As trial counsel for several major national and international insurance and re-insurance carriers, the firm is well known and well respected for its expertise in the areas of tort litigation, professional liability, policy defense, fraud and arson. The firm represents EPLI, personal lines, commercial, specialty and excess carriers in all risks on behalf of insureds. The firm provides opinion letters for coverage, engages in declaratory judgment actions and protects the interests of carriers who have direct exposure under state or federal law.
Allen Summers represents developers, builders, subcontractors, vendors and rental companies that provide services to one another in the residential construction field. The firm represents and assists various civil contracting entities that engage in private site work for residential subdivisions, and provides representation for contract disputes with municipalities, disputes arising from erosion control violations, and those disputes involving boundaries, encroachment and damages to adjacent sites and the work of others.
Construction Contracts
As construction contracts move away from commercial litigation in a court room setting, the lawyers of Allen Summers are well positioned and experienced in handling arbitration, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution situations. Its lawyers are formally trained and certified at both the state and federal level in mediation, and have engaged in ADR for many years, not only as an advocate for their client, but have provided mediation and neutral services to litigants in a variety of construction and contractual disputes.
"We enlisted the professional counsel of Allen Summers early in 2006 to help us address a long-standing issue with workers' compensation. Over the years we were unsuccessful in our attempts to get these costs under control. The attorneys of Allen Summers quickly grasped the depth of this issue and began providing us counsel to mitigate these costs. Moreover, their counsel has enabled us to begin to change a culture which has resulted in a significant cost reduction in this area and will be carried forward into the future." said Jim Ambrose, General Plant Manager of Kellogg's Memphis, Tennessee manufacturing facility.
Wrongful Termination
Employment Discrimination
Because of the firm's substantial labor and employment experience, the firm is able to tailor a defense on behalf of its client that recognizes potential conflicts with Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Title VII claims.
The firm handles all claims involving premises liability, truck and auto accidents, third party business contract claims, slander, and other claims arising out of normal business operation.
Construction Litigation
The construction lawyers at Allen Summers are well versed in drafting, negotiating and interpreting contracts that form the basis of the construction project. Construction insurance coverage issues are also areas in which the firm excels. When a client receives a reservation of rights notice from its carrier, we recommend that the client check first with counsel before assuming no coverage exists for the claim being made. The firm assists its clients in working with other parties to the construction contract to reach fair and amicable settlements that preserve the business relationship and allow for continued opportunities on new projects.
Darryl Gresham is certified by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization as a Rule 31 Mediator; James B. Summers is certified in Civil Pretrial Advocacy and as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the following areas: Death Claims, Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Products Liability and Personal Injury.
Medical Malpractice
Professional liability law also comprises a substantial portion of the firm’s business. The firm is frequently retained in medical malpractice cases, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Similarly, the firm handles malpractice cases involving various professionals, including engineers, architects, real estate brokers, agents, appraisers and other licensed occupations.
Allen Summers is frequently engaged to draft wills and trusts, as well as general, limited and healthcare powers of attorney for its clients. The firm carefully examines the client's family history, background and financial circumstances, and drafts those documents that protect the interests of spouses, children and family members and which carry out the wishes of the client. The firm is always there to provide guidance and counsel to the heirs and beneficiaries, and works with trustees as needed to follow through on the client's desires.