In an article published by Law360, Miami partners John Meagher and Alexander Tachmes commented on how hotels are mitigating the massive losses they are facing in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
One place where the industry may find relief is in business interruption clauses in commercial property insurance policies. John, Chair of the firm’s Insurance Practice Group, said lawyers will try to prove contamination if the coronavirus was found on a property, as noxious gases and fumes have sometimes been covered under these clauses if the property was rendered unusable. “To the extent a policy’s language is ambiguous, the insured wins that battle,” he said.
Another avenue hotel operators are taking is turning to the government for relief, said Alex, Chair of the firm’s Land Use and Government Relations Practice Group. Hotels are seeking emergency funding for laid-off hospitality employees and abatement of real estate and resort taxes. “The primary focus now is on a big government push,” he said, stating that most hotel companies believe that government assistance is essential during this time.
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About John E. Meagher
John E. Meagher is the Managing Partner of the Miami office of Shutts & Bowen LLP and Chair of the Insurance Practice Group. A Martindale-Hubbell AV® rated trial lawyer, John has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America® in insurance law and has been named a “Top Lawyer” by South Florida Legal Guide. John primarily represents large insurance companies, defending them in trial and appellate actions throughout the state and federal court systems. John also litigates commercial, real estate, and banking cases.
About Alexander I. Tachmes
Alexander I. Tachmes is a partner in the Miami office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is Chair of the Land Use and Government Relations Practice Group and a member of the Real Estate Practice Group. A Martindale-Hubbell AV® rated attorney, Alex concentrates his practice on governmental matters, including land use and zoning, public-private transactions, competitive bidding and lobbying, and commercial real estate transactions, including hospitality matters.