Tom Martin

Thirty-year veteran attorney Thomas D. Martin is a Swift Currie partner whose clients include some of the largest insurance companies in the United States. He focuses on first- and third-party insurance coverage cases, as well as arson and insurance fraud defense, where he has extensive experience defending carriers in claims involving commercial, homeowners and automobile insurance.

Tom handles between 70 and 100 matters every year, assisting clients in making thoughtful and appropriate decisions about coverage. In the vast majority, litigation does not become necessary, but where it ensues, Tom is prepared to assist his clients in efficiently and effectively defending their decisions based upon the pre-litigation assistance he offered during the claims investigation.    

Tom’s experience trying cases in state and federal courts, as well as before the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, has shaped the way he handles matters for his clients, communicates with them about their cases and works to advance their interests.

Tom has an intimate understanding of how insurance companies work, which helps him to effectively meet their legal needs. His experience with insurance company auditors has refined his approach to client service and efficiency. In addition, he shared his knowledge with insurance professionals by teaching Chartered Property Casual Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Claims (AIC) courses, as well as instructing at industry seminars sponsored by the Insurance Committee for Arson Control (ICAC), the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), and numerous regional and local organizations. This experience not only helps insurance professionals understand the law, but it also helps Tom deepen his knowledge of insurance industry concerns and trends, which he, in turn, uses in his practice.

Awards/Recognitions

• AV Preeminent® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review

Memberships

• American Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute
• Georgia Association of Fire Investigators
• Metro Association of Fire Investigators
• State Bar of Georgia
• Southern Loss Association

Interests

When he is not working, Tom enjoys watching movies as well as professional and college football. He also designs homes as a hobby. He has designed one home that he lived in for 10 years and currently is designing two more.

Experience

Year to year, Tom handles numerous claims involving suspected fraud, arson and other coverage issues, but few result in lawsuits against his clients. Most litigation cases that Tom handles did not involve an attorney during the claim investigation but only after litigation ensued.