The Liability ClaimFor more than two decades, Charles Taylor has served as the claims solutions provider for one of Kentucky’s largest public-sector programs, supporting more than 600 county entities across emergency services, law enforcement, fiscal courts, and public health. This long-standing partnership is built on proactive strategy, collaborative defense coordination, and results that protect public resources.
The Liability ClaimA premises liability lawsuit was filed against a county medical facility after a claimant allegedly tripped over a bed while exiting the building and sustained injuries.
Despite demanding more than $1.2 million in damages, including punitive damages and compensation for pain and suffering, the claim presented significant questions around liability and the extent of the alleged injuries.
Charles Taylor worked with the client to evaluate the claim, review the claimant’s allegations, and question the validity and extent of the reported injuries. The team also raised concerns about the credibility of the claim and whether a reasonable person would have recognized and avoided the alleged hazard.
This approach led to a settlement of $20,000 at mediation, just a fraction of the $1.2 million originally demanded, protecting public funds and demonstrating the value of experienced claims handling.
This resolution demonstrates the value of having an experienced claims solutions provider that can navigate complex liability claims with strategic focus and disciplined advocacy. Achieving an outcome that reduced potential payout by more than 98% underscores Charles Taylor’s commitment to protecting public funds and supporting each client’s long-term risk strategy. Charles Taylor brings the experience, structure, and partnership needed to resolve challenging claims efficiently and deliver measurable results.
For more than two decades, Charles Taylor has delivered comprehensive claims services to one of Kentucky’s largest public-sector programs, supporting over 600 county entities including emergency services, law enforcement, and public health. This long-standing partnership spans multiple lines of business and is built on a foundation of strategic claims handling, collaboration, and results-driven execution.
A county initiated a roof replacement project at a large early childhood education center. The contracted roofing company failed to implement adequate protections during installation. When heavy rain swept through the area, insufficient temporary coverings led to extensive interior water damage across classrooms and office spaces.
Despite clear indications of negligence, the contractor denied responsibility for the loss, and its insurer refused to provide coverage. As a result, the client was left facing an uncovered property claim of approximately $450,000.
Charles Taylor managed the property claim and launched a focused subrogation investigation into the contractor’s on-site protocols and mitigation efforts. The review revealed that proper precautions had not been taken to secure the worksite, providing a clear basis for liability.
Charles Taylor applied a targeted subrogation strategy, combining liability analysis with detailed documentation to negotiate directly with the contractor’s insurer. Through persistent follow-up and expert positioning, the team secured a $385,000 recovery, covering 85% of the client’s original payout.
Instead of absorbing the cost of a preventable loss, the client recovered the majority of damages, preserving public funds and holding the responsible party accountable. This resolution demonstrates the value of working with a claims solutions provider that proactively pursues recovery opportunities and navigates complex property claims with precision and efficiency to deliver measurable financial results.
Charles Taylor remains committed to helping clients minimize loss, reduce exposure, and strengthen long-term outcomes across every line of business.
When tragedy strikes, the path to recovery is rarely simple, especially when insurance complexities and budget constraints come into play. That’s exactly what happened to a Pennsylvania church following an arson fire. As part of a self-insured church conference, the organization faced significant financial challenges in the wake of the disaster. With excess insurance coverage not yet triggered due to the conference’s annual aggregate not being met, the financial burden of rebuilding fell directly on the church.
As rebuilding plans got underway, the church’s architect and contractor identified a number of upgrades they believed were necessary to meet current building codes. These included a sprinkler system, handicap ramp, and elevator, totaling an estimated $200,000.
While these upgrades were intended to bring the new structure up to code, there was uncertainty about whether they were truly required. With insurance limitations in play, the church was facing the prospect of covering this large expense out of pocket. The challenge was clear: determine which upgrades were legally mandated while keeping reconstruction financially feasible.
To solve this complex issue, Charles Taylor deployed a collaborative team of Adjusting and Engineering Technical Services experts. Together, they launched a comprehensive investigation that went far beyond standard claims adjusting.
By conducting in-depth research and reviewing local building codes in detail, the team was able to assess the actual legal requirements for the rebuild. Their findings were compiled into a robust technical memorandum, which supported the position that the proposed upgrades were not legally necessary.
The team’s clear, defensible documentation and unified approach were instrumental in gaining approval from local building authorities. Ultimately, the church was allowed to rebuild to its pre-loss condition, without the costly additions.
Thanks to Charles Taylor’s strategic cross-functional collaboration, the church conference avoided $200,000 in unnecessary rebuilding costs. With excess insurance not yet triggered, this outcome represented a direct financial win for the client, one that preserved budget and accelerated recovery.
