Insurance Coverage Attorney Addresses Rash Of Lawsuits Throughout The State

Michael J. Faul, Jr., Shareholder, Herold Law, P.A., was recently a guest on WCTC-AM’s ‘Jersey Central’ radio show. During the interview, Faul discussed the spread of lawsuits across New Jersey involving the building and expansion of houses of worship. New Jersey is a microcosm of these types of lawsuits being publicized nationwide. Faul clarifies that RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000), protects individuals, houses of worship and other religious institutions from discrimination, zoning and landmarking laws.

During the interview, Faul stated, “Cities, municipalities, and towns in New Jersey facing these RLUIPA civil suits must face the reality that insurers are increasingly seeking to limit their exposure and forcing governmental insureds and taxpayers of the community to pay for these expensive and time consuming law suits on their own dime. Every municipality, their public officials, employees and local citizens that volunteer their time on township committees and boards need to be defended. Often, there is insurance in place and the government entity must be vigilant in pursuing maximum coverage under their policies of insurance which were obtained at great cost.”

“These suits against governmental entities are prosecuted by the largest law firms in New York, Washington and even abroad. These suits are financed and backed by well-heeled civil rights and private foundations with millions of dollars in their war chests to effectuate justice,” said Faul.

Just recently, in November 2016, Mr. Faul scored a victory for a municipality obtaining a decision compelling the insurance company to tender a defense to an investigation by the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office into allegations of violations of RLUIPA and Civil rights involving an application to build a Synagogue. This decision will have potentially wide ranging impact on other municipalities facing same or similar investigations by the United States Government.

To listen to the interview in its entirety please click here.

With nearly three decades of experience, Mr. Faul has successfully obtained a recovery of millions of dollars from national insurance companies, brokers, and agents on behalf of policyholders. He has also provided counsel on all phases of complex insurance claim resolution, from the proper and prompt presentment of claims through litigation in state and federal courts.

Mr. Faul counsels both corporations and government entities seeking to place or enforce coverage under Officer and Director of Public Officials and Employment Liability Policies and other specialized risk policies for multiple risks including government investigations, suits, and internal investigations.

Herold Law, P.A. has built a long-standing reputation as committed professionals serving clients and the community at large. For nearly thirty years, their focus has been on creating and maintaining client relationships with exceptional service and expertise.

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