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Forward to a Colleague| Best's Special Report |
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A complimentary special report for our valued subscribers. In this edition: U.S. Workers' Compensation Results Sustain Recent Improvement.
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The workers' compensation industry's results continued a favorable trend in 2013, marking the third consecutive year of improvement in the industry's underwriting performance. The industry's combined ratio declined to 98.6, an 11.7-point decrease from 2012 and the lowest calendar-year combined ratio since 2006. Even setting aside the benefit of one-time items related to reforms in New York's workers' compensation laws, the 2013 results reflect modestly better core underwriting performance and may warrant some optimism for solid results ahead.
If you would like to view other reports, visit our Member Center to register. |
| Member Spotlight |
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"Member Spotlight" puts the focus on Directory listees who have participated in groundbreaking cases or developed innovative strategies and important thought leadership that affect the insurance industry.
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 A.M. Best is pleased to feature the firm of Traub Lieberman Straus & Shrewsberry LLP in this issue's Member Spotlight. Traub Lieberman offers unparalleled expertise in the representation of insurance carriers and their insureds. Here are just a few examples of their recent victories. The firm's attorneys are frequently cited in decisions, have co-authored various legal publications and have received numerous honors. Traub Lieberman's attorneys frequently lecture on issues and industry trends that impact their clients. For example, most recently, Chris Nadeau, an associate in the firm's Chicago office participated in an A.M. Best insurance law podcast discussing the expanding duties of a primary insurer when there is a potential for an excess verdict. For more information on the Traub Lieberman firm please visit www.traublieberman.com.
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If you know of a firm or individual who has made notable or significant achievements in the insurance industry and would like to make a nomination, visit our "Member Spotlight" FAQ page for additional information or fill out our "Member Spotlight" Nomination Form. Nominations are accepted year-round.
In the Press  |
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Each quarter, "In the Press" brings you the most important press releases, announcements and achievements from Directories listees.
| Community Showcase |
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"Community Showcase" is a forum for highlighting significant contributions that current Best's Directories listees have made in their communities. Contributions may include pro bono cases, community outreach projects, volunteer work or charity efforts.
  Krystal D. Hermiz, a partner with the firm of Secrest, Wardle, Lynch, Hampton, Truex and Morley, P.C. in Troy, MI, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. with several other professionals from the Metro Detroit Chaldean Community to attend the In Defense of Christians Inaugural Summit. The event took place September 9-11, 2014. Secrest Wardle sponsored Ms. Hermiz in her participation at the Summit. Ms. Hermiz, a first generation Chaldean American, is actively involved in community efforts to help Christians in Iraq displaced by the present violence. While attending this event the group worked to push Senate Resolution 530 which calls for humanitarian efforts, safe havens, and timely processing of visas. The push was successful as President Barack Obama met with Patriarchs and Bishops of the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities to discuss the role the United States will play in creating and protecting the Nineveh Provence, a safe haven for the currently displaced Iraqi Christians. Read more about this ongoing commitment to address the violent displacement of minorities. |
Do you know of a firm or individual who has made a difference in their community? Visit our "Community Showcase" FAQ page to learn more about this feature or complete our "Community Showcase" Nomination Form. Nominations are accepted year-round.
For the Record  |
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"For the Record" showcases the latest articles from current Directories listees.
| Title of Article | Author/Firm |
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Legislation Imposing Limits on Direct Dispensing of Medications to Injured Workers by Physicians Becomes Law in Pennsylvania. |
Francis X. Wickersham, Esq.
Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin Philadelphia, PA |
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Update on Insurance, Construction Defect, and Commercial Auto Law in North Carolina, South Carolina,Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, New Mexico, and an important Wyoming aviation law case. |
Evans & Co. New Orleans, LA |
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Legal Update - October - December 2014 Articles include: "Daubert in Florida -- Where Are We One Year Later?" by Luis Menendez-Aponte; "3rd DCA Holds Insurer Liable for Its Insured's Fraud on the Court" by Joshua Parks; "Recent Amendment to Florida Statute §627.409 -- Shifting The Cost For An Insured's Misrepresentation" by Jorge Padilla; "No More Employer Immunity? The 11th Circuit Finds Florida's Workers' Compensation Act Unconstitutional" by John Meade; "Workers' Compensation Misrepresentation Defense - Use of Surveillance" by Rey Alvarez |
Edited by Maria Donnelly, CR & Daniel J. Santaniello, Esq.
Luks & Santaniello LLC Fort Lauderdale, FL |
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This article provides general information to assist attorneys in determining potential issues relating to manual door closer mechanisms. We take advantage of Manual door closers on a daily basis without usually noticing that they are in place or that they are doing their job correctly. It is when something is seriously wrong with these closers that they become blatantly noticeable and potentially dangerous. |
Woodland Hills, CA |
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Defense Digest has been prepared by Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin PC to provide information on recent legal developments of interest. Articles include: "EEOC Guidance on the PDA: Has Anything Changed?"; "When a Vehicle Is an Automobile – The Maze of Statutory and Case Law in New Jersey for Determining Eligibility for PIP Benefits"; "Limited Tort Proof: Get the Signed Waiver Election Form!!" |
Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin Philadelphia, PA |
Legally Speaking  |
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Each quarter, "Legally Speaking" highlights the newest Insurance Law Podcasts from A.M. Best.
