“Occurrence” v. “Offense:" Understanding the Trigger of Coverage Under the Standard CGL Policy
6/28/16
By: Mandy Proctor
It is commonly understood in the insurance industry that the standard CGL policy provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage, which is caused by an “occurrence” resulting in loss during the policy period, as well as …
There is Too Much Foam in My Latte
6/23/16
By: Seth Kirby
This week a federal judge in California has ruled that a class-action lawsuit against Starbucks can proceed. The lawsuit alleges that the company has systematical cheated its customers by under filling its latte based beverages. The plaintiffs …
The Expanding Duty to Defend
5/24/16
By: Phil Savrin
An insurance company’s duty to defend is broader than a duty to indemnify in at least three ways. First, a duty to defend is often based on the allegations of facts, even if the allegations are groundless, …
One Small Step for Machine, a (Potentially) Giant Leap for Insurance
3/15/16
By: Seth Kirby
In 1969 the United States successfully landed a manned spacecraft on the moon. Upon stepping on the lunar surface, Neil Armstrong commented on the momentous occasion by proclaiming that it represented a “giant leap for mankind.” It …
Court of Appeals Clarifies Georgia Law Regarding Insurance Policy Notice Provisions
1/6/16
By: Connor Bateman
The Georgia Court of Appeals recently ruled in Plantation Pipe Line Co. v. Stonewall Ins. Co. that an insured’s two-year delay in notifying its excess liability insurer of potential third-party claims, although untimely as a matter of …
Are We Speaking the Same Language? (Part 2)
12/15/14
By: Seth Kirby
In a previous blog entry we discussed the concept of “micro-language” and its relationship to insurance coverage disputes. In essence, this concept is a recognition that people ascribe different meanings to words and phrases based upon …