Carlton Fields handles a wide range of matters for title insurers and their insureds. We have served as lead counsel in complex title matters in 17 states, and have handled claims for every major title insurer in Florida and Georgia.
Key Matters
Class Action Defense
- Obtained denial of class certification in consumer class action alleging title insurance underwriter overcharged for title insurance premiums in mortgage refinance transactions
- Obtained denial of motion for class certification in putative multistate class action alleging overcharging for title insurance
- Obtained dismissal of putative multistate class action alleging violations of RESPA, unfair trade practices, and unjust enrichment based on alleged overcharging for title insurance
- Obtained reversal of class action discovery order requiring production of over 300,000 title agent closing files
- Obtained dismissal of putative class action alleging that the unearned split of premiums with agents constituted a RESPA violation
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of putative class action alleging improper fee splitting with national builder in violation of RESPA; Settled for nominal sum
- Represented numerous national title insurance underwriters and agents in defense of approximately 15 separate putative class actions around the country alleging failure to comply with reissue rate regulations; Five were dismissed, two settled, balance pending
- Collaborated with lead counsel in federal class action in Ohio in which court decertified a statewide class alleging overcharges for title insurance premiums
Coverage Disputes
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of claim involving restrictive covenants at shopping center where title policy did not contain exception for restrictions; Obtained settlement that limited loss to less than 10 percent of damages sought
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of claim involving a lis pendens not excepted from title policy; Defeated coverage based on the "assumed and agreed to" policy exclusion
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of claim involving allegations of adverse possession and an unrecorded agreement; Defeated coverage based on the "parties in possession" and "accurate survey” policy exceptions
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of claim involving allegations that insured leases were disguised financing arrangements; Defeated coverage based on the "assumed and agreed to" policy exclusion
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of claim involving absence of title to submerged lands where title policy had no "sovereignty lands" exception; Obtained settlement substantially limiting loss and pursued subrogation claim against seller on behalf of insurer
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of claim involving allegations of overburdening of easements and rights of way ownership; Defeated coverage based on the "assumed or agreed to" and "created subsequent to date of policy" policy exclusions
Defalcation Actions
- Represented major title insurance underwriter in coordinating claims resolutions stemming from multi-million dollar title agent defalcation; Obtained $1.89 million restitution order and coordinated with criminal authorities who obtained a five-year jail term for title agent’s principal
- Represented national title insurance underwriter regarding agent defalcation of over $8.5 million; Recouped over $6.5 million
- Represented national title insurance underwriter regarding agent defalcation of over $4 million; Obtained contribution from bank, fidelity insurer, and third parties significantly reducing loss
- Represented national title insurance underwriter regarding third party misappropriation of approximately $4 million; Obtained prejudgment writs of attachment against approximately 50 properties and prejudgment writs of garnishment against multiple bank accounts leading to successful recoupment of entire loss
Closing Protection Letter Disputes
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of claim by national lender for $8.6 million alleging series of inflated appraisals and failures to follow closing instructions; Obtained dismissal of all tort claims and settled remaining contract claim
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of lender’s claims of $100,000 in losses, and that underwriter’s agent was part of fraud scheme to inflate the property’s value and divert loan proceeds to the borrower; Claim denied after factual investigation resulting in no liability to underwriter
Market Conduct and Unfair Trade Practice Disputes
- Represented national title insurance underwriter in defense of RESPA investigation by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that involved alleged kickbacks to realtors; Consent agreement negotiated with no liability finding
- Represented two title insurance underwriters regarding market conduct examinations by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
- Represented national title insurance agency regarding market conduct examination by Florida Department of Financial Services; Consent agreement negotiated with no liability finding
Title and Closing Agent Disputes
- Represented lender in challenge to validity of its mortgage on grounds it was unauthorized under a partnership agreement; Obtained summary judgment based on finding of ratification; affirmed on appeal
- Represented lender in challenge to the priority of its mortgage; Obtained summary judgment based on doctrine of equitable subrogation; affirmed on appeal
- Represented title company regarding “flip” transaction where plaintiff alleged failure to disclose the recent purchase, and environmental problems with the property; Obtained dismissal with prejudice; affirmed on appeal
- Represented prior owner of property in action to establish title under constructive trust; Obtained judgment re-establishing title after bench trial; affirmed on appeal
For a list of reported title insurance litigation decisions, please click here.