The Attorney

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. passed the bar in December 1972. He  has specialized in subrogation throughout his entire career.  He is a member of the State Bar of California, licensed to practice in all courts of the state, as well as the Federal Bar Association, licensed to practice in all federal courts in the State of California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.  He is a charter member of NASP (National Association of Subrogation Professionals).  He has given presentations at  two NASP conventions, and has lectured extensively on subrogation techniques and tips.

Cole developed the FAST and SubroFirst programs of an initial subrogation opinion within a week or so of the loss.  This is a complimentary service of SubroQuick.

Cole has specialized in property damage subrogation cases, and have handled virtually all types of subrogation.

The Cole Law Firm has an extensive library and makes extensive use of the Internet.  They specialize in property damage subrogation.

We can give you reference to subrogation attorneys in most other states, for your convenience.

Curriculum vitae

Our Mission

A Commitment to our Clients

We are committed to assisting you, our client, in the identification of subrogation opportunities, and handling all California subrogation claims, including:

• subrogation opinions (SubroQuickSM)
• litigation
• training of your staff
• reviewing closed, pending and new files for subrogation possibilities
• regular, periodic SubroSessionsSM, for face-to-face discussions

Our Strategy

Ease of Assignment

Send us your files via mail, email, on a CD, or via a service such as YouSendIt. An attorney reviews each file immediately, and a proposed course of recovery is specifically designed for each file.

Innovation in the Changing Insurance Industry

Traditionally, many adjusters refer subrogation after repairs and payment of a loss.  However, this is not always in the best interest of maximum subrogation recovery.  Many subrogation opportunities are missed because proper evidence was not secured and proper parties were not identified and notified of the loss.  Subrogation requires prompt action. We spot subrogation possibilities at the outset of a loss, through our SubroQuick program.

Our Expertise

Fire Damage:  Failures of products, negligence of public utilities, general contractors, electricians, human error, (such as improper use of the structure or product), vegetation fires, vehicle fires, and, failures from manufacturer's culpable conduct in design, manufacture, testing and warning all lead themselves to subrogation.

Mold:  Mold can occur as the result of the original loss, or, as the result of a repair/restoration contractor's repairs.  

Construction Defect: Poor construction practice types of losses, against architects and building designers, general contractors, developers, the design team of engineers, and the various subcontractors, and public entities.

Water Damage: Failures of water and flood control systems (pipes bursting, levees breaking, improper design of flood control) due to improper design, construction, and maintenance, whether by public entities or private contractors. In addition, failures of household products such as faulty valves, flex lines and water filtration systems.

Freeze Damage: Note that freeze and water losses are traditionally thought to be "Acts of God".  However, such is not always a defense when a human is legally responsible for the harm, or could have prevented the harm from occurring.  Fire sprinkler failure. NFPA and fire codes are clear in imposing standards and requirements to prevent failures in fire sprinkler systems. Many failed due to bad design, which violated codes, and others were simply installed improperly.

Liability Payments: Many times a defendant and its carrier negotiate a settlement of a possible liability case, whether or not the suit has been filed. Once the defendant or carrier negotiates a settlement, subrogation possibilities may exist against the co-defendant or a new party. For example, in a medical malpractice or construction case, the loss may have been caused by a defective product or another responsible contractor, and a subrogation claim exists with an avenue for recovery.