An Uncharted Frontier: Nevada First State to Prohibit Defense-Within-Limits Provisions

Geoffrey B. Fehling and Andrew S. Koelz | Hunton Andrews Kurth Nevada recently became the first state to prohibit defense-within-limits provisions in liability insurance policies. Defense-within-limits provisions—resulting in what’s called “eroding” or “wasting” policies—reduce the policy’s applicable limit of insurance by amounts the insurer pays to defend the policyholder against a claim or suit. These… Continue reading An Uncharted Frontier: Nevada First State to Prohibit Defense-Within-Limits Provisions

First-Step Analysis: Bringing Insurance Litigation Proceedings in USA

Bryce L. Friedman and Karen Cestari | Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Preliminary and jurisdictional considerations in insurance litigation Fora In what fora are insurance disputes litigated? Most insurance disputes are litigated in state or federal trial courts. An insurance action may be subject to original federal court jurisdiction by virtue of the federal diversity statute,… Continue reading First-Step Analysis: Bringing Insurance Litigation Proceedings in USA

Recent Tort Reforms Expected to Have Major Impact on Insurance Litigation in Florida

Jennifer Mathis and Carrie E. Paulsen | Troutman Pepper A wide range of tort reform laws (HB 837) were recently approved by the Florida House and went into effect on March 24. HB 837 is intended to help protect businesses and insurers from excessive litigation in Florida and is expected to make it more difficult… Continue reading Recent Tort Reforms Expected to Have Major Impact on Insurance Litigation in Florida

At a Glance: Construction Contracts and Insurance in USA

Jerry P. Brodsky and Michael S. Zicherman | Peckar & Abramson Contracts and insurance Construction contracts What standard contract forms are used for construction and design? Must the language of the contract be the local language? Are there restrictions on choice of law and the venue for dispute resolution? Many different form contracts are utilised.… Continue reading At a Glance: Construction Contracts and Insurance in USA

Rhode Island Affirms The Principle That Sureties Must be Provided Notice of Default Before They Can be Held Liable for Principal’s Default

Dennis Cavanaugh and Tasnuva Islam | Construction Law Zone Most bond forms in use today, including the standard form AIA A312-2010, contain express condition precedents that trigger a surety’s obligations under the bond. Under a performance bond, the bond obligee is required to provide formal notice to the surety that the principal has materially defaulted… Continue reading Rhode Island Affirms The Principle That Sureties Must be Provided Notice of Default Before They Can be Held Liable for Principal’s Default