Expert Commentary

Workers Compensation Issues

Can Workers Agree To Waive Workers Compensation Rights in Arbitration and Waiver Agreements?

Jim Pocius | October 1, 2002

Jim Pocius provides his response to the question: Would the Federal Arbitration Act supersede any workers compensation state law and allow these cases to be arbitrated?

Market Practices

What Constitutes a Full Underwriting Submission

Peter Polstein | October 1, 2002

Peter Polstein describes the elements that are included in a full underwriting submission, using a recent casualty renewal as an example

Construction Safety

The Cost of Safety

Ron Prichard | October 1, 2002

Setting an organization up to track safety costs can be a complicated and time-consuming process. Ron Prichard examines some ways to approach the task.

Environmental

The Environmental Risks of Residential Construction

Jeff Slivka | October 1, 2002

Has the emergence of mold as an insurance issue caused risk managers to lose sight of "other" environmental exposures associated with residential work? Jeff Slivka provides a list of other risk management concerns.

Employment Practices

Managing RIFs during Tough Economic Times

Paul Siegel | October 1, 2002

Paul Siegel presents guidelines for how employers can implement a reduction in workforce and avoid potential employment law challenges.

Construction Defect Coverage

Even More on Defective Work as an "Occurrence"

Patrick Wielinski | October 1, 2002

Pat Wielinski explains how a recent Texas Supreme Court case may finally put to rest the question of whether the CGL policy provides coverage for the defective work of others despite the definition of occurrence.

Reinsurance

Late Notice in Reinsurance Claims: Does Prejudice Matter?

Larry Schiffer | September 1, 2002

The law of late notice in reinsurance varies from state to state. Here, Larry Schiffer briefly explores the late notice defense to payment under a reinsurance contract.

Maritime Law

OSHA Takes a Dip in the Sea

Michael Orlando | August 17, 2002

Mike Orlando discusses a recent Supreme Court ruling expanding OSHA's jurisdiction to uninspected drilling barges, which must now comply with both Coast Guard and the more stringent OSHA safety and health regulations.

The Importance of Contingent Business Interruption

Gary Bausom | August 1, 2002

Gary Bausom explains that underwriters can choose to ignore and exclude contingent business interruption, but it will be done with an opportunity cost in terms of premium income.

Writing Tips for Insurance Professionals

How To Organize Information

Gary Blake | August 1, 2002

Gary Blake provides writing tips for today's business professional, explaining how to properly organize information by writing with the reader in mind.