Insurers have a duty to process claims in good faith, but sometimes they farm the job out to third-party administrators (TPAs). If the TPA fouls up, many states hold that the insurer is still liable—for its own breach of duty, even if a doctrine of vicarious liability does not apply. The rule is summed up in the statement that the duty of good faith is not delegable; the insurer must either handle the claim in good faith or cause someone else to do so. But what ... Keep Reading »
Workers Compensation
As Gunfire Thins the Ranks of the Employed, Employee Exclusions Hold the Line Against Coverage
As this blog has previously reported, accidents with guns are not likely to become less common any time soon. With home- and business-owners striving to find increasingly original ways to get shot, they will put increasing strain on the traditional language of the coverage exclusions in insurance policies. In Gear Automotive v. Acceptance Indemnity Insurance Company, No. 12-2446 (8th Cir. Mar. 18, 2013), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit recently ... Keep Reading »
Amid Gun Frenzy, West Virginia Court Pries Coverage Issue From the Jury’s Hands
Since President Obama called for new gun-control legislation after the Sandy Hook tragedy, sales of weapons have spiked and government officials have proposed a variety of new measures to encourage —or even mandate —gun training and ownership. In a development that is arguably unrelated to this increase in the number of people handling firearms, accidental shootings have occurred at gun shows and ranges, in gun stores and even during gun certification training courses. ... Keep Reading »