Expert Commentary

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.

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.

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.

Construction Liability Insurance

Insuring Design-Build Risks

Ann Hickman | August 1, 2002

Taking on responsibility for design in addition to construction entails many new risks. This article examines the potential liabilities facing design-builders and how they can be handled. Also see IRMI's new book by the most knowledgeable practitioners in the industry, Design-Build Risk and Insurance, which offers you their insight in one handy, well-organized guide.

Design and Professional Liability

Insurance Coverage—Waivers of Subrogation

Kent Holland | August 1, 2002

In this article, Kent Holland discusses a Fourth Circuit case that demonstrates the importance of waivers of subrogation as part of the risk allocation strategy.

Surety

Exoneration Based on Fraud in the Inducement as a Surety Defense

Marilyn Klinger | August 1, 2002

With new business scandals unfolding daily, improper business conduct is currently in the spotlight. Here, Marilyn Klinger considers a surety's exoneration defense based on fraud or material misrepresentation in the inducement.