Insurers Seek Reimbursement for the High Cost of Opioid Addictions Big Pharma is having a Big Tobacco moment. Since 1999, the number of prescription opioids sold in America has almost quadrupled. Over the same period, prescription opioid deaths have more than quadrupled and millions have become addicted to legally-prescribed painkillers that are 50 times more powerful…
A car slams into a number of other vehicles stopped at a red light, only to quickly flee the scene. This fact scenario almost always involves operating under the influence or a stolen vehicle. In the case of a stolen vehicle, rarely is a thief considerate enough to take out insurance covering his operation of the stolen vehicle…
Changing Times Require Changing Tactics. One of the most recognized legal symbols of American justice is Lady Justice, the blindfolded woman carrying a sword and a set of scales. She symbolizes the fair and equitable administration of justice, without corruption, greed, prejudice, or favor. Lately, however, she’s been looking for work. It seems that the hallowed halls of…
Kidde has recalled two styles of fire extinguishers, including 142 different models of fire extinguishers that were manufactured as far back as 1973. The fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an…
As a subrogation professional, often times one of the hardest aspects of the career to understand is that you have to put on your plaintiff’s “hat” in order to prove your case and make a recovery. This involves gathering facts and understanding how tort law applies in your claim. Inevitably, when a fellow attorney or subrogation adjuster…
As you may know, Gary Wickert recently appeared on a national radio program, hosted by Larry Cohen. The program, which was produced by Ringler Radio and entitled “Driverless Car Litigation”, focused on the ever-changing intersection between the exploding industry of self-driving vehicles, product liability litigation, and the auto insurance industry. The latest innovations in driverless cars were…
Your insured’s eighteen-wheeler is struck head-on by another vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed, resulting in significant medical expenses to your insured driver and a passenger, as well as considerable property damage to your insured’s vehicle. The tortfeasor died instantly. Subrogation efforts reveal adequate liability coverage for the responsible driver and you present your…
Beginning July 1, 2018, Maryland auto insurers issuing new policies will be required to offer enhanced underinsured motorist (“EUIM”) coverage in place of the uninsured motorist (“UM”) coverage required under § 19-509. Md. Code Ins. § 19-501.1(d). Unlike UM coverage, EUIM coverage prohibits the carrier from reducing the coverage amount by any applicable liability insurance paid…
There is seemingly no end to the attacks on a workers’ compensation carrier’s rights of subrogation and reimbursement when a third-party is liable for a work-related injury. In New Jersey, however, the Supreme Court will soon be deciding whether even the employee is prohibited from suing a customer of his employer, when forced to sign a…
On September 26, 2017, a truck spilled thousands of roofing nails on Interstate 10 in Metairie, Louisiana (a suburb of New Orleans). Hundreds of vehicles rolled over the nails and sustained punctured tires, resulting in replacement of tires that may total as much as $1,000 per vehicle. The Louisiana State Police cited the driver for failing…