Third Party Defense
Defending Insureds in Third-Party Lawsuits Across California
Burton Kelley serves as trusted defense counsel for insureds facing third-party lawsuits throughout California.
Appointed by insureds in thousands of cases, our San Diego-based attorneys provide robust defense under residential, commercial property, and professional liability policies.
Our extensive experience spans a wide range of complex matters, including premises liability, auto accidents, elder abuse claims, habitability disputes, insurance broker malpractice, architect and engineer E&O actions, and catastrophic injury cases.
We are skilled negotiators adept at resolving disputes effectively through mediation and targeted settlement discussions. However, when litigation is necessary to protect our client’s interests, our seasoned trial lawyers are prepared to vigorously defend cases through verdict, consistently achieving excellent trial results for the insureds we represent.
Our Approach
Strategic Case Assessment
We analyze claims, evaluate liability and damages exposure, and establish clear defense postures.
Efficient Resolution Focus
We proactively pursue cost-effective resolution via skilled negotiation, mediation, or direct settlement talks.
Trial Readiness & Execution
We provide tenacious trial advocacy, defending the insured vigorously through verdicts for excellent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Burton Kelley's role in third-party defense?
We are appointed by insurance carriers to provide comprehensive legal defense to their policyholders (the insured) when they are sued by a third party for various types of alleged liability.
What specific types of third-party lawsuits does your firm handle?
Our defense experience is broad, covering premises liability, auto accidents, elder abuse, habitability claims, insurance broker E&O, architect/engineer E&O, and catastrophic injury cases across California.
Under which insurance policies do you typically defend insured?
We frequently defend insureds under residential policies (e.g., homeowners), commercial property policies, and various professional liability (Errors & Omissions – E&O) policies.
How does Burton Kelley approach resolving third-party claims?
We are adept negotiators focused on achieving efficient and favorable resolutions through mediation or direct settlement discussions whenever possible and appropriate for the case.
Is your firm prepared to take third-party defense cases to trial?
Absolutely. While we prioritize efficient resolution, our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers fully prepared to defend insureds vigorously in court and have a strong record of achieving excellent trial results.
Does Burton Kelley handle defense cases only near San Diego?
No. Although our firm is based in San Diego, we represent insureds appointed to us by carriers in lawsuits filed anywhere throughout the state of California.