This success story is a testament to the power of inter-departmental expertise and proactive problem-solving. Charles Taylor’s ability to bring together field knowledge and technical precision delivered a cost-effective, strategic resolution for the client when it mattered most.
United Dairy Farmers (UDF) is an Ohio‐based convenience store operator and food manufacturer with 170+ retail locations, multistate logistics and warehouse operations, and in-house food production. Known for its ice cream, donuts, fresh hot food, and guest service, UDF faced significant challenges in managing unemployment claims.
UDF struggled to manage high volumes of unemployment claims across its decentralized business model. Frequent hiring and turnover, combined with varying state and local regulations, strained UDF’s internal resources, jeopardized compliance, and drove up costs. The volume and complexity of termination cases made it difficult to sustain a consistent, compliant approach across the organization.
In 2010, UDF partnered with Charles Taylor to centralize its unemployment claims management. We designed a legally informed, location-specific strategy that standardized claim handling across all operations. By streamlining workflows and aligning procedures with each state’s requirements, we brought consistency, control, and efficiency to their program.
“They’re not just processing paperwork and attending hearings. They’re invested in strengthening our program, reducing costs, and delivering results with pride.”
– Donna Hadley, Program Manager, United Dairy Farmers
Learn how Charles Taylor combines strategic unemployment claims management with operational insight and legal expertise to deliver measurable savings and long-term compliance for your organization.
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Midwestern University needed new student housing, but Arizona’s extreme summer heat posed serious risks to construction such as rapid concrete curing, material failures, and structural stress. The Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services team’s expertise in managing complex environmental conditions proved crucial to the project’s success. Discover how Charles Taylor’s innovative hot-weather strategies approach not only maintained the project timeline but also enhanced the quality and durability of the buildings while also adhering to industry standards.
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“The project will revitalize this critical piece of our downtown… and make significant safety, mobility and accessibility improvements so all people can enjoy the 16th Street Mall for many decades to come.”
- Mayor Michael B. Hancock
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In alignment with Mayor Michael B. Hancock’s vision to revitalize downtown Denver, the city embarked on a transformative initiative to enhance the iconic 16th Street Mall. Charles Taylor has been selected to play a pivotal role in ensuring mobility and accessibility compliance throughout the revitalization project. Charles Taylor is committed to inclusivity and accessibility, reflecting a dedication to ADA compliance and a broader mission to enhance accessibility and foster a more equitable urban environment.
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| The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 12 % of U.S. adults face mobility disabilities, underscoring the magnitude of the accessibility challenge. The project’s goal is to bolster safety and infrastructure, enhance overall user experience, and establish an inclusive environment where everyone can partake in the mall’s offerings. | Led by Elizabeth Ruggles, Senior ADA & Accessibility Consultant, the Engineering Technical Services Team will collaborate closely with developers to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Drawing on their extensive experience and expertise, they conduct peer reviews of product submittals and identify non-conformances during construction, focusing on accessibility compliance. |
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Neighborhood playgrounds are a common amenity that are designed to provide children a place to play while building their motor skills, dexterity, strength, and creativity. However, deferred maintenance and non-compliant equipment can pose a potential for disabling injuries or, in rare cases, death. One Denver, Colorado neighborhood governing board engaged the services of Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services (CTETS) to conduct a playground safety assessment assess its playground and found that the as-constructed facilities put the HOA in a vulnerable position regarding liabilities.
CTETS’ Certified Playground Safety Inspector, Ryan Jessop, performed a playground safety inspection with the goal of documenting and informing the neighborhood board of directors regarding the observed conditions and potential hazards. After observations, CTETS was able to provide a list of violations, potential hazards, and recommendations for remediation to protect the community’s children from potential harm and the HOA from future liability.
For more information on CTETS’ playground safety inspections and associated common element assessments, including complete community reserve studies, contact Justin Foy, Senior Vice President – Repair and Rehabilitation, at justin.foy@charlestaylor.com.
Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services (CTETS) is a leading provider of multidisciplinary expertise in design, construction, and property services. With a strong foothold in construction, legal, and insurance, our team of 50+ professionals specialize in forensic engineering, construction management, and property planning and redesign. Together, we offer a comprehensive suite of professional services that cover the entire spectrum of a building’s life cycle, from its conceptualization to rehabilitation.
