Lauren A. Welch / Member
Lauren Welch concentrates her litigation practice on the representation of insurers in matters related to life, health, and disability coverage, including issues that arise both under state law and under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). She has successfully litigated issues involving the applicability of ERISA to insurance policies issued to individuals, as well as policies issued to employers providing benefits to employees. She has also litigated issues involving an insurer’s right to rescind an insurance policy based on fraud and misrepresentation. She frequently defends claims involving the applicable scope and standard of review in long-term disability claims, as well as life claims arising under ERISA.
Lauren was honored as one of the Top 15 Women in Business in Louisiana for 2017 by the National Women’s Council, an initiative of the National Diversity Council. The award recognizes women who have reached the top of their professions in various industries by being outstanding leaders that inspire others to succeed and who contribute to business development within their organizations. Lauren is licensed to practice in Louisiana and Texas and is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale Hubbell.
Lauren has also litigated transportation/trucking claims and holds a Commercial Drivers License after completing a course where she developed practical skills, including learning to operate a tractor-trailer rig. She also has experience in litigating claims involving premises liability, toxic torts, civil rights, insurance coverage issues and claims arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act. She has practiced in both state and federal trial and appellate courts and has successfully handled numerous appeals before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Lauren is an active member of DRI’s Life, Health and Disability Committee and serves on the Law Committee for the International Claims Association. She has given presentations at ICA’s annual education conference on various topics, including the Affordable Health Care Act and ERISA Regulations Pertaining to the Full and Fair Review of Claims.
In addition to Louisiana, Ms. Welch is also licensed to practice in Texas and Federal Courts in Arkansas.
