Expert Commentary

Continuous Performance Improvement

Deming's Point #11 as Applied to the Insurance Industry

John Pryor | September 1, 2006

John Pryor examines Dr. Edwards Deming's Point #11: Eliminate numerical quotas for the workforce … and for people in management.

Property Insurance

Public Adjusters: Do Their Contracts Create Irrevocable, Enforceable Assignments?

Jay Levin | September 1, 2006

Jay Levin explores why post-loss assignments should be clearly expressed to eliminate any ambiguity about the extent and nature of the interest assigned.

Claims Practices

Insurer Sues Attorney for Malicious Prosecution

Barry Zalma | August 1, 2006

In a bit of a role reversal, an insurer rightly goes after an attorney who filed an apparently malicious and unfounded lawsuit against it. Barry Zalma explains.

Insurance … The Other Side of the Chinese Wall

Gary Bausom | July 1, 2006

Gary Bausom explains the growing divergence between insurer and insured expectations after a loss, and how this wall can be overcome.

Workplace Violence Prevention

Investigating Domestic Violence in the Workplace

James Madero | July 1, 2006

Dr. James Madero describes the major categories of investigation that are critical to understanding and managing this growing risk.

Liability Insurance

Pre-Tender Defense Costs: Who Pays?

Steven Rawls | July 1, 2006

Steve Rawls explains how assigning responsibility for pre-tender defense costs based on the notice provisions of the policy mixes apples with oranges.

Wrap-Up Programs

Top 10 Favorite Wrap-Up Questions (and Answers)

Richard Resnick | July 1, 2006

Rich Resnick provides his 'Top 10 Favorite Wrap-Up Questions' commonly asked by potential wrap-up buyers, along with his answers.

Courts and Coverage

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Coverage Disputes and Pending Litigation

Brent Cooper | July 1, 2006

Because of the coverage disputes presented by the hurricanes, it is uncertain what impact the hurricanes will have on the industry in the future. Dana Harbin and Brent Cooper discuss.

Property Insurance

The Litigation Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Are the Flood Gates Opening?

Jay Levin | July 1, 2006

Jay Levin looks at Judge Senter's rulings—fair but not enforcing anti-concurrent causation language where it would eliminate coverage for otherwise covered hurricane damage.

Employment Practices

Supreme Court Loosens Standard in Retaliation Lawsuits

Paul Siegel | July 1, 2006

Paul Siegel discusses a recent Supreme Court case that has been hailed as a victory by employees' rights groups nationwide.