b) small captives, rent-a-captives, cell captives, series captives, risk retention groups, risk purchasing groups and other pooling arrangements.
February 14, 2018
Kerr Russell lunch and learn with Sterling Insurance Group
Kerr Russell hosted a lunch and learn on February 14 with Brandon Horrocks (certified risk architect), Joan Giffels, and team from Sterling Insurance Group. They facilitated a robust dialogue about assessing and mitigating client risk as well as rep and warranty issues.
February 12, 2018
Eric Lark re-elected chair of Northville Township Planning Commission
Congratulations to Kerr Russell member Eric Lark who was recently re-elected chair of the Northville Township Planning Commission. He has served as chair since January 1, 2016. He has been a member of the planning commission since January 1, 2013.
January 3, 2018
Kerr Russell highlighted in Best Lawyers - Business, Winter 2017 issue
Look for Kerr Russell attorneys and advertising (pages 92-95) in the Best Lawyers - Business, Winter 2017 issue. Earlier in 2017, a number of Kerr Russell's attorneys and practice areas were honored with U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers recognition.
December 18, 2017
Kerr Russell team makes holiday donations to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, and Children's Hospital of Michigan
One of our traditions here at Kerr Russell is to hold a holiday raffle to benefit three local charities as well as to conduct a toy drive for local children. This year's raffle (many of the beautiful and festive prizes picture here) raised a record total of $3,450 which will be divided equally among three organizations: Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Inc., and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor.
November 30, 2017
Merry and bright ... Kerr Russell welcomes the holiday season
It's a time to celebrate, reflect and remember. However you mark the holidays, we hope your days are filled with warmth and thankfulness, good times, and endless cheer. As another year draws to a close, we at Kerr Russell are grateful to you. You give purpose to our work and add meaning to our relationships. Your trust is a cherished gift. Enjoy these images as we get our offices ready to celebrate the holiday season. Design by Mandy Lark of Lark Interior Design.
November 16, 2017
Culture of Connection - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in Michigan Lawyers Weekly and dbusiness
Kerr Russell introduces the second ad in the new "Est. in Detroit 1874" series: "A culture of connection." The piece emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We are relationship focused. We know our people and our clients are the lifeblood of our firm."
November 4, 2017
Daniel Ferris appointed Chair of the Drafting Committee of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly
Daniel J. Ferris, member, has been appointed Chair of the Drafting Committee of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly. In 1971, the State Bar Board of Commissioners requested the Supreme Court create a "representative assembly".
November 3, 2017
Kerr Russell launches new advertising in upcoming issues of dbusiness and Crain's Detroit
With this month's issue of dbusiness, focused on Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Kerr Russell launches its new brand advertising with "A Track Record of Results." Working with Identity Public Relations and Marketing, Kerr Russell's marketing team developed the creative to emphasize the firm's longstanding place in Detroit's legal and business history.
November 1, 2017
Kerr Russell ranked in the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list nationally in 1 practice area and regionally in 17 practice areas
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, for the eighth consecutive year, announce the "Best Law Firms" rankings.
September 8, 2017
Broc Gullett participates on Michigan Association of Bar Executives "Bar Association Boot Camp" panel
On September 8, the Michigan Association of Bar Executives held its "Bar Association Boot Camp" in East Lansing. The organization described the event as "training and discussion for bar association presidents, executive directors, board members, staff, and young lawyers who project as future leaders.
Experience that Delivers Results
Our services are geared toward producing practical, business-oriented solutions for clients. We help clients in Michigan, across the country, and throughout the world.