Property Insurance Claims and How to Prove Causation

Advise & Consult, Inc. A recurring issue in property insurance litigation warrants closer attention. Policyholders—and at times their representatives—often believe they understand the cause of a loss. The sequence of events appears to align. The damage is evident. The explanation seems reasonable. However, in litigation, outcomes are not determined by what appears logical. They are… Continue reading Property Insurance Claims and How to Prove Causation

Plaintiffs Not Barred from Proving Causation in Slip and Fall Case, Even With No Witnesses and No Memory of Fall Itself

David Hoynacki, Arezoo Jamshidi and Lawrence S. Zucker II | Haight Brown & Bonesteel On January 19, 2022, the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District (Los Angeles), held that a plaintiff is not barred as a matter of law from proving causation in a slip and fall case if there were no witnesses to… Continue reading Plaintiffs Not Barred from Proving Causation in Slip and Fall Case, Even With No Witnesses and No Memory of Fall Itself

Court “Fl[u]shes Out” Leaking Loo Litigation

Victor Metsch | Smith, Gambrell & Russell A ceiling fixture falls on a tenant in his apartment. Shortly before the incident a toilet leaking from the unit above was replaced. The tenant blames the owner. And the owner blames the plumber. Case closed. Not. Issues of fact as to causation and notice. Claims for contribution… Continue reading Court “Fl[u]shes Out” Leaking Loo Litigation

The Scope of Appraisal: Does It Include Causation?

Ashley Smith – October 6, 2013 While the appraisal procedure is commonly used in property insurance claims, the proper scope of appraisal is often contested. Courts across the country generally agree that coverage determinations are reserved only to the courts. However, courts are divided on whether determinations of causation should be considered by the appraisal… Continue reading The Scope of Appraisal: Does It Include Causation?