Today's land and building owner is much more than a holder of real property. They have become responsible for managing risk - all or in part.

Between toxic liability and other policy exclusions, high premium rates, and ever-increasing deductibles, many land and building owners are forced to either opt-out of the commercial insurance risk pool by self-insuring, or must become a virtual insurer and share a greater percentage of risk and financial obligation should a loss occur.

Especially hard hit are New York and New Jersey, where many buildings were constructed prior to present day building code, and where recent legislative efforts have been successful that transfer risk to the land and building owner.

With risk comes responsibility. When a loss does occur, the real estate holder must be certain to retain legal representation that is both experienced and savvy.

At Smith Mazure, we have been defending premises bodily injury matters as well as significant property damage actions for over a quarter of a century - in conjunction with the insurance carrier as well as for the self-insured. Our involvement spans the minor injury claim to the defense of a ten-figure property damage action.