Subrogation & Recovery

Cozen O’Connor founded the subrogation and recovery practice in the early 1970s and remains the world’s leading subrogation and recovery law firm. Our team of more than 100 attorneys represents the largest insurers and reinsurers in the United States, Canada, and other international venues. In addition to representing the insurance industry, we handle self-insured recovery claims for many Fortune 500. From 2017 through 2020, we recovered a total of $940 million for our clients.

In a field as distinctive and technical as subrogation, experience is the difference between success and failure. The foundation of an effective subrogation and recovery program is having a process in place to conduct timely, accurate, and cost-effective investigations. Because catastrophe can strike at any moment, our attorneys are available around the clock via a subrogation hotline. We can coordinate a thorough investigation into the causes of a major loss within 24 to 48 hours of notification. When warranted, our attorneys are on site to interview witnesses, liaise with public authorities, and identify, preserve, and analyze relevant physical evidence. By performing activities that otherwise would be outsourced to hourly fee consultants as part of our contingent-fee services, we reduce investigation expenses. When retention of forensic experts is authorized by our clients, we work closely with those experts to establish a complete scientific understanding of the causes of the loss.

We can respond to events whenever and wherever they arise. Firm attorneys are licensed in all 51 U.S. jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, as well as Canada, Germany, China, and various international jurisdictions. Moreover, the firm has partnerships with experienced insurance litigation firms throughout the world. We are able to handle complex multijurisdictional losses, and are at the forefront of spotting new trends, especially regarding repetitive failures in product liability claims.

In addition to our broad geographic reach, we have formed subject matter task forces in numerous industry sectors and lines of business. Through repeated prosecution of similar claims, our task forces are able to develop comprehensive electronic databases of technical and forensic information, which can then be used to accelerate and maximize recoveries.

Clients are able to independently review real-time information about all of their claims using the firm’s highly secure web-based data management system. In addition to narrative reports from our attorneys, we also provide monthly and quarterly electronic claim database management reports. To ensure individual attention is given to specific client needs, we meet with clients on a regular basis to review pending and recently closed claims and confirm compliance with all reporting and budgetary requirements.

Our claim portfolio includes losses ranging from hundreds of millions of dollars to those involving several thousand dollars. Firm attorneys are assigned to handle all large losses, while recovery analysts at our subsidiaries, National Subrogation Services and Maritime Subrogation Services, are responsible for perfecting recoveries for smaller and moderate sized losses.

SERVICES

  • Pursue claims on behalf of property and other first- and third-party underwriters with losses incurred as a result of fires, explosions, structural collapses, machinery and equipment failures, transportation and logistics accidents, gas and water leaks, and natural catastrophes, including wildfires, windstorms, and floods
  • Serve insurers writing for specialized sectors such as the energy and petrochemical, construction, product liability, fidelity and surety, environmental, maritime, and other lines of business
  • Operate a 24-hour subrogation hotline for clients to report losses
  • Conduct timely and accurate investigation and analysis of losses for subrogation and recovery potential, including on-site investigation by the firm’s attorneys
  • Pursue subrogation and recovery claims against responsible tortfeasors and other culpable third parties in state and federal courts throughout the country, as well as in over 50 international venues
  • Provide access to our secure subrogation claims database that provides information about all pending and closed subrogation claims, such as status, work stage, loss description, responsible parties, and financial data, including projected and realized recoveries
  • Allow access to our proprietary subrogation and recovery electronic library, including numerous jurisdictional comparative charts, international law digests, and over 400 papers and reference materials authored by our attorneys on a wide spectrum of insurance, subrogation, and liability issues
  • Conduct client training sessions to update our clients  about legal and technical developments in the subrogation industry

 

CLIENTS

We represent primary insurers, reinsurers, self-insurers, insurance syndicates, third-party administrators, managing general agents, insurance brokers and agents, and independent adjustment companies. Client references are available upon request and include most of the largest property & casualty underwriters in the United States and internationally.

TEAM

Cozen O’Connor’s subrogation and recovery team includes top trial lawyers and prominent industry innovators in this highly specialized field. We are nationally ranked by Chambers and Partners. Senior members of the team have and continue to hold leadership positions with the Property Loss Research Bureau, the Loss Executives Association, the National Association of Subrogation Professionals, and other insurance trade associations. Our attorneys publish and lecture extensively on subrogation and recovery, and are frequently called upon to provide commentary on new developments.

