Basics of Insurance Law

Steve Zakrzewski is Senior Counsel in the firm’s Tort & Product Liability, Professional Liability Defense, Employment Law, and Insurance practice groups. He has litigated cases of all sizes and levels of complexity in Connecticut’s state and federal courts, and he regularly works with local counsel to handle cases outside of Connecticut.

He has a deep knowledge of the Connecticut Product Liability Act, as well as Connecticut’s procedural rules, representing clients in both state and federal court. Mr. Zakrzewski also defends mass tort claims, including asbestos cases and, more recently, litigation regarding opioid medications. Additionally, he coordinates nationwide litigation defense strategies for clients facing cases in multiple jurisdictions and on the federal multi-district litigation docket. This includes direction and management of dispositive motions, large e-discovery projects, deposition coordination, and settlement negotiations.

In professional liability cases, Mr. Zakrzewski represents condominium associations, real estate professionals, insurance professionals, and attorneys. His approach consistently produces positive outcomes for his clients, both in court and in mediation.

In the employment context, Mr. Zakrzewski consistently produces great results for clients facing discrimination claims under Title VII, the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as wage and hour claims. He has resolved cases pending in Superior Court, the District of Connecticut, and before the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. He has won cases by dispositive motions, and has also reached many settlements for nuisance value, or less.

Greil Roberts is a Partner in the firm’s Insurance, Class Action, and Tort & Product Liability practice groups. He has litigated complex cases, appeals, arbitrations, and resolved numerous matters throughout the country.

His areas of expertise include the following:

Insurance Coverage

Greil Roberts handles complex insurance coverage litigation in state and federal courts. His insurance coverage experience includes evaluating and addressing disputes with policyholders and among insurers in many areas, including:  

• Bad faith allegations

• Business Liability and Comprehensive General Liability

• Managerial, Healthcare, and Professional Liability

• Venture capital / Private equity coverage

• Primary and excess exhaustion

• Additional insured issues

• Environmental and toxic tort liabilities

• Construction defect

Before joining Gordon & Rees, Greil worked for a major insurance company where he evaluated coverage and managed litigation for a diverse range of large loss matters including asbestos, environmental contamination, construction defect, lead paint, mold, carbon monoxide, and various toxic tort exposures. This experience gives him a unique perspective and understanding in working with insurer clients.

Class Action

Greil routinely handles complex class action litigation, including nationwide and state class claims arising under consumer protection statutes and false advertising or unfair competition statutes, including alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).  He has represented Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) and solar electricity companies in a variety of class action cases.

Civil Litigation / Insurance Defense

Greil has considerable experience in successfully resolving a wide variety of civil actions.

Contract Review

Greil has significant experience in reviewing architects & engineers contracts from a risk management perspective.