Managing Environmental Risk – What to Know

May 20, 2022
Sarah Lintecum
Counsel, Latrhop GPM LLP
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Sarah Lintecum provides what risk managers should know about environmental risks. She shares three types of environmental risks that organizations should consider in terms of insurance needs: climate change, potential liability caused by emerging contaminants, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), air pollution and indoor air quality.

She explains how environmental liability is expensive and claims become very complex. Specifically with PFAS, risk management professionals and entities should monitor new regulations with an increase in legal, regulatory and claims. Specific circumstances to consider PFAS include when purchasing new property, the potential exposure to liability if you work within water utilities or wastewater treatment plants. Sarah shares the common coverage issues related to PFAS, the two sources of coverage that can apply and what to expect this year for PFAS is an increase in claims, litigation, and requests for information during the underwriting process, along with best practices and tips for procuring coverage.

*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*

Sarah Lintecum
Counsel, Latrhop GPM LLP

Summary of Qualifications

Sarah is particularly recognized for her experience via the intersection of environmental and insurance matters. Her practice extends into the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) space wherein Missouri Lawyers Media recently named the Lathrop GPM PFAS Team to its "Top Legal Innovations" awards for 2021. Sarah has presented in CLEs and written publications, blog posts and client alerts on the topic of environmental insurance claims and managing environmental legal risk.

Additionally, Sarah has been selected among The Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch" in both 2021 and 2022. She was also selected for Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" from 2017-2021.

Responsibilities

Sarah handles insurance coverage and environmental matters representing clients in administrative negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency and state governmental agencies, advising clients regarding their regulatory requirements, and assisting in litigation of environmental claims, including cost recovery and contribution claims under the federal Superfund law. Sarah represents policyholders in policy analysis, claim development, allocation, coverage litigation and risk analysis, including for policyholders facing long-tail environmental claims.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association (ABA)
  • Kansas Bar Association (KBA)
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • Environmental Law Institute
  • Midwest Innocence Project, Board of Directors

Education

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City, J.D., magna cum laude, 2013
  • University of Kansas, Master of Accounting and Information Systems, 2005
  • University of Kansas, B.A., 2004

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