Our objective, as subrogation and recovery counsel, is to identify, develop, and successfully prosecute actionable claims based on thorough analysis of potential third party responsibility. We pursue every loss with subrogation potential. At the same time, we strive to expeditiously recommend closing of non-viable claims; there is an incremental cost to insurers in keeping unmeritorious claims open. To further reduce clients’ legal expenses, Cozen O’Connor’s subrogation practice is structured to operate on a contingency fee basis. This enables us to handle claims creatively and aggressively without exposing our clients to significant out-of-pocket fees.

Cozen O’Connor is the world’s leading subrogation and recovery law firm.

We founded our subrogation and recovery practice in 1970 and have been at the forefront of this dynamic area ever since, representing most industry-leading P&C insurers, together with multiple syndicates, third-party administrators, managing general agents and self-insured companies.

Why do the largest insurers in the United States, Canada and the London Market trust us with their subrogation and recovery claims?
  • More than $2B recovered from 2020 to date.
  • 225+ top trial lawyers, recovery analysts, paralegals and subrogation tech coordinators, licensed and/or handling claims throughout all 50 US states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, and all 10 CN provinces.
  • Unparalleled record of success in handling complex industrial, commercial and personal lines claims, including catastrophic mass tort events nationwide.
  • Best-in-class proprietary predictive analytics technology to immediately identify all subrogation opportunities for high volume/low severity property and auto claims.
  • Real-time customized management level reporting on all claims together with detailed narrative using proprietary STAR “Subrogation Technical Advisory Report” reports from our handling attorneys and analysts.
  • Tailored staffing for large losses handled by firm attorneys and for moderate losses handled by recovery analysts at our fully integrated subsidiary, National Subrogation Services.
  • More than $2B
    recovered from
    2020 to date
    SubroScholar™ utilization by our clients, consisting of our proprietary electronic library with numerous 50-state jurisdiction comparative charts and actionable reference materials authored by our attorneys on a broad spectrum of insurance and subrogation issues.
  • Unrivaled national network of forensic consultants.
  • Innovative contingent fee structures.

Relentless Focus

Our success rests on two pillars: personnel and technology. In a complex and technical domain such as subrogation, experience often is the difference between success and failure. For decades, Cozen O’Connor and National Subrogation Services have successfully handled tens of thousands of subrogation claims, setting the standard of excellence in the subrogation industry.

How do we consistently achieve extraordinary results for our clients?
  • All claims with potential are identified and aggressively pursued; there are no missed opportunities. All non-viable claims are archived without expending client resources.
  • Exclusive claim databases, including comprehensive tracking of systemic product failures/product recalls with associated technical and forensic details.
  • Proprietary predictive analytics programs and workflow processes which are uniquely designed to maximize recoveries and increase the value of our services to our clients.
  • Standing subject matter task forces for numerous industry sectors and lines of business to reduce learning curves and accelerate recoveries.
  • Immediate deployment of resources when a casualty event occurs with the capability to launch and coordinate a site investigation into the cause of a major loss within 24 to 48 hours of notification.
  • Emphasis on identifying repetitive failure claims, which are handled through mass tort and subrogation industry class actions to reduce expense and optimize recovery potential.
  • Building deep relationships with our clients through an ongoing dialogue; we continually curate our subrogation services to fit our clients’ business objectives.
  • Cozen O’Connor: 30+ US offices and 3 CN offices; NSS: Recovery Specialists located in 26+ states. Combined resources provide for an unmatched, comprehensive US and CN geographic footprint, with proximity to any location in North America where a loss may occur.

Cutting Edge Technology

SubroSpeed™, our industry-leading predictive analytics engine combines our expertise with the latest generation proprietary technology to mine, evaluate, and score individual claims.

SubroSpeed™ is designed to process both structured and unstructured data for claim volumes of the highest magnitude.

Highly secure web-based claims management system enables our clients to access and manage real time information for all pending and closed claims.

Our subrogation group uses STAR (Subrogation Technical Analysis Report), a proprietary reporting system, to streamline reporting critical case events to our clients. We also employ AI-driven tools to streamline routine tasks and conduct legal research and large-scale document reviews.

Joseph F. Rich serves as Chair for Subrogation Technology & Innovation within the Subrogation Department. In this role, Joe works to identify cutting-edge technologies, customizable tools, and workflows that can lead to better results and efficiencies for our clients.

Subro Leadership

Our leadership in the subrogation and recovery practice area has long been recognized by our peers and within the insurance industry.

