Toxic Tort/Environmental

From the inception of the Love Canal litigation in 1979, the firm has been active in the practice of environmental law, handling matters involving SEQRA compliance, Wetlands regulation, asbestos management, EPA & DEC. Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. has extensive experience in litigating toxic tort matters.

Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. has also been involved in defending product installers in dozens of actions involving urea formaldehyde foam insulation. Since the beginning of the mass tort litigation in Western New York, the firm has taken a leadership role in coordinating defense counsel, allocating responsibilities to achieve economies of scale and eventually, in successfully negotiating nominal settlements of all the cases in which it was involved. A creative and proactive approach to this litigation led to an efficient result, satisfactory to both the carrier and the insured.

In addition, we have represented a number of different product manufacturers who have been sued for any number and variety of environmental claims, including manufacturers of asbestos products, lead paint, paint solvents, ethylene oxide, perchlorethelyne, tobacco, etc. The firm also handles a substantial amount of toxic exposure work involving sick building claims and toxic dumping lawsuits. Moreover, we have represented Potentially Responsible Parties in environmental clean-up litigation.

Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. has been designated as joint mutual defense counsel in New York state to handle toxic tort claims for the Upstate Consortium of Insurance Carriers which includes CNA Insurance and Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. We represent the interest of and/or the insureds of many commercial lines carriers.

Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. is also uniquely able to assist our clients in their efforts to further define and implement sustainability initiatives, evaluate future “green” and “sustainable” construction/renovation projects, expand Smart Growth and urban renewal community planning and development projects, as well as to keep pace with emerging and sometimes turbulent changes in land use, zoning, environmental law, and governmental regulation. We are also prepared to assist municipalities in permitting issues and zoning related to wind, hydro-electric and solar renewable energy projects. Harry F. Mooney is the group leader of this practice. To send an e-mail to Mr. Mooney, click here.