Biller, Sachs, Robert & DeLaura

We are pleased to announce that Scott DeLaura has become a named partner with the firm which will now be known as Biller, Sachs, Robert & DeLaura. Attorney DeLaura was an associate with the firm a number of years ago and we are very pleased that he has rejoined us as a partner. Attorney DeLaura’s primary focus is property insurance coverage litigation on behalf of policyholders.

He was a partner at Palumbo & DeLaura, a well-respected New Haven firm for over twenty-five years. The firm’s practice included commercial litigation for banks involving complex commercial workouts and transactions, as well as construction companies, property tax appeals and representing insurance policy holders.

Attorney DeLaura is active in the New London community serving as a director, vice president and in house counsel for a non-profit organization which promotes community development and further volunteers in other charitable community programs in Southeastern Connecticut.

Congratulations to our Firm's Super Lawyers!

Jon Biller has been selected as a 2022 New England and Connecticut Super Lawyer in the practice area of insurance law. This is the eighth year in a row that Attorney Biller has been named a Super Lawyer. He has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2015. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Brianna Kastukevich Robert has been selected as a 2022 Connecticut Rising Star in the practice area of insurance law. Attorney Robert has been named a rising star in insurance for five years. Each year, no more than 2.5% of the lawyers in the state of Connecticut are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

We are pleased to announce that Brianna Kastukevich Robert has become a named partner with the firm which will now be known as Biller, Sachs & Robert. Attorney Robert has been with the firm for almost a decade. Her primary focus is property insurance coverage litigation on behalf of policyholders and the representation of victims of serious personal injuries.

We are also pleased to welcome Cileena Terra as an associate. Attorney Terra joined our firm as a law clerk in 2018 while attending law school and began practicing as an attorney with the firm in 2020. She joins Attorneys Biller and Robert in our insurance coverage and personal injury practice.

Attorney Sachs continues his real estate and business transactions practice.

Our office is fully vaccinated and continues to take appointments in person and remotely for your convenience.

Our insurance coverage practice represents policyholders who have suffered significant property damage to their home or business. If you or someone you know is in need of an insurance coverage attorney or has been the victim of a serious personal injury contact our office for a consultation.

Please visit our new website at www.billerlawgroup.com for additional information about our firm.

You may also contact us at 203-281-1717 or at [email protected].

WHEN TO CONTACT A LAWYER ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY LOSS CLAIM

There may come a time when a property you own or rent suffers a loss that requires you to make a claim to your property insurance company. Typically, insureds reach out first to their insurance carrier and expect help from the company. This is unfortunately not always the best case scenario and there are times when an insured must rely on a professional outside of their insurance company for assistance.

Small claims for simple issues and less expensive damages can sometimes settle without trouble. However, in cases where the loss is greater, the damages are higher, or coverage is disputed, you should contact an attorney who specializes in representing policyholders against insurance companies.

A few examples of times when a policyholder should consult with legal counsel are:

• Claims where there is a lack of response from the insurance
company, especially early on in the claim;
• Issues of policy language interpretation or disagreement;
• Losses where the insurance company appears to be
misunderstanding key facts or issues;
• High value damage claims;
• Total loss claims, such as a house fire;
• Claims where coverage is disputed or only a part of the claim
is purportedly covered;
• Claims where requests are made for an examination under
oath or a recorded statement.

If you have one of these type of claims, you should consider seeking legal help. Speaking with an experienced lawyer before you contact your insurance company to make a claim can help avoid hurting a case and prevent pitfalls in resolving your insurance claim.

Your claim will be handled by insurance professionals who have much more experience in handling claims than the general public. It is best to be prepared and understand all of the rights you have when making a claim, which can be best explained to you by a legal professional who also works in the insurance area.

Seeking out legal help early on in your claim process can also ensure that you provide the proper documentation to your insurance company, alert you to any important timeframes or deadlines for making your claim, and make sure you are fully aware of the steps in the process.

Another helpful strategy for a complicated claim is hiring a public insurance adjuster. Public adjusters can be hired to assist policyholders with their insurance claim by working with the insurance company, assisting in evaluating damages, and advocating for the insured.

If your claim meets any of the above criteria, or you believe you need some legal guidance, please contact our office for a consultation.

Author: Brianna Kastukevich

Covid-19 Update from Biller, Sachs, Zito & LeMoult

We hope this finds you and yours safe and healthy in these challenging times.

In light of the developments with COVID-19 in the State of Connecticut and across the Country, we wanted to reach out to provide a few updates on how we are approaching this crisis. As legal offices are considered essential services, we are doing our part in continuing to assist our clients with all of their legal needs.

