In these COVID times, it is more important than ever for both public and private companies to attract and retain top-level directors/managers for their corporate boards. A key component by which directors/managers measure board security and desirability is the scope and breadth of the corporate indemnity. Although corporate indemnities generally are reviewed regularly for compliance with existing laws, most are
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COVID-19 :: Government Response to the Insurance Upheaval
As the devastating economic ripple effects of the COVID-19-related closures and restrictions continue, some local authorities have issued supplemental orders with language specifically aimed at helping policyholders prove their business interruption and civil authority insurance claims under commercial property policies.
Recognizing that “business entities—including many small businesses and restaurants—have business interruption insurance that protect[s] them from direct physical loss or…
Restaurant Wars :: The Frontline Fight for COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance Coverage
Last updated June 4, 2020
The restaurant industry, which includes five companies large enough to appear in the Fortune 500, contributes an estimated 4% of the United States gross domestic product (approximately $1 trillion) each year. Over the past several months, the industry has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 health concerns and governmental orders trying to stem the spread.…
Insurers Are Refusing to Renew Unless Insureds Agree to Infectious Disease Endorsement
With the COVID-19 pandemic raging all around us, most policyholders are focused on filing claims for business interruption and extra expense under their property policies – and well they should be – those claims are timely and appropriate. However, insureds should not be distracted from other important business coverages like commercial general liability (CGL) and umbrella excess (UMB), which may…
Ohio Court Rules Bitcoin is Covered Property in Case of First Impression
With the global economy increasingly tethered to the internet and digital technology, businesses are constantly encountering novel cyber risks. While the hesitance of many insurers to underwrite such exposures has presented challenges for businesses seeking coverage for cyber exposures such as the recent wave of ransomware attacks, another challenge for policyholders is the lack of consensus—both in the law…
Cultivating Change :: Insurance Trends as Cannabis Becomes Mainstream
Since we published “Budding Considerations: Cannabis-Related Insurance Issues” in the Insurance Coverage Journal of the American Bar Association’s Litigation Section in January 2019, 11 more states plus the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. In several states that have not legalized marijuana use, cannabis-infused products, such as oils or pills, are now permitted. In June 2019,…
Three Amy Stewart Law Principals Named D Magazine’s 2020 Best Lawyers in Dallas
Congratulations to Amy Stewart Law managing principal Amy Elizabeth Stewart and principals Beverly B. Godbey and LaDawn H. Nandrasy, who were named to D Magazine’s 2020 list of the Best Lawyers in Dallas.
Amy and Beverly were both recognized for their work in insurance law, while LaDawn was included on the 2020 list for appellate law. This year marks…
No “Policy-Language Exception” to the Eight-Corners Rule
by LaDawn H. Nandrasy
Richards v. State Farm Lloyds :: No “Policy-Language Exception” to the Eight-Corners Rule
In March 2020, the Supreme Court of Texas confirmed that the so-called “eight-corners rule” is still a settled feature of Texas insurance law. In Richards v. State Farm Lloyds, No. 19-0802, the court analyzed the permissibility of a “policy-language exception” to the eight-corners rule.…
Marisa O’Sullivan Named to 2020 Texas Rising Stars
Amy Stewart Law principal Marisa O’Sullivan has been named to the 2020 list of Texas Rising Stars published by Super Lawyers. She was recognized for her work in insurance coverage, and this is her third consecutive year to be on the list.
To qualify for consideration for Rising Stars, which includes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in the…
Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 :: What You Need to Know
Last updated March 25, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, companies are experiencing unprecedented business interruption losses as they cancel events, curtail travel, and shutter retail establishments in compliance with government mandates and shelter-in-place orders. While some jurisdictions have only social distancing warnings in place, many organizations have voluntarily cancelled events and closed stores to reduce transmission…