Expert Commentary

Latest Articles

Construction Safety

The Construction Foreman—Working without a Net

Peter Furst | May 26, 2007

To succeed, foremen must lead the workforce as well as the process. Peter Furst says that few are given the proper leadership training to do so.

Enterprise Risk Management

Addressing the Full Spectrum of Risks

Mark Layton | May 1, 2007

With an appropriate risk strategy in place, Mark Layton says the decision to accept risk exposure will be informed, deliberate, and justified.

Enterprise Risk Management

Balancing Risk Probability and Vulnerability

Mark Layton | May 1, 2007

Mark Layton explains why too much emphasis on probability fails in the face of improbable risks.

Valuation of Insurance Organizations

Financial Institution Acquisitions of Insurance Agency Platforms

Jeff Balcombe | May 1, 2007

Jeff Balcombe explains recent trends and how integration strategies are being created and implemented, and beginning to prove successful.

Property Insurance

When Must an Insurer Pay a Claim?

Jay Levin | May 1, 2007

After a loss, a commercial policyholder needs to get repairs completed and business back up and running at full speed as quickly as possible. Frequently, the proceeds of the property insurance policy are necessary to accomplish this very important goal. Not all policyholders have the ability to finance repairs themselves while they wait for the adjustment process to be completed and the insurance company to pay the loss.

Intellectual Property

Active Inducement of Infringement: Proof of Knowledge of a Patent Is Required

Sanford Warren | May 1, 2007

Sanford Warren explains why "active inducement of infringement" is a critical tool in preventing patent violation, and what the courts have to say on the subject.

Claims Practices

The Lawyer as an Insurance Claims Expert

Barry Zalma | May 1, 2007

Contrary to popular opinion, Barry Zalma says a lawyer can make a good expert witness in an insurance claims dispute.

Liability Insurance

Cover Me: the Subcontractor Exception to the Your [Completed] Work Exclusion

Steven Rawls | April 1, 2007

Steve Rawls explains why the issue of whether the general contractor's CGL policy covers faulty completed subcontractor work is far from settled.

Current Trends and Issues

Hazards of Relying on Computer Technology in Claim Settlements

Tim Ryles | April 1, 2007

Dr. Tim Ryles addresses problems with reliance on outside vendor software in resolving claims and offers suggestions for new regulatory oversight of claims software.