We have arranged for all of our attorneys and staff to work remotely as much as possible, and have transitioned to phone and video conferences to ensure seamless support for our clients. We are also taking limited appointments at our office where our staff are taking extra precautions to keep our office safe and clean. Currently, our Hamden office is closed on Wednesdays and Fridays, and our Branford office is temporarily closed.

We also have additional opportunities that we wanted to share with you:

In honor of Attorney Jon Biller’s son Sam, a nurse working at a local hospital, and all of the doctors, nurses, police officers, EMTs and others on the front lines of this crisis; we have decided to offer all our legal services for first responders at either a significantly reduced rate or at no charge for the month of May. This includes Attorney Jeffrey Sachs’ real estate and wills practice, Attorney Louise Zito’s Divorce, Mediation and Collaborative Center, and Attorney Biller and Attorney Michael LeMoult's personal injury and insurance coverage practice. We also recently welcomed Attorney Alison Gillotti to our office who is working in our personal injury and insurance coverage practice.

Additionally, for the month of May there will be no charge for all client consultations for new matters which will be available remotely.

Lastly, below are a few links that might be helpful for you as you continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic:

For those of you with small businesses who need help during this pandemic understanding the CARES act:
https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/guide-to-the-cares-act

Information on restraining orders for those of you in dangerous or potentially dangerous domestic situations:
https://www.jud.ct.gov/forms/grouped/family/restraining_order.htm

Guide to COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Options:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/

Information on Business Interruption Coverage related to COVID-19:
https://www.bszllaw.com/is-there-business-interruption-coverage-for-damages-caused-by-the-corona-virus-covid-19

Seven Guidelines for Parents Who are Divorced/Separated and Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Biller, Sachs, Zito & LeMoult

Dear Family Clients,

I'd like to share the following guidelines which were written for parents who are divorced/separated and sharing custody of children during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Although they are written for parents who are in litigation-- I feel they are relevant and offer sound advice to all parents in all stages of divorce.

See the link below "Seven Guidelines for Parents Who are Divorced/Separated and Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic".

Wishing you well,

Louise R. Zito
Center for Divorce, Mediation and Collaboration
Biller, Sachs, Zito & LeMoult

bszllaw.com I'd like to share the following guidelines which were written for parents who are divorced/separated and sharing custody of children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although they are written for parents who are in litigation-- I feel they are relevant and offer sound advice to all parents in all stage...

DEAR CURRENT AND FUTURE CLIENTS:

THE COURTS ARE CLOSED BUT YOUR DIVORCE NEEDS CAN CONTINUE TO BE ADDRESSED. HERE ARE THE WAYS IN WHICH I CAN HELP YOU:

• SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS BY PHONE OR ZOOM CONFERENCING
• ACCEPT AND SEND DOCUMENTS ELECTRONICALLY
• REDUCE MY FEES DURING THIS CRISIS: I HAVE LOWERED MY HOURLY RATE,EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2020, AND CONTINUING DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS TO HELP CURRENT AND FUTURE CLIENTS WITH THEIR MEDIATED AND COLLABORATIVE DIVORCES AND FAMILY MATTERS.
• OFFER FLAT-FEE MEDIATION FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY.
• ACCEPT CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS OVER THE PHONE
• KEEP YOU INFORMED OF COURT CLOSINGS AND OPENINGS

CONTACT: [email protected] 203-281-1717, 302-988-5462,, paralegal: sue@bszllaw,com

SINCERELY,

LOUISE R.ZITO,
CENTER FOR DIVORCE MEDIATION AND COLLABORATION
BILLER, SACHS, ZITO & LEMOULT

Is the economic harm caused by COVID-19 covered by your insurance?

The outbreak of the coronavirus has caused unexpected losses to businesses and individuals worldwide. The loss of income resulting from closures, and supply chain disruptions has caused many business owners to question whether they may have coverage under their first party insurance property policies. Most businesses contain coverage for property damage as well as lost profits arising from that damage.

However, many insurance companies will be denying business interruption coverage claims by arguing that the mere presence of the virus does not constitute property damage and therefore no claim can be made for loss profits. Therefore, whether or not your economic harm due to COVID-19 will be covered by your insurance ultimately depends on (1) the coverage under your policy, (2) whether courts will find that the virus constitutes property damage, and (3) how proactively you act to ensure you are prepared to pursue coverage.

As the COVID-19 crisis spreads we are here to assist policyholders in understanding the type of property coverage they have so they can promptly notify their insurers and be well prepared to pursue coverage.

