Monthly Archives: May 2013

TEXAS LAW LIMITS HEALTH SUBROGATION: H.B. 1869 Enacts New Chapter 140 In Response To Fortis Benefits

Posted by Gary L. Wickert on May 23, 2013

We have long known that Democrats, financially-fueled by the trial lawyers’ lobby, are no fans of subrogation. Surprisingly, even Republicans continue to battle the subrogation bogeyman, an indication that subrogation education and lobbying of our legislators should be a priority … Learn More

WEST FERTILIZER COMPANY EXPLOSION IN TEXAS: The Importance of NFPA 921 in Fire and Explosion Subrogation

Posted by Gary L. Wickert on May 23, 2013

On April 17, 2013, a fire of as-of-yet-undetermined origin at the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas ignited as much as 270 tons of ammonium nitrate being stored at the facility. The resulting blast left a 90-foot-wide crater and caused … Learn More

SALES AND USE TAXES ON SUBROGATION SERVICES: Navigating The Sales Tax Maze In South Dakota, New Mexico, And Hawaii

Posted by Gary L. Wickert on May 23, 2013

As a means of raising revenue, particularly during times of economic crisis, a handful of states employ, and many states repeatedly revisit, the dubious and counter-productive scheme of imposing a tax on professional services, whether as a sales tax (including … Learn More

PRODUCTS LIABILITY TEST CHANGED IN WISCONSIN: Wisconsin Follows Trend Towards Adopting Restatement (Third) Of Torts

Posted by Gary L. Wickert on May 20, 2013

A rapidly changing area of insurance defense involves products causing injury or damage to people and property. Many states are moving towards adopting the standards set by the Restatement (Third) of Torts, and Wisconsin is no different. On February 1, … Learn More

New Underinsured Motorist Coverage Case Decided By The Wisconsin Supreme Court

Posted by Bradley W. Matthiesen on May 20, 2013

In Bethke v. Auto-Owners Ins. Co., 2013 WI 16 (2013), the plaintiffs sought underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage under a policy issued by Auto-Owners (“Owners”) as a result of an automobile accident caused by an allegedly negligent driver of a rental … Learn More

Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. Introduces New Website

Posted by Douglas W. Lehrer on May 20, 2013

Already known for hosting the country’s premier insurance litigation website, recently Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. (MWL) unveiled its new website – a completely reworked, state-of-the-art, website. It has been 11 months in the making, and we are proud of … Learn More

MWL Hosts Event at Splash Studio – A Painting Bar

Posted on May 18, 2013

On May 18, 2013, MWL hosted an event for their staff and guests at the Splash Studio, a painting bar, located in heart of the Historic Third Ward arts and cultural district in Milwaukee. The Splash Studio’s interior felt like a … Learn More