Our credentials include: a former National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) President; (Elliott R. Feldman); present and former NASP board members; (Joseph F. Rich and Philip T. Caroll); regular presenters at industry conferences including the PLRB (2023 Top Presenter Award), LEA, NASP, and various others.

  • Our lawyers have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America©, Super Lawyers, and other lawyer rating services.
  • Our lawyers provide insightful monthly training sessions to a variety of insurance clients, including Allstate, Hartford, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Zurich, and numerous others.
  • Cozen O’Connor is nationally ranked by Chambers and Partners.
  • Our CE/CLE approved monthly webinars hosted in the United States and Canada, focus on a wide spectrum of cutting-edge claims, legal, and forensic recovery and claims issues. These have been attended by countless professionals, and private client training is available upon request.
  • We employ a diverse complement of attorneys and staff, and strive to foster greater inclusion in the legal profession. Learn more about Cozen O’Connor’s commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion here.

Events & Seminars

Upcoming Events

Predictive Preparation: Smart Strategies for AI Adoption

February 25, 2025 - Henderson, NV

Joseph F. Rich will present “Predictive Preparation: Smart Strategies for AI Adoption” at ALM’s 2025 Complex Claims & Litigation Forum in Henderson, Nevada.

Lighting Up: Pursuing Recovery for Grow Lamp and Fixture Failures

February 20, 2025 - Webinar

Paul R. Bartolacci, Natalie Keusseyan, and Andrew Thoresen of Oracle Forensics will present a Cozen O'Connor webinar titled "Lighting Up: Pursuing Recovery for Grow Lamp and Fixture Failures."

Past Events

[+] [View All Events]

Publications

Publication Filter




25 Years of Serving Clients – NSS’s 25th Anniversary

February 12, 2025

Blog Posts

In this episode of Subro on the Go, regular co-hosts, David Brisco (San Diego) and Joe Rich (Miami) are joined by Jerry Nolan, Co-Director of National Subrogation Services (“NSS”), to discuss and celebrate NSS’s 25th Anniversary.  The co-hosts and Jerry discuss the history of NSS, how the industry...MORE


Specific Personal Jurisdiction Established Through Indirect Evidence of Targeting a Market [Alert]

February 3, 2025

Newsletters & Alerts

Mark Mullen discusses a recent California Appellate decision that held a foreign automobile manufacturer could be haled into a state court in California through the indirect actions of its distributor without offending constitutional due process. MORE


Subrogation & Recovery Product Recall Bulletin

January 24, 2025

Authored Articles & Books

This bulletin discusses news concerning recent recalls, repetitive failures, and alerts from January 2025.MORE


Women in Subro: Gail Cortright

December 11, 2024

Blog Posts

This Women in Subro blog series highlights powerhouse women in the industry while discussing leadership, management, and success in subrogation....MORE


Subro Stocking Stuffers: Holiday Movies that Make Great Subro Cases

December 2, 2024

Blog Posts

It’s that time of year again and you’ve got to get your holiday movie queue in your streaming services ready to go for the next month. As subrogation professionals, we might love holiday movies, but we do not necessarily enjoy them the same way as everyone else. Our subrogation instincts often kick...MORE


International Carriage Subrogation Recovery Limits Increased

November 11, 2024

Blog Posts

The Montreal Convention, (formally, the “Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air”) was adopted in 1999 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and came into effect in in 2003, when the United States became the 30th State Party to ratify the...MORE


State Specific Series – Kansas: There’s No Place Like Home

October 15, 2024

Blog Posts

Location, location, location! The viability of a subrogation case will vary depending on the loss location. The combination of law and fact in one state can yield subrogation potential, whereas in another that mix can be detrimental. Each State has varying rules that impact subrogation potential,...MORE


Digging for Diamonds

October 7, 2024

Blog Posts

The daily life of a subrogation professional is often analogized to digging through stones in search of diamonds. The dig can be frustrating, exhausting, and even discouraging at times. Each investigation begins with optimism and enthusiasm, but many times the end result is that the diamond we...MORE


The Politics Around Construction Defect Law

September 9, 2024

Blog Posts

Construction defect law in Colorado has been a polarizing issue for decades. In 2001, the Colorado Construction Defect Action Reform Act (CDARA) was passed to address a perceived crisis in the Colorado construction industry caused by a surge in litigation arising from construction defects. The...MORE


Women in Subro: Suzanne Radcliff

August 22, 2024

Blog Posts

This Women in Subro blog series highlights powerhouse women in the industry while discussing leadership, management, and success in subrogation. In our interview with Suzanne Radcliff, Office Managing Partner of Cozen O’Connor’s Dallas office, we recognize her 25 years of dedication, passion, and...MORE