Stay updated on all COVID-19 related insurance coverage issues via our Property Insurance Blog at https://www.bszllaw.com/property-insurance-blog

Dear Clients, Future Clients and Colleagues:

In these uncertain times your health and safety is our primary concern. We have taken precautions regarding COVID-19 at our offices and are prepared to hold meetings, conferences, depositions, mediations and collaborative sessions through video conferencing. While our offices remain open, at this time, we are fully prepared to serve you through audio and video conferences as you desire or as the need arises.

Sincerely,

Jon Biller
Managing Partner

We want to show recognition to our hard-working BSZL staff and showcase some of their recent achievements!

Congratulations to Jon D. Biller on being selected as a 2019 New England as well as Connecticut Super Lawyer for the 5th year in a row in the practice area of insurance law.

Congratulations to Louise R. Zito on being selected as a 2019 Connecticut Super Lawyer for the 4th year in a row in the practice area of family law.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are nominated by their peers and reviewed and evaluated by an independent research team. Only 5% of Connecticut lawyers are selected as Super Lawyers.

Congratulations to Michael J. LeMoult on being selected as a 2019 Connecticut Rising Star for the 4th year in a row in the practice area of insurance law.

Rising Stars is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through extensive evaluation.

BSZL donates to Larry's Playground in Hamden

http://www.hamden.com/qcontent/NewsFeed.aspx?FeedID=3874

Period of Restoration and Extended Business Interruption Coverage
http://bit.ly/2NEnNYq

Attorney Biller and the Connecticut Association of Public Adjuster (CAPIA) raised over $10,000 dollars in charitable contributions for the American Cancer Society and the Parkinson’s Foundation. We want to recognize Attorney Biller and the staff of Biller, Sachs, Zito, and LeMoult for their hard work in organizing CAPIA’s 10th Anniversary Honoree Dinner on May 28, 2019. Attorney Biller is a founding member and legal counsel for CAPIA.

Insurance Adjusters | Different Types & Who They Represent | BSZL Law

Everyone has probably dealt with an insurance adjuster at some point. Whether for a home, automobile, or even a rental property the adjuster is there on your behalf right? Here is a quick read on understanding differences and responsibilities of adjusters.
http://bit.ly/2Ut67lL

bszllaw.com When you file an insurance claim and the insurance company sends out an adjuster, who do they represent and what are their obligations.

The Importance of Retaining a Trained Mediator
http://ow.ly/T1ee50ohScn

Are you looking for a high-quality, affordable, friendly way to divorce? Consider Flat-Fee Mediation as an alternative to astronomical litigation fees.

If you both want the divorce, have parenting concerns resolved and have uncomplicated finances you may qualify for a Flat Fee Mediation with an experienced Family Law Attorney who can draft your legal papers and a well-crafted final agreement addressing all your concerns. Your negotiations will be private and you will only have to go to Court one time for your dissolution. The cost: $4,500.00.


To see if you qualify call Attorney Louise Zito at the Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Center at Biller, Sachs, Zito & LeMoult right now!

Why Should You Consider a Collaborative Divorce?

If you want a divorce, but don’t want the battle, and need the assurance that comes from legal representation, consider a Collaborative Divorce. In the Collaborative process each party is represented by a specially trained Attorney who advocates on behalf of their clients to achieve the things of greatest importance to them.

In this process the Attorneys, with the contribution of experts in their field (parenting/financial), help you understand and articulate those important goals and interests and help you to navigate your way through the resources available to you to meet your goals. This is done in a private environment with full disclosure and respect and the support of a team behind you.

Learn more by contacting Louise Zito at (203) 281-1717 for a consultation.

Biller, Sachs, Zito & LeMoult would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving. Please make sure your home is protected with functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers! Please stay in your home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently!

We want your home to stay safe this Thanksgiving while enjoying the company of your loved ones!

Winter is Coming: Time to Review Your Insurance Policy!

Now is the time to review your property insurance policy and coverage limits. When reviewing your policy, make sure you have enough coverage to adequately cover your property. If you have made significant improvements to your home or business, you want to make sure those improvements are covered by your policy, as renovations usually increase a property’s value. Revising your coverage to reflect the value you have invested into improving or renovating is important and should be done annually. Unfortunately, we have seen instances where homes sustained significant damage but due to the fact that insurance coverage was not increased after the renovations, the insureds were limited to outdated and undervalued coverage. This realization can be devastating for a property owner but it is luckily avoidable with a simple policy review.

You should also review your policy to make certain that any likely hazards will be covered and you will have adequate coverage to compensate you for your property damages. Beware of exclusions or limitations in your policy!

In an effort to assist homeowners and business owners, our office is available to review your insurance policy and can provide a complete analysis of your insurance policy to make sure your property is adequately insured.

