Steven J. Badger

Steve represents the commercial property insurance industry, both as defendant in coverage litigation and as plaintiff in subrogation matters.

Steve’s coverage practice includes the defense of his property insurance clients in lawsuits involving all types of coverage disputes. He also assists many of his clients during the initial claim adjustment process, including the development of procedures for catastrophe claims handling and the response to claims involving public adjusters. He has developed particular experience in the issues commonly arising in losses involving commercial roofing products. In this area, Steve's subrogation practice includes losses involving fires, explosions, product failures, building collapses, and other events. He has handled subrogation matters across the United States and in several foreign countries. Steve has developed a particular expertise in losses involving natural disasters, such as hurricanes, windstorms, hailstorms, snowstorms, and floods. Typical losses involve hail damage to roofing products, building collapses under the weight of rainwater or snow, flood damage to buildings, and the blow-off of roofing systems during significant wind events. Steve is involved in subrogation efforts arising from the 9/11 terrorist attack, seeking to recover over a billion dollars in claims paid by commercial property insurers.

Steve is frequently asked to speak for industry groups and clients concerning his property insurance litigation practice. His subrogation presentations are typically intended to demonstrate effective strategies for recovery and the existence of subrogation potential in often overlooked areas.

Representative Matters

Federal Ins. Co., Inc. v. HPG International, Inc.  (claims involving failure of commercial roofing product)

TriCounty Service Company, Inc. v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company  (scope and interpretation of pollution exclusion)

Articles & Presentations

• Roofing Subrogation Handbook

Professional Affiliations

• National Association of Subrogation Professionals
• Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• State Bar of Texas; Insurance Law Section
• American Bar Association; Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Property Insurance Law Committee

Noteworthy

Steve assisted the Texas Legislature in enacting new licensing requirements governing the conduct of public adjusters.