Harold E. Johnson

Hal Johnson has substantial experience litigating various types of cases in both state and federal courts. His practice focuses on matters related to insurance coverage and disputes between insurers and their insureds. He has also defended numerous individuals and businesses in personal injury and casualty claims, as well as various commercial disputes.

Hal Johnson has substantial experience litigating various types of cases in both state and federal courts. His practice focuses on matters related to insurance coverage and disputes between insurers and their insureds. He has also defended numerous individuals and businesses in personal injury and casualty claims, as well as various commercial disputes.

Mr. Johnson is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the American Bar Association, the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys and the Defense Research Institute. Civically, he is an active supporter of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. He is listed in Virginia Business magazine’s “Legal Elite.”

Mr. Johnson received his bachelor of arts degree with distinction from the University of Virginia, where he was a Jefferson Scholar and an Echols Scholar. He received his juris doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Reported Cases

• TMS Envirocon, Inc v. BB&T Insurance Services, Inc. 2011 U.S. App. LEXIS 10615 (4th Cir. 2011)
• Beausoleil v. Peterbilt Motors Company, et al., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 58445 (E.D. VA 2010)
• RMA Lumber, Inc. v. Pioneer Machinery, LLC, et al., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93472 (W.D. Va. 2009)
• ACL Realty Corp. v. .Com Properties, LLC, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 39131 (W.D. Va. 2007)
• Campbell v. Mahan, 77 Va. Cir. 465; 2006 Va. Cir. LEXIS 185, (Nelson County Cir. Ct., 2006)

• Conducted investigation and EUO for property insurer in dubious claim submitted by insured business regarding allegedly stolen equipment, resulting in abandonment of claim by insured.
• Drafted extensive coverage opinion on behalf of national insurance carrier regarding available coverage for various types of property damage associated with sewage backup at large, well-known day care facility.
• Represent property insurer in dispute with insured restaurant related to first-party claims in the wake of Hurricane Isabel.
• Represent environmental liability insurance carrier in dispute over coverage for first-party claims for property damage and clean up costs by named and additional insureds arising out of contamination resulting from dry cleaning operations.
• Drafted detailed coverage opinion for various excess insurers regarding coverage obligations arising out of oil spill in Panama.
• Defended insurance company against coverage and bad faith claims made by doctor who claimed disabilities under a policy.
• Defended excess insurer in coverage dispute with insured pharmaceutical company over hundreds of claims involving injury resulting from use of the insured's medical products.
• Defended insurance agent against claims alleging that our client did not properly advise its client of potential liability claims against the client, which resulted in the carrier's denial of an eventual claim on grounds of late notice.
• Secured prompt dismissal of claims against insurance agent for failure to procure and failure to assist client in submitting claim arising out of fire damage to home.
• Conducted coverage analysis and drafted denial of coverage letter for claims under CGL policy alleging various business torts and conspiracies related to real estate investment and brokerage services.
• Represented internationally-known entertainer to secure insurance coverage following a dispute over coverage arising out of an incident with a tour bus that resulted in multiple personal injury claims.
• Defended insurance agent claims alleging that our client did not properly advise its client of potential liability claims against the client, which resulted in the carrier's denial of an eventual claim on grounds of late notice
• Represented policyholder in dispute with mutual insurance company comprised of jewelry store owners regarding calculation of loss for employee dishonesty claim.
• In dispute over liability coverage related to conduct of business in personal injury defendant's home, and after defendant's liability insurer initially denied coverage, I worked with plaintiff's personal injury counsel on coverage issues and evenually secured offer of coverage limits by the carrier.
• Obtained jury verdict on behalf of attorney in dispute regarding notice to malpractice insurer regarding prompt notice of malpractice claim.
• Provided coverage opinion for financial institution related to availability of directors and officers coverage for potential claims arising out of merger with another institution.
• Assist client in efforts to maintain coverage after receipt of reservation of rights letter citing issues with plaintiff’s employment status for claims arising out of injury at client’s business retreat.
• Obtained full coverage limits on behalf of industrial client in arbitration dispute with insurer regarding coverage for personal injury claims by employee arising out of exposure to asbestos.
• Conduct insurance review for trucking company to assess appropriate types and levels of property and liability insurance coverage.
• Conduct insurance review for furniture manufacturer to assess first-party property coverage needs for operations and facilities in neighboring states.
• Conduct Insurance review for international branding company to assess property and liability coverage needs related to array of issues arising out of client’s domestic and international operations.