Michele A. Lo Presti-Wouters

Michele A. Lo Presti-Wouters focuses her practice on insurance coverage defense, representing both domestic and international insurance carriers, directly and through third-party administrators. She is also very accomplished in handling maritime issues involving Jones Act, crew claims, wrongful death, In Rem, and In Personam actions, vessel salvage and arrests, and hurricane and large loss actions. In addition, Michele offers effective insurance policy interpretations and coverage opinions. Michele is also experienced in handling complex litigation issues involving construction defects, property losses, personal injury and products liability issues.

In the matter of Eurys Gamez vs. ACE American Insurance Company, Michele was instrumental in obtaining the necessary evidence and testimony to obtain a successful verdict on behalf of the defendant.  The case, tried in Federal Court, involved a breach of marine policy.  The verdict was later affirmed on appeal by the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

In a case involving an alleged brain injury, through diligent discovery of medical and mental health records, Michele presented evidence that the alleged injury could not have contributed to plaintiff’s neurological issues. Ultimately, she successfully leveraged mediation, bringing the case to settlement at substantially lower monetary damages than originally sought by the plaintiff.

Through her strong instincts and investigative experience, Michele is skilled in evaluating her clients’ cases in order to accurately reflect the loss, potential financial and legal exposure, and recognize potential legal implications by settling cases to avoid adverse case precedent.

Prior to joining Chartwell Law, Michele was a partner with a large Miami based firm where she practiced complex insurance defense matters, maritime, construction litigation and general civil litigation.