Business Details
44 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Insurance Defense Attorneys in Oklahoma City
Cathcart & Dooley has served the insurance industry for over 35 years, specializing in claim investigation, litigation defense, and subrogation services. Founded in 1982, our firm focuses on first-party property claims, subrogation, and liability cases, with expertise in fire, explosion, and accident scene investigations. Our attorneys provide 24/7 support to preserve evidence and resolve complex claims efficiently. With over 500 cases tried to verdict, we combine deep industry knowledge with a commitment to personalized client relationships. Our practice includes coverage opinions, examinations under oath, and bad faith defense, tailored to insurers' needs.We prioritize maximizing recoveries for subrogation files while maintaining rigorous defense strategies for insured clients. Our team holds admissions to multiple federal courts, ensuring comprehensive legal representation across Oklahoma. We believe in proactive communication and strategic legal solutions to protect our clients' interests. Our decades of experience in Oklahoma's legal landscape position us as trusted partners for insurance companies seeking reliable counsel. Through continuous adaptation to industry challenges, we maintain our reputation for excellence in insurance law.
Services
Fire Subrogation
Insurance Defense
Coverage Opinions
Subrogation Claims
Bad Faith Defense
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of specialized experience in insurance law
- Our attorneys have tried 500+ cases to verdict
- We offer 24/7 emergency investigation services
- We focus exclusively on maximizing insurance recoveries
- Our team holds multiple federal court admissions
Services
Insurance Defense
We defend insurance carriers' policyholders in litigation ranging from routine claims to complex corporate disputes. Our attorneys handle dog-bite cases, copyright infringement, and bad faith allegations with strategic courtroom representation. With decades of trial experience, we protect insurers' interests through aggressive defense strategies and settlement negotiations.
Fire Subrogation
Our team investigates fire loss scenes 24/7 to preserve evidence and determine liability. We handle subrogation claims for property damage, including arson investigations and utility provider liability. With specialized knowledge of Oklahoma fire litigation, we maximize recoveries for insurers through expert witness coordination and trial preparation.
Coverage Opinions
We provide detailed coverage assessments for first-party and third-party claims, including examinations under oath. Our attorneys identify policy exclusions, coverage limits, and indemnification obligations to guide insurers' claim decisions. This service helps clients avoid exposure through early resolution of complex coverage questions.
Subrogation Claims
We pursue third-party recoveries for property insurers through subrogation litigation. Our practice includes construction defects, product liability, and water loss claims. By combining investigation expertise with trial-ready advocacy, we secure millions annually for Oklahoma insurance companies through negotiated settlements and verdicts.
Bad Faith Defense
We defend insurers against bad faith claims arising from coverage disputes. Our attorneys analyze policy language, claims handling practices, and damages allegations to build strong defense strategies. With deep understanding of Oklahoma insurance law, we protect carriers from excessive liability through motion practice and jury trial representation.
People
William R. Cathcart
Partner
Co-founding partner with 40+ years of insurance litigation experience. Admitted to U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal circuits. Specializes in fire subrogation and complex insurance defense cases across Oklahoma.
Cary D. Dooley
Partner
Co-founding partner focusing on subrogation and coverage disputes. Extensive trial experience in Oklahoma federal courts. Handles product liability and construction defect claims with emphasis on maximizing insurer recoveries.
Virginia Cathcart Holleman
Partner
Partner specializing in examinations under oath and coverage opinions. Admitted to U.S. Supreme Court and all Oklahoma federal districts. Provides strategic guidance on first-party insurance claims and bad faith defense.
Questions
What areas of law does Cathcart & Dooley specialize in?
We focus exclusively on insurance law, including subrogation, coverage defense, fire claims, product liability, and bad faith litigation. Our practice serves Oklahoma insurers through both plaintiff and defense representation.
How quickly can you respond to emergency fire claims?
Our attorneys are available 24/7 to coordinate immediate investigation of fire and explosion scenes. We deploy resources within hours to preserve critical evidence and begin liability assessment.
What makes your subrogation practice unique?
We combine decades of trial experience with specialized knowledge of Oklahoma's legal landscape. Our team has recovered millions for insurers through aggressive subrogation strategies and proven courtroom advocacy.
How do you handle complex coverage disputes?
We conduct thorough examinations under oath and provide detailed coverage opinions. Our approach prioritizes early resolution while preparing for litigation to protect insurers' financial interests.
Can you represent out-of-state insurers in Oklahoma claims?
Yes, our attorneys regularly represent national insurers in Oklahoma matters. We leverage our local court knowledge and federal admissions to provide effective representation regardless of carrier location.