To listen to a podcast, please click on the podcast title. A new window containing an audio player will open. At the end of the podcast, please close the audio player window to return to your BestConnect newsletter. If you enjoy the podcasts below, be sure to visit our archive for other podcasts you may have missed.
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Posted: Wed, 02 Dec 2014
Attorney Brian Barr from the law firm of Cooper Levenson, P.A., discusses the practice, pointers and pitfalls of third-party bad faith claims in New Jersey. |
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Posted: Tue, 18 Nov 2014
Attorneys Jared Schure and Vivian Lekkas from the law firm of Methfessel & Werbel in Edison, New Jersey discuss liability under the New Jersey law against discrimination. |
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Posted: Mon, 10 Nov 2014
Attorney Geoff Haddad of Martin & Seibert, L.C., discusses faulty workmanship as an occurrence under commercial general liability policies. |
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Posted: Wed, 5 Nov 2014
Attorney Chris Nadeau from the law firm of Traub Lieberman Straus & Shrewsberry LLP discusses a recent ruling that a primary insurer must provide its insured with independent counsel when there is a potential for an excess verdict and how those rulings impact the way an adjuster handles a claim. |
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Posted: Mon, 29 Sep 2014
Attorney Irwin Kramer from the law firm of Kramer & Connolly in Baltimore, Maryland, discusses the flaws with billing by the hour and suggests alternate fee arrangements between insurance companies and law firms. |
Sign up now to have new Insurance Law Podcasts sent directly to you.
In Brief  |
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"In Brief" highlights important insurance industry news from A.M. Best's award-winning news publications. Access to full stories may require a subscription to the publication.
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Napco: As Rates Soften, Emerging Risks Such as Terrorism, Ebola Gain Prominence - Emerging risks including terrorism and the Ebola virus are coming to the fore for property/casualty insurers toward the end of 2014 as underwriting conditions remain competitive with insurers reducing rates to attract new business. |
November 18, 2014 |
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House Financial Services Committee to Consider Bill Aimed at Promoting Private Flood Insurance Market - The US House Financial Services Committee will hear testimony during a Nov. 19 hearing about ways to promote a private flood insurance market. |
November 18, 2014 |
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NAIC Panel Seeks Industry Interest in Commercial Lines Interstate Compact - Top US commercial lines insurers will be receiving a survey from a National Association of Insurance Commissioners panel to find out whether they are interested in having the NAIC form an interstate compact to regulate commercial lines policy forms and rates. |
November 17, 2014 |
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NAMIC's Neil Alldredge: Controversy Building Around Auto Issues - Neil Alldredge, senior vice president, state and policy affairs at the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, said insurers are concerned the NAIC's automobile study group is questioning how insurers are using data to underwrite and that insurers may soon be subject to broad-based information queries. |
November 17, 2014 |
It's the Law  |
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The Insurance Law Digest is a summary of the insurance laws for each U.S. state and Canadian province. Our aim is to provide a reference source that covers some of the general insurance principles in leading case decisions.
Legal Precedents Impacting the Insurance Industry within the Past Year:
| Digest | Revisor |
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In Metro Aviation, Inc. v. U.S., 371 Mont. 64, 305 P.3d 832 (2013), the court answered a certified question as to whether Montana's comparative negligence statute authorizes a tortfeasor to settle with a claimant or litigant and subsequently pursue contribution from a joint tortfeasor. The Court held that a subsequent claim for contribution is barred under the statute. This impacts insurers by discouraging settlement in any matter where a third party's negligence is at issue. The third party must be brought into the matter before the insurer settles with the claimant or plaintiff if the insurer wishes to attempt to obtain contribution from the third party. |
Butte, MT |
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New precedents have been set with regard to cooperation of insured. An insured cannot condition its obligation to cooperate with its insurer after a loss on requiring the insurer to enter into a confidentiality agreement. Safeco Ins. Co. of Oregon v. Masood, 264 Or App 173, 2014 WL 2978311 (2014). |
Portland, OR
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The following sections have been significantly expanded: Accidental Means; Bad Faith Claims; Fraud; Limitation of Rights and Time for Commencement of Action (Limitation Periods); Privileged Communications; and Waiver and Estoppel. A new section entitled "Damages" has been added containing information in respect of compensatory damages, damages for mental distress, aggravated damages, and punitive damages. Smaller supplements appear in the sections entitled "Disability", "Fire Insurance", and "Liability Insurance". |
Toronto, ON
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The following Digests have also been recently updated:
| Florida | Colodny Fass, P.A. of Fort Lauderdale |
| Maryland | Wright, Constable & Skeen, L.L.P. of Baltimore |
| New Hampshire | Wadleigh, Starr & Peters, P.L.L.C. of Manchester |
| West Virginia | Steptoe & Johnson PLLC of Bridgeport |
| Wisconsin | Crivello Carlson, S.C. of Milwaukee |
| Manitoba | Fillmore Riley LLP of Winnipeg |
To see the full list of updates, click below.
