Mr. Rizk represented a Portland family who lived near a restaurant, which released toxic human waste and sewage into their basement where their children lived. Usually pain and suffering damages are not available without physical injury. However, citing Edwards v. Talent, 280 Or. 307, 570 P.2d 1169 (1977), Mr. Rizk convinced the insurer to pay pain and suffering damages to each family member as part of its settlement. Pleased with the result, Mr. Rizk was called later when the family grandmother was involved in a car accident; that claim was resolved too!
This case involved a gentleman who seriously injured his neck. After the injury he could no longer weld because his neck was not strong enough to support a welding helmet. Disability insurer denied claim. After filing suit in Federal Court, insurer reconsidered and case was resolved. He now lives in Hawaii.
A nurse contacted a virus while overseas. The virus was difficult to diagnose and doctors disagreed on its cause. Disability insurer claimed that nurse was not entitled to disability benefits. Nurse contacted Richard Rizk who suggested preparation of video in response to insurance company demand for education information. After viewing video, disability insurer rescinded its denial and paid full benefits.
In this case, insurer alleged that the daughter of its insured arranged for the theft and destruction of a high end Lexus sports car. Insurer then sued the parents (represented by Mr. Rizk) alleging breach of the insurance policy. Insurance company made no offers to settle. At trial, Mr. Rizk undermined a key insurance company witness. A Clackamas County jury awarded Mr. Rizk's clients a unanimous verdict as well as attorney fees.
For many years, insurer accepted insurance premiums from a Portland area VFW lodge. Insurer went bankrupt without providing all the insurance the lodge had paid for. Working with insurance regulators in Oregon and Pennsylvania, Mr. Rizk obtained the maximum premium refund available.
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After claiming it found towels piled by the water heater, insurer denied fire loss claim citing possible insured involvement. After having no luck with another well-advertised "fire insurance attorney" client hired Mr. Rizk. After Mr. Rizk contacted insurer representative, insurer finally decided to pay for losses to the destroyed home
These cases involve leaking underground storage tanks causing contamination to ground water or adjacent property. Working with hydrogeologists, Mr. Rizk determines when the contamination occurred to isolate triggered insurance policies. Mr. Rizk has resolved and directed litigation in many cases of this nature in Oregon and across the U.S.
Richard Rizk has directed and resolved litigation concerning contamination in the Willamette River, Beaverton Creek and many other waterways and cities across the U.S. His familiarity with insurance coverage laws of other larger states helps him anticipate possible insurance law developments in Oregon. Many of Mr. Rizk's past environmental claims have involved millions of dollars in clean up costs. Environmental insurance coverage law is often complex and frequently requires an in depth knowledge of insurance policies and insurance coverage laws. Many of the most significant insurance coverage cases of any kind are environmental in nature.
In this case, an elderly woman was hit and killed by a young woman. Unfortunately, the victim was not in a crosswalk at the time. Prior to hiring Mr. Rizk, no offer of settlement had been made. Mr. Rizk convinced insurer it was in its best interest to pay policy limits.
Ann stopped at a 7/11 convenience store near Linnton, Oregon. In order to get out of the 7/11 parking lot, Ann pulled her car toward the Highway entrance. About this time a van stopped indicating intent to exit Highway 30 and enter the 7/11 parking lot. Ann waited for the van while leaning forward to make sure traffic was clear after it passed.
Before Ann could find an opening in traffic, her body jolted forward and her head snapped forward. After presentation of a demand letter showing that surgery was needed, Ann settled her case for $82,575.00 plus repayment of PIP medical expenses.
Susan traveled south on 209th in Aloha, slowed then stopped while signaling for a left turn at Stoddard Drive. Susan violently jolted as her car was rear-ended by another vehicle. Within a split second, her head snapped forward striking the steering wheel while the Camry’s ashtray flew out landing in the right side of her head. The force of the accident left her trapped in her car, head throbbing and in the path of oncoming traffic as the offending vehicle lie in the ditch.
This accident was caused by Harry’s excessive speed (Witnesses estimate impact in excess of 50mph) while driving under the influence of intoxicants. The case settled for policy limits after Mr. Rizk claimed punitive damages and provided medical evidence showing a permanent neck injury.
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