Considering filing for divorce? File Now !!! Take advantage of the tax deduction before it disappears on 1/1/2019 !

Those interested in getting a divorce should consider moving quickly, especially those in long-term marriages (10 + years). It is likely to be a component of your divorce settlement, you want to go to judgment before 12/31/2018 to take advantage of the tax deduction for those paying alimony. As of 1/1/2019, this deduction will no longer be available! Since the deduction is an “above the line” deduction, it reduces the payor’s gross taxable income, often putting the payor in a lower tax bracket, resulting in a higher alimony amount for the recipient who pays taxes on the alimony, but usually at a much lower tax rate. The result after 1/1/2019 is greater taxes for the payor and smaller amounts of alimony for the recipient.

Want to know more? Contact Attorney Louise Zito today!

E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: (203)-281-1717
Website: Bszllaw.com

We want to show recognition to our hard-working BSZL staff and showcase some of their recent achievements!

Congratulations to Louise R. Zito on being selected as a 2018 Connecticut Super Lawyer for the 3rd year in a row in the practice area of family law.

Congratulations to Jon D. Biller on being selected as a 2018 Connecticut Super Lawyer for the 4th year in a row in the practice area of insurance law.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are nominated by their peers and reviewed and evaluated by an independent research team. Only 5% of Connecticut lawyers are selected as Super Lawyers.

Congratulations to Michael J. LeMoult on being selected as a 2018 Connecticut Rising Star for the 3rd year in a row in the practice area of insurance law.

Rising Stars is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through extensive evaluation.

Biller, Sachs, Zito & LeMoult

Biller, Sachs, Zito & LeMoult's cover photo

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving

Attorney Michael LeMoult Selected a 2016 Rising Star for Insurance Law

Congratulations, Attorney LeMoult!

http://www.bsrz.com/attorney-michael-lemoult-named-rising-star-in-insurance

bsrz.com Congratulations to Attorney Michael LeMoult for being selected as a 2016 Connecticut Rising Star in the practice area of Insurance Law.

Attorney Louise Zito named Super Lawyer for Family Law in Connecticut

Congratulations, Attorney Zito!

http://www.bsrz.com/attorney-louise-zito-named-super-lawyer

bsrz.com Attorney Louise Zito has been named a 2016 Connecticut Super Lawyer recipient for Family Law. Ms. Zito is an accomplished Divorce and Family Law attorney in Connecticut.

Biller, Sachs, Raio & Zito wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

The average number of reported building fires on Thanksgiving Day is more than double the average number of fires in homes on all days other than Thanksgiving. Please make sure your home is protected with functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers!

Independent Adjuster | Understanding What Independent Truly Means

http://buff.ly/2eL4yHu
Independent Insurance Adjuster: No Duty to You

bsrz.com When you hear the term independent insurance adjuster, what does it mean? We have put together some facts about what "independent adjuster" truly means.

My Ex Husband Got A Raise- Do I Get More Alimony Now? - Biller, Sachs, Raio & Zito Attorneys at Law

Interesting post on things to consider regarding alimony when an ex-spouse's income changes.

bsrz.com Ever wondered if you are entitled to get more alimony in the event your ex-husband receives a pay raise. Here is information that may answer some questions.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July.

Appraisal Clause in Your Insurance Policy | Know the Process

http://buff.ly/1ZDQos2
Here is our third installment of "Knowing Your Property Insurance Policy"

bsrz.com Your insurance policy likely contains an appraisal clause that covers the process and method for determining loss in a claim and differences.

Difference Between Replacement Cost Value & Actual Cost Value

What is the difference between replacement cost value and actual cost value?

bsrz.com Knowing the difference between replacement cost value and actual cost value is an important thing to know. These determine your recovery amount after a loss

Knowing Your Property Insurance Policy - Biller, Sachs, Raio & Zito Attorneys at Law

http://www.bsrz.com/knowing-your-property-insurance-policy

bsrz.com Knowing your property insurance policy inside and out and understanding how you are protected is information everyone should know in the event they need it.

Has Your Home Suffered Damage This Winter? | BSRZ

http://www.bsrz.com/has-your-home-suffered-damage-this-winter

bsrz.com If your home has suffered damage from the harsh winter weather, please contact us to discuss potential options you may have.

w Your Property Insurance Annually | Connecticut Property Insurance

Winter is Here: Time to Review Your Insurance Policy!
http://www.bsrz.com/winter-is-here-time-to-review-your-insurance-policy

bsrz.com Don't wait to review your property insurance until it's too late. We highly recommend reviewing your insurance policy and coverage limits annually.