Notable Listings  |
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We are pleased to welcome the following new listees this quarter and to recognize those listees who have reached a milestone with Best's Directories.
New Listings
Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys
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Los Angeles, CA
Kansas City, MO
Jackson, MS
Detroit, MI
New York, NY
Pittsburgh, PA
Minneapolis, MN
Tel Aviv, Israel
Encino, CA
Springfield, MO
Bohemia, NY
Kansas City, MO
Denver, CO
Mount Prospect, IL
East Amherst, NY Huntington, NY
Colorado Springs, CO
Lexington, KY Morristown, NJ
Albany, NY
New Orleans, LA
Denver, CO
Dayton, OH |
Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Adjusters
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Anchorage, AK
Westerville, OH
Newport News, VA
Yukon, OK
Reading, PA Edisto Beach, SC |
Best's Directory of Recommended Expert Service Providers
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EagleView Technologies, Inc. - Consultants
The Financial Valuation Group - Economic Consultants
Charles Knief - Construction Consultants
Paragon Business Services, Inc. - Insurance Experts
U.S. Forensic, LLC - Engineering Experts |
Bothell, WA
Tampa, FL
Irvine, CA
Richmond, VA Metairie, LA |
Notable Listing Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following listees with Major Anniversaries with Best's Directories this quarter:
| Years | Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys | Location |
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| 50 | Cornelius & Collins, LLP Mitchell, Brisso, Delaney & Vrieze, LLP |
Nashville, TN Eureka, CA |
| 25 | Pittsburgh, PA Charleston, WV Austin, TX Roswell, NM Chicago, IL Lake Success, NY Poughkeepsie, NY Tel Aviv, Israel Fort Lauderdale, FL | |
| 10 |
Biggs, Ingram & Solop, PLLC Borowsky & Borowsky, LLC Burt Barr & Associates, L.L.P Catalano Gallardo & Petropoulos, LLP Kevin Christensen & Associates, LLC Deacy and Deacy, LLP Fisher Kanaris, P.C. Friedenthal, Heffernan & Klein, LLP Gibbs Armstrong Borochoff Mullican & Hart, P.C. Hanson Curran LLP The Ledbetter Law Firm, P.L.C. McCathern McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP Pillinger Miller Tarallo, LLP Roberts Law Firm SCP Bouckaert Ormen Passemard Sportes "BOPS" Smith & Tomkins Thiebaud Remington Thornton Bailey LLP Zender Thurston, P.S. |
Jackson, MS Shrewsbury, NJ Dallas, TX Jericho, NY New Orleans, LA Kansas City, MO Chicago, IL Pasadena, CA Tulsa, OK Providence, RI Cottonwood, AZ Dallas, TX Morristown, NJ Elmsford, NY Mendocino, CA Paris, France Nashville, TN Dallas, TX Bellingham, WA |
| Years | Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Adjusters | Location |
| 50 | Johns Eastern Company, Inc. | Lakewood Ranch, FL |
| 10 |
Ukiah, CA Tustin, CA Houston, TX Columbia, MO Houston, TX | |
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Years |
Best's Directory of Recommended Expert Service Providers |
Location |
| 10 |
Calabasas, CA Sarasota, FL Kansas City, MO Southlake, TX | |
| Webinars |
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A.M. Best produces innovative online presentations that connect you with industry leaders and provide the opportunity to learn firsthand about trends and developments facing insurance today.
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Click on a title to open the video of your choice. At the end of the webinar, simply close the video player to return to the BestConnect newsletter. A panel of A.M. Best analysts provides updates on the state of the U.S. property/casualty insurance sector. Topics include a discussion of half-year financial results, developments in the Surplus Lines sector and the outlook for the reinsurance sector. The discussion also addresses rating-related developments, including rating trends, insurers' use of alternative investments, the status of coverage for terror-related losses in the U.S. and other issues.
Recent hurricanes, earthquakes and floods have shown that property is just one affected coverage among many. Growing in importance are the post-catastrophe impacts on insured businesses and organizations, infrastructure, supply chains, work forces and a host of related exposures. A panel of experts examines how insurers, public officials and planners are learning from past events and then gauging and strengthening resilience ahead of the next big catastrophes. This webinar is sponsored by Lexington Insurance Company. |
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Don't miss any of the upcoming webinars! View our full webinar schedule, or register to attend a session.
Trade Shows/Events  |
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View the latest schedule for up-to-date information on insurance industry events from the Meetings & Conventions database.
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Meeting Name / Association |
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Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky, Abate & Webb, P.A. |
Jan. 14 - 16, 2015 | Amelia Island, FL |
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Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. |
Jan. 19 - 22, 2015 | New Orleans, LA |
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NAMIC |
Feb. 10 - 12, 2015 | Phoenix, AZ |