Many of the supporters of the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund are all too familiar with the concept of loss in their own lives. Among our ranks of donors and volunteers are those who have lost a spouse, parent or other family member and wish to help those dealing with similar tragedies in their own lives. The law firm Hiepler & Hiepler, a sponsor of the 2013 El Coyote Firefighters’ Salsa Competition, was founded after attorney Mark Hiepler faced a legal battle that centered on a very personal loss.
In 1993, Mark Hiepler was at the center of a landmark lawsuit that brought insurance denial cases to the attention of the public. His sister, Nelene Fox, was diagnosed with breast cancer but was denied an experimental treatment that had been recommended by her doctor. Hiepler discovered that the executive who denied Nelene’s claim had incentive to do so, as his annual bonus was tied directly to the HMO’s profits. The jury agreed with Hiepler, awarding his sister’s family with a whopping $89.3 million, a record settlement. Sadly, Nelene passed away before the conclusion of the lawsuit and wasn’t able to see the impact it had on the industry.
The Law Offices of Hiepler & Hiepler was founded by Mark Hiepler and his wife Michelle after his sister’s case. Their practice continues to focus on “the cause within the case,” taking on insurance denial, personal injury and accidental death cases. Hiepler & Hiepler was part of the Chatsworth Metrolink Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee supporting the victims of the tragic Metrolink passenger train crash and their families. This included testifying before Congress in order to change laws about the liability cap for train accidents.
It’s not a surprise that a law firm focused on making lasting change in the world would support a cause such as Widows & Orphans. Firefighters also work to serve their community and to make a difference in the lives of those around them. Sometimes those efforts come at a high cost, and knowing that Widows & Orphans is there for their families in case the unthinkable happens is a great comfort for many firefighters. We are grateful for donors such as Hiepler & Hiepler who have chosen to be a hero to a hero.