Since 1983, the 13-story Towers of Town Lake Condominium building in Austin, Texas has been home to many residents. But the years took a toll on the exterior of the structure, necessitating repair of damaged areas and revitalization to give the façade a fresh look and renewed performance. Community management and the board of directors entrusted Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services (CTETS) to provide Construction Repair and Rehabilitation for the building exterior makeover project.
To aid community management, CTETS outlined the project tasks, which included using infrared photography to identify areas for intrusive examination of the exterior wall assembly to locate damaged underlying materials. The project also included collaboration with the general contractor to develop protocols for observing and evaluating the integrity of the structural components of the building exposed during demolition of the existing wall. Rehabilitation design of the new exterior insulation and finish system, which boasts a self-cleaning protective coating, was provided by Senior Design Architect, Richard M. Sidoroff, with the goals of repairing damaged areas, improving building aesthetics, and increasing the appraised value of owner units.
In addition to sporting an updated look, the building has experienced an increase in energy performance since the construction of the new façade. Throughout the entire exterior recladding project, CTETS has provided responsible oversight to achieve a successful outcome.
For more information on CTETS’ Construction Repair & Rehabilitation, contact Justin Foy , Senior Vice President – Repair and Rehabilitation, at Justin.Foy@charlestaylor.com
Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services (CTETS) is a leading provider of multidisciplinary expertise in design, construction, and property services. With a strong foothold in construction, legal, and insurance, our team of 50+ professionals specialize in forensic engineering, construction management, and property planning and redesign. Together, we offer a comprehensive suite of professional services that cover the entire spectrum of a building’s life cycle, from its conceptualization to rehabilitation.
Situated in Longmont, Colorado, Recovery Café serves as a sanctuary for individuals in recovery from addiction and other life challenges. It provides them with the stability required to support their journey towards long-term recovery. This expansion project is geared towards offering meals, counseling, job assistance, education, and a sense of community, creating a safe and welcoming environment for residents as they heal and reintegrate into society.
At Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services (CTETS), it is essential for us to use our work to contribute to the communities in which we live and help individuals find spaces where they can thrive. One project that aligns perfectly with this mission is the expansion of Recovery Café, in which our Accessibility Team, a subdivision of our Building Envelope and Architectural Consulting group, has been actively involved.
Our team is collaborating with Lightwell Architects, a female-led architectural firm, to review the building’s schematic design and ensure it complies with accessibility standards and ADA codes. While the project is currently in its initial phase, CTETS is committed to being a valuable team member, helping propel the project towards successful completion.
The Recovery Café project carries particular significance for the Senior ADA and Accessibility Consultant leading this effort, Elizabeth A. Ruggles, due to the positive impact it will have. “It’s truly gratifying to work on a project that is centered around community outreach,” she expressed.
For more information on this project, contact Elizabeth A. Ruggles at elizabeth.ruggles@charlestaylor.com
Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services (CTETS) is a leading provider of multidisciplinary expertise in design, construction, and property services. With a strong foothold in construction, legal, and insurance, our team of 50+ professionals specialize in forensic engineering, construction management, and property planning and redesign. Together, we offer a comprehensive suite of professional services that cover the entire spectrum of a building’s life cycle, from its conceptualization to rehabilitation.
When ConocoPhillips needed to remove four massive, 5,500 ton concrete structures that had been part of an exploratory drilling platform in harsh arctic conditions, it turned to Charles Taylor for our industry leading marine surveying capabilities.
The four caissons were watertight concrete structures, which had been used to reinforce the drilling platform. When the platform was decommissioned in 1984 the caissons were towed to Herschel Island in Canada’s Yukon province, where they remained resting on the seabed, protruding above the surface.
The challenge was to remove the caissons intact and transport them to Mexico for decommissioning. This had to be achieved in harsh arctic conditions in one of the most remote locations in the world. At the same time, the team needed to protect the fragile environment, while respecting the needs of the local Inuvialuit people.
ConocoPhillips retained Charles Taylor Adjusting’s Houston Marine team for our marine consultancy and marine surveying expertise during both the planning and execution phases. We were involved in every step of this complex and world class project.
The project was a complete success. After 30 years of sitting in the Beaufort Sea serving only as an eyesore to the indigenous people, the four caissons were safely refloated and transported to Mexico for “green” breaking and recycling without harm to the environment or any injuries to any of the team involved in the project.
“We had the best team imaginable. Everyone was engaged and took ownership of their role in the project. I couldn’t have been prouder to work with them.”
– Kim Clarke, ConocoPhillips Canada’s Arctic Project Integration Manager
ConocoPhillips is an American multinational energy corporation, with its headquarters located in the Energy Corridor district of Houston, Texas in the United States.