Some thoughts Most readers are familiar, at least to some extent, with the jury’s verdict earlier this year in Lanzo v. Johnson & Johnson. In that case, a New Jersey state court jury awarded $117 million in compensatory and punitive damages against J&J and Imerys after concluding that asbestos-contaminated talc, supplied by Imerys and used to make Johnson’s Baby … [Read more...] about Avoiding the Next Lanzo: Some Thoughts
Emerging Claims
AIRROC / EECMA Climate Change Symposium: Trade Associations Pair up to Face Reality
On September 6, 2018, AIRROC and EECMA (Environmental and Emerging Claim Manager Association) presented their 2018 feature co-hosted program, which took a comprehensive look at climate change. The one-day symposium presented material too voluminous to summarize adequately in a single article. However, here are a few things you missed if you did not attend the symposium. Courts … [Read more...] about AIRROC / EECMA Climate Change Symposium: Trade Associations Pair up to Face Reality
Lanzo v. Johnson & Johnson, et al. Is this the Beginning or the End?
Recently, while on a family vacation, I drove past the Yellowstone Imerys talc-mining operations in Montana near Yellowstone National Park. The operation is set against a beautiful backdrop in one of the most naturally stunning areas of the country. The tranquil setting stands in stark contrast to the company’s current turmoil as a defendant in one of the highest profile mass … [Read more...] about Lanzo v. Johnson & Johnson, et al. Is this the Beginning or the End?
Biometrics: The Next Big Privacy Issue
Picture a world in which you use your fingerprints, rather than keys to open your front door; where you pay for items by taking a selfie; where your heartbeat serves as your password. Biometrics —automated recognition of individuals based on unique characteristics—are making all of this possible. But maybe not surprisingly, the commercial use of biometrics raises numerous … [Read more...] about Biometrics: The Next Big Privacy Issue
“Eyes-On” Management: Watch Lists for Effective Management of Significant P&C Insurance Risks
All insurance and reinsurance companies want to avoid public disclosures or headlines regarding significant reserve increases, such as the recent newsworthy reserve adjustments that more than a few companies have taken for asbestos, silicosis, or other large tort liability claims. But how? The secret lies in the early identification of “bad” claims when there is time to alter … [Read more...] about “Eyes-On” Management: Watch Lists for Effective Management of Significant P&C Insurance Risks
Emerging Cyber Risk Roundtable Explores Cyber Insurance Issues
Cyber risks are among the most pervasive risks of our time. They impact all industries that purchase insurance, and all lines of insurance. A panel from the insurance community whose roles in their companies focus on cyber risks (some from the underwriting and product development perspective, and others from the claims handling perspective) discuss key issues and challenges … [Read more...] about Emerging Cyber Risk Roundtable Explores Cyber Insurance Issues
Clearing the Smoke: Legal Marijuana: An Insurable Risk
George Washington reportedly grew it. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have admitted to smoking it (although only one admitted to inhaling). A 2015 Gallup poll revealed that 44% of American adults have tried it. Twenty-three states have legalized it for medical use, and four have done so for recreational use. “It,” of course, is marijuana, also known as cannabis, weed, or pot. … [Read more...] about Clearing the Smoke: Legal Marijuana: An Insurable Risk
Hydraulic Fracturing: A Retrospective of Key Legal Disputes in 2014 and Predictions for the Future
In 2014, hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) remained a hot national topic. Often making headlines, fracking also made its mark in litigation where key battles wound their way through the courts. Reviewing just some legal developments confirms the industry faces unique, sometimes prejudicial, challenges despite continued growth. For example, the Eighth Circuit’s decision in … [Read more...] about Hydraulic Fracturing: A Retrospective of Key Legal Disputes in 2014 and Predictions for the Future
