The Case of the Abused Patron and the Ex-Cop

One of our adjusters was given a task assignment to investigate a claim of excess force and battery by security guards employed by the insured at a night club in the West Covina area of Los Angeles.
  April 13   John Hawkins

What's the Deal with Stucco?

Stucco is an attractive and cost-effective exterior veneer system, but it has developed a bad reputation over the past couple decades because of many failures and problems with water intrusion.
  March 9   John E. Poole III

The Case of the Belligerent Boxer and the “Simple Job”

“It’s a simple job,” Sandi Evans said to me from the doorway of my office. “Do you want it?” “Sure” I said, “why not?”
  February 11   John Hawkins

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Recovery Professionals

Figuring out your stride in any job or industry will increase productivity for you as well as your company. The question is, how?
  January 14   Safekeep Labs

The Case of the Interrupted Meal and the Fatal Accident

The pleasant ambiance of a meal with friends at the Good Earth Restaurant was pierced by the sound of my phone ringing. I glanced at my watch. It was 7:33pm. With senses honed I got up from the table to return the call. My worst fears were realized; I was informed that there was a new assignment, and they needed me on the scene NOW.
  December 1   John Hawkins

Taking the Complexity out of Complex Losses

Complex loss incidents require thorough and detailed investigations. As the name implies, "complex" or "major" losses require experts and litigation professionals with the knowledge and experience to efficiently complete the investigation and claim or dispute resolution.
  October 27   Andrew S. Bennett

Situational Awareness: There is More to Fire Scene Safety Beyond NFPA 921

Whether you are an insurance adjuster or fire investigator, when out on a loss site, such as a fire scene, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and maintain situational awareness, the conscious knowledge of the immediate environment and the events that are occurring in it.
  October 13   T. David Harlow

Changes to Missouri Revised Statutes

Those who practice insurance coverage law in Missouri understand the potential perils associated with an 065 agreement. Missouri passed legislation to help protect the insurers interests and thwart collusive arbitration awards and settlement agreements between plaintiffs and insureds. Missouri legislators introduced SB-HB 345 which amends two statutes—Missouri Revised Statutes 435.415 and 537.065. The bill was signed into law on June 29, 2021 and became effective August 28, 2021.
  October 1   Danita L. Davis

Turning a New Leaf: Crop Insurance for Cannabis Growers

Although many states have relaxed regulations, cannabis remains a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, meaning that under federal law it is illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute cannabis. This has meant that many large commercial insurance carriers, and particularly those that are publicly traded, have been hesitant to offer cannabis coverage due to the fear of federal illegality and reputational damage.
  September 17   Hannah Dingley and Michael Sternstein

Accounting for Cyber Business Interruption: Issues and Observations

As property insurance claims slowed due to COVID-19 lockdown measures and quarantines, the frequency of cyber-attacks exploded. A study of more than 6,000 businesses by Hiscox, Ltd found that 43% of the companies had suffered some type of cyber-attack in 2020, with the victims of these attacks ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
  June 16   John Balsamo

Gas Shortage Due to Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Breach

On May 7, 2021, Colonial Pipeline, the largest U.S. pipeline system for refined oil products, was hit by a ransomware attack that forced the company to shut down its entire fuel distribution pipeline.
  May 19   Jason Bergerson

Experience the Ride, Ride for Experience

A lot of people own motorcycle(s). Not a lot of people have experience riding motorcycles. More people have motorcycles stored in their garages, covered with all kinds of things, than ride motorcycles.
  April 21   Aaron (Al) Duncan II

What Happens When Medical or Laboratory Refrigeration Storage Fails?

We are all accustomed to using a refrigerator in our homes to store food and beverages, and many of us can relate to the inconvenience of a power outage and the frustration that comes when the refrigerator fails and your cold and frozen food spoils. Replacement of the spoiled food and potentially the refrigerator itself can be a costly experience for a homeowner.
  March 31   Timothy Hurley

Why is the Power Out? Weather Impacts on the Electric Utility Grid, and Anticipated Property Claims

The catastrophic winter weather events that occurred this week in southern parts of the U.S., especially in Texas, wreaked havoc on the electric utility grid. Millions of people lost power and some areas were on mandated rolling blackouts. Many people suffered in the cold, without power, wondering how this could be occurring in 2021 in the United States.
  February 26   Wesley Grandlienard

The Role of Cell Phone Location Forensics in Criminal Cases

Thousands of new criminal cases take place every year where the location of a cell phone is of critical importance and the activity of a person holding a cell phone can be the deciding factor in a case. From drug overdose fatalities and homicides, to terroristic acts, bomb threats, carjacking, and other major crimes, phone records are a common and reliable source of evidence.
  February 10   Eric Grabski and Larry Daniel

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