Michelle Piziak concentrates her practice in the areas of general litigation, insurance coverage and extracontractual matters. Ms. Piziak’s practice also involves reviewing insurance policies, researching insurance coverage issues, drafting coverage opinions, representing clients in coverage disputes, and representing clients in "bad faith” or other extra-contractual claims, including administrative proceedings before the West Virginia Insurance Commission.

Ms. Piziak also represents clients in fraud and arson cases involving insurance matters. Specifically, she has handled examinations under oath, claim evaluations, and settlement negotiations.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Insurance first party
• Insurance bad faith
• Insurance coverage
• Arson/fraud
• UM/UIM coverage

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1997     Steptoe & Johnson

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Insurance Law Committee, Defense Research Institute
• Insurance Law Committee, Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia

INDUSTRY / CIVIC MEMBERSHIPS

• International Association of Arson Investigators

PUBLICATIONS / SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 

• Fire/Explosion Cause and Origin Investigations in West Virginia: Developing Viable Subrogation Claims and Managing Experts from The Forensic and Legal Perspectives, (Lorman, July 2006)