Check the Permits and Seller Disclosures on Recent Residential Property Purchases

August 15, 2024

Blog Posts

For subrogation investigations on losses to residential property, do not forget to check for the permits on recent improvements, as well as purchase agreements and seller disclosures on recently purchased properties. California Assembly Bill No. 968 (AB-968), which will apply to real property sale...MORE


App-Based Subrogation: When There’s Subrogation Potential Against an App-Based Company

July 31, 2024

Presentations

Philip J. Berens and Dana Meyers presented a Cozen O'Connor webinar titled "App-Based Subrogation: When There’s Subrogation Potential Against an App-Based Company." This webinar explored the complexities and legal strategies involved when seeking recovery from app-based platforms. MORE


Practical Issues in Subrogation Claims: Efficiently Advancing Claims & Quantifying Your Damages

July 25, 2024

Presentations

Our Canadian-based subrogation attorneys will discuss common issues that arise during litigation and strategies to effectively and efficiently move your case towards a conclusion. The webinar will focus on two issues in every subrogation claim: 1) how to quickly advance your claim towards a recovery, and 2) how to properly assess what your damages are worth.MORE


Limitations of Time and Notice Requirements for Commencement of Actions [Jurisdictions Comparative Chart]

July 22, 2024

Jurisdictional Comparative Charts

Limitations of Time and Notice Requirements for Commencement of Actions - Jurisdictions Comparative ChartMORE


Subrogation Mixtape Vol. II

July 9, 2024

Blog Posts

It was a collaborative effort in compiling Volume II of the Cozen O'Connor Subrogation Mixtape. Again, our playlist covers all genres with themes of fire, water, lawyering, and of course that subro mindset. It is an eclectic mix, like subro professionals themselves. A summer subrogation playlist...MORE


State Specific Series – Louisiana: Let the Good Subro Times Roll

July 2, 2024

Blog Posts

The viability of a subrogation case will vary depending on the loss location and the facts.  The combination of law and fact in one state can yield subrogation potential, whereas in another that mix can be detrimental. Each of the States have varying rules that impact subrogation potential,...MORE


Louisiana Adopts Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims [Alert]

June 25, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

Louisiana has increased the general time limit to sue for most torts from one year to two years, but the new law only applies to future claims, says Jake Skaggs.MORE


Subrogating Business Interruption Claims

June 18, 2024

Presentations

W. Gustin Vandiford and Conrad Biegel of MDD Forensic Accountants presented a Cozen O'Connor webinar titled "Subrogating Business Interruption Claims." MORE


Inverse Condemnation in California Affirmed!

June 7, 2024

Blog Posts

Affirmed! That is the word of the day as the California Court of Appeals recently issued a published decision affirming that an inverse condemnation cause of action continues to apply to investor-owned utilities in California. The Second District Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s...MORE


Protecting the Right to Subrogation- One State at a Time

May 31, 2024

Blog Posts

A recent Oregon Supreme Court decision has lessened the load on subrogation attorneys fighting against restrictive subrogation waivers. In Certain Underwriters v. TNA NA Manufacturing, an insured buyer of food processing equipment brought claims against the seller of equipment after facing...MORE


Multi-Unit Losses: Condos, HOAs and Co-Ops

May 22, 2024

Presentations

Kristy Z. Miller and Paula J. Walsh will present a Cozen O'Connor webinar titled "Multi-Unit Losses: Condos, HOAs and Co-Ops".MORE


State Specific Series – The Great State of Utah – The Beehive State

May 13, 2024

Blog Posts

Subrogation professionals who handle losses in multiple states know that the viability of a subrogation case will vary depending on the loss location. The facts of a particular incident may have subrogation potential in one state, but not in another, as each state has varying rules that impact...MORE


East Coast Earthquakes?!

