David Weiss
Admitted to bar: Florida, 2002; U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida
Education: Adelphi University, 1981; St. Thomas School of Law, 2002
Member: Florida Defense Lawyers Association, Broward County Trial Lawyers
Practice Areas: First-Party Claims
David Weiss brings nearly 10 years of experience working with three of the largest insurance defense law firms in South Florida to his role at Gordon & Doner’s Pembroke Pines office.
Instead of defending insurance companies, David now represents homeowners, condominium owners and business and commercial property owners in first-party insurance claims.
“I have successfully represented numerous insurance companies in all types of first party claims and have defended more hurricane damage claims than I care to admit,” says David, a Long Beach Long Island native who has been practicing law in Florida’s state and federal courts since his graduation from the St. Thomas School of Law in Miami.
“I believe that my experience of interacting extensively with outside insurance adjusters, third-party administrators and senior claims examiners allows me to know exactly what to expect when dealing with insurance companies,” he says. “For many years I defended these companies in first party claims, the insurance companies know me and respect my opinion. That will help me to navigate around the red tape.”
A first-party claim is a lawsuit brought by an insured against his or her own insurance company. According to David, anyone who has an insurance policy can file a first-party claim if an insurance company wrongfully denies their claim or fails to pay the full amount of the claim that the policy holder is entitled to receive.
When that occurs, David says it’s important to contact an experienced Florida first-party claims attorney like himself right away to determine what the insurance policy does and does not cover and what is required from the policy holder. In some cases, he says, an ambiguity in the insurance contract may ultimately benefit the insured.
“By retaining us early in the claims process, we can help to make sure that the damages are properly documented and assessed before the insurance company sends out its own adjuster to do an inspection,” David says. “Also, if it’s a business income loss, we want our forensic accountant on board as soon as possible to help with proof of loss process.”
Sometimes damage to your property is done by a third party. In many cases, an insurance company may be more inclined to resolve a Gordon & Doner client’s claim if there is a potential that the insurer can step into the shoes of its insured to recover some of the funds that they will be pay to their insured for the negligence of that third party. This is called “subrogation” and more insurance companies are turning to it as a way to recoup the amount of money they are required to pay out on a claim.”
“The bottom line is that while every insurance claim is different, everyone who has an insurance policy will sooner or later have to make a claim, and when they do, Gordon & Doner will work hard to make sure they are fully compensated for their losses,” David says.
When he isn’t practicing law, David enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, two teenage sons and their two Golden Retrievers. David currently serves as the field announcer for the Plantation High School Baseball team.
