Claims, Case Law, and Legal Articles
Latest Articles
Claims Practices
Required Insurance Training and Continuing Education
2008-01-01 | Barry Zalma
With constant regulation changes, Barry Zalma says best practices mandate yearlong education.
Courts and Coverage
Trigger Theories in Homeowners Insurance
2008-01-01 | R Brent Cooper
Brent Cooper relates a case showing the difficulty of applying trigger theories in progressive or continuous property damage claims.
Courts and Coverage
The Measure of "Reasonable" Defense Costs in Independent Counsel Situations
2007-11-01 | R Brent Cooper
In independent counsel situations, who determines what costs are reasonable? Brent Cooper and Dana Harbin peruse state positions.
Claims Practices
Use Licensed Experts in Claims Litigation
2007-08-01 | Barry Zalma
An Illinois decision requiring experts to be licensed in the state before testifying could be problematic. Barry Zalma explains.
Courts and Coverage
Surface Water Exclusions in the Homeowners Policy
2007-07-01 | R Brent Cooper
Brent Cooper and Dana Harbin discuss cases in several jurisdictions where the surface water exclusion has been ruled inapplicable.
Claims Practices
The Lawyer as an Insurance Claims Expert
2007-05-01 | Barry Zalma
Contrary to popular opinion, Barry Zalma says a lawyer can make a good expert witness in an insurance claims dispute.
Courts and Coverage
Ensuing Loss Clauses in Homeowners Policies: Confusing but Not Ambiguous
2007-04-01 | R Brent Cooper
Recent court decisions make clear that ensuing loss clauses do not broaden or create coverage. Brent Cooper and Dana Harbin explain.
Claims Practices
When Agents or Applicants Lie to Insurers
2007-03-01 | Barry Zalma
Barry Zalma discusses the case for rescission when full and accurate facts about the risk are not conveyed to the insurer.
Courts and Coverage
Interpreting the "Physical Contact" Requirement of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Indirect Contact Cases
2007-02-01 | R Brent Cooper
Brent Cooper and Dana Harbin discuss case law when indirect contact occurs.
Claims Practices
Insurance Fraud Fails in L.A. Superior Court
2007-01-01 | Barry Zalma
Barry Zalma relates the importance of insurer preparation, a thorough investigation, and use of competent counsel when facing a potentially fraudulent claim.
Courts and Coverage
The Measure of "Reasonable" Defense Costs in Independent Counsel Situations
2007-11-01 | R Brent Cooper
Courts and Coverage
Ensuing Loss Clauses in Homeowners Policies: Confusing but Not Ambiguous
2007-04-01 | R Brent Cooper
Courts and Coverage
Interpreting the "Physical Contact" Requirement of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Indirect Contact Cases
2007-02-01 | R Brent Cooper