April 29, 2024

Blog Posts

An earthquake in Manhattan? Bet you didn’t have that on your 2024 bingo card. Yet on April 6, a 4.8-magnitude earthquake sent people scrambling outside their homes and offices, not just in New York but throughout the larger Northeast, spanning as far south as Philadelphia and as far north as...MORE


What is Your Malfunction? Exploring Circumstantial Theories of Liability, Res Ipsa Loquitur, and Malfunctions

April 11, 2024

Presentations

Jonathan Levy and Matthew F. Policastro will present a Cozen O'Connor webinar titled, "What is Your Malfunction? Exploring Circumstantial Theories of Liability, Res Ipsa Loquitur, and Malfunctions."MORE


Musings From an Old Subro Dog

April 4, 2024

Blog Posts

Somehow, 30 some years have now gone by handling Subrogation matters for so many wonderful clients. From losses at the mall, the big league stadium, local waterslide park, pig farm, high rise buildings, industrial and power plants, commercial buildings, residences, motorhomes and mansions, and...MORE


Women in Subro: Peggy Walsh

March 25, 2024

Blog Posts

This Women in Subro blog series highlights powerhouse women in the industry while discussing leadership, management, and success in subrogation....MORE


Lease Expired, Wisdom Acquired

March 13, 2024

Blog Posts

A number of property damage subrogation cases involve pursuit by a property owner’s insurer of a negligent tenant. Once liability is determined, the first part of the legal analysis is to determine application of the Implied Co-Insurance Doctrine. In review of the policy and lease agreement, we...MORE


Shades of Gray: Ethical Issues in Property Damage Claims and Recoveries

March 13, 2024

Presentations

Ashley Bauerle and Robert W. Phelan will present a Cozen O'Connor webinar titled "Shades of Gray: Ethical Issues in Property Damage Claims and Recoveries."MORE


Texas Panhandle Wildfires [Alert]

February 29, 2024

Newsletters & Alerts

Suzanne Radcliff provides information on six wildfires, including the massive Smokehouse Creek wildfire, that are burning in the Texas panhandle. MORE


Women in Subro: Laurie Conway

February 27, 2024

Blog Posts

This Women in Subro blog series highlights powerhouse women in the industry while discussing leadership, management, and success in subrogation....MORE

In The News

[+] [View All News]

Contacts

Elliott R. Feldman

Co-Chair, Subrogation & Recovery Department

efeldman@cozen.com

(215) 665-2071

Kevin J. Hughes

Co-Chair, Subrogation & Recovery Department

khughes@cozen.com

(215) 665-2739

Mark S. Anderson

Chair, Subrogation & Recovery, Northwest Region
Co-Vice Chair, Subrogation & Recovery Department

manderson@cozen.com

(206) 224-1247

Howard D. Maycon

Chair, Subrogation & Recovery, West Region
Co-Vice Chair, Subrogation & Recovery Department

hmaycon@cozen.com

(213) 892-7908

Cozen O’Connor/National Subrogation Services Directory for Urgent Assignments
For Your Large Property Losses
NSS has a long standing relationship with Lloyd’s/London market partnering with numerous companies, syndicates and third party administrators.

Task Forces

Consumer Appliance Task Force

CSST Task Force

CyberSubro℠

Energy Task Force

Flood Task Force

Marine Task Force

Material Failure Task Force

Tech Toys and Products Task Force

Wildfire Task Force

Additional Languages

Related Blogs

Upcoming Event:

Lighting Up: Pursuing Recovery for Grow Lamp and Fixture Failures

Webinar 02/20/2025

Paul R. Bartolacci, Natalie Keusseyan, and Andrew Thoresen of Oracle Forensics will present a Cozen O'Connor webinar titled "Lighting Up: Pursuing Recovery for Grow Lamp and Fixture Failures."

Event Details

    People

    National Subrogation Services

     

    Jerry Nolan
    Co-Director
    P (516) 949-3624
    Email
     
     

    Dan D’Imperio
    Co-Director
    P (215) 665-3716
    Email
     

    Joe Minnella
    Assistant Director
    P (484) 393-3164
    Email
     

    Small to Moderate Claims:

    • Property
    • Auto - PIP, Med Pay
    • Inland Marine
    • Workers Comp

    Resource Updates

    25 Years of Serving Clients – NSS’s 25th Anniversary

    In this episode of Subro on the Go, regular co-hosts, David Brisco (San Diego) and Joe Rich (Miami) are...

    Specific Personal Jurisdiction Established Through Indirect Evidence of Targeting a Market [Alert]

    Mark Mullen discusses a recent California Appellate decision that held a foreign automobile manufacturer...

    Civil Judgment Renewal and Revival

    Civil Judgment Renewal and Revival - Jurisdictions Comparative Chart

    25 Years of Serving Clients – NSS’s 25th Anniversary [Blog Post]

    In this episode of Subro on the Go, regular co-hosts, David Brisco (San Diego) and Joe Rich (Miami) are joined by Jerry Nolan, Co-Director of National Subrogation Service...