Westfield Insurance Company has bestowed their prestigious 'Golden Gavel Award’ on Cipriani & Werner Partner, Jack Hayes. The award is given annually by the insurer to a defense attorney whose superior advice and counsel has resulted in an extraordinary outcome. Initially Jack was one of five attorneys nominated across the U.S. by Westfield for outstanding performance in 2009, and ultimately was chosen to win the award based on his successful defense of a complex Workers’ Compensation claim.

Mr. Hayes recently handled a matter involving a significant motor vehicle accident which resulted in ‘severe disabilities’ including permanent brain damage. Initial analysis of the facts of the case indicated the possibility of substantial exposure for Westfield Insurance in excess of $3 million. Working in partnership with claims professionals, Kevin Ruth and Jim Greenwald, the claim was recently resolved for less than $400,000.

Mr. Greenwald and Mr. Ruth presented Jack with the Golden Gavel in a surprise announcement made recently in our Philadelphia Office. We congratulate Mr. Hayes for all the hard work and leadership he has provided to the entire Firm for many years.