Attorneys Alan S. Breckenridge and Jennifer A. Bierman of Gallop, Johnson & Neuman L.C. served as co-counsel in a successful legal action that will benefit client Maverick Tube Corporation by more than $6.5 million.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of Maverick Tube on December 10, 2009 by overturning the district court rulings in favor of Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company. District courts in both Texas and Missouri had heard the case arising from Westchester's refusal to provide insurance coverage to Maverick Tube for claims of property damage and breach of warranty with respect to oil well piping that Maverick had sold to a customer.  

“This case has a long history, including a lawsuit filed by Westchester in Texas and a lawsuit filed by Maverick Tube here in Missouri."  Breckenridge said. “We are very pleased that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit understood our arguments, based on Missouri law, and reversed the lower courts’ rulings and remanded the case to the district court for a determination of damages, which we expect will be at least $6.5 million for Maverick Tube,” Breckenridge added. 

Breckenridge chairs the Insurance Practice Group at Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, and is past chair of the Litigation Department. Bierman is a litigator who concentrates her practice in insurance and risk management. Gallop, Johnson & Neuman served as co-counsel with Baker Botts, LLP after the lawsuits were consolidated in Houston, Texas.  

Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, L.C., a full service law firm of 80 attorneys, has provided legal services to clients in diverse industries since its founding in 1976 and is one of the largest law firms in St. Louis. The firm serves public corporations; privately-held companies; entrepreneurs and start-up enterprises; individuals and families; trustees and trust beneficiaries; charities; and non-profit entities.  

For more information, contact Lois A. LaDriere, Director of Marketing, at 314.615.6000 or see the website www.gjn.com.

Media relations contact: Jeff Dunlap at 314.993.6925.