Claims

Insurers unhappy with U.S. asbestos bill

A U.S. Senate bill to reform asbestos litigation is meeting with displeasure from insurers.The Senate Judiciary Committee’s S.1125, the “Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution (“FAIR”) Act of 2003″, includes amendments that would create a asbestos liability trust fund and ban future lawsuits. It creates definitions of impairment 10 levels of asbestos-related diseases and a corresponding […]

By Canadian Underwriter | July 15, 2003

1 min read

Hanover Re sees little impact from Sphere Drake decision

A decision in favor of Fairfax’s Sphere Drake should not materially impact Germany’s Hanover Re, the reinsurer says.The decision, against brokers and underwriting agents who the court says fraudulently exposed Sphere Drake to U.S. workers’ compensation carve out business, means Sphere Drake has grounds to refuse payment of the losses under the reinsurance contracts.”There has […]

By Canadian Underwriter | July 15, 2003

1 min read

Louisiana pegs Tropical Storm Bill damage at US$16 million

The Louisiana Department of Insurance is estimating insured damage from Tropical Storm Bill at US$16 million, including claims under the federal flood insurance program.These losses are of the nature of a severe thunderstorm, rather than a tropical storm, says insurance commissioner Robert Wooley. “Damage estimates will likely increase slightly, but I don’t believe Bill caused […]

By Canadian Underwriter | July 14, 2003

1 min read

U.S. med mal bill hits the skids

The U.S. Senate failed to pass its version of medical malpractice reform last week, much to the chagrin of insurers and President Georg W. Bush.The “Patients First Act of 2003″ (S. 11), which would have capped certain medical malpractice awards and limit attorneys’ fees, did not get the required number of votes to keep it […]

By Canadian Underwriter | July 14, 2003

2 min read