The US Department of Labor (DOL) has undertaken an investigatory initiative centered around the serious issue of “insurability” under life insurance benefits, as highlighted in a recent news release. The problem herein lies in the failure to complete the process of confirming the evidence of insurability. The evidence of insurability can be described as the…
Understanding the typical commercial property claims process can be a daunting task, especially in the midst of an already stressful situation. Such circumstances often arise from a convergence of natural, human, or mechanical errors. It goes without saying that swift action is crucial not only to alleviate dangers posed to your employees and customers, but…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked significant interest and witnessed rapid growth, thereby becoming a vital focus of technology transactions. Remarkably, the inherent standard acquisition agreement seems not to have matched the pace and demand of AI companies. These modern tech entities pose unique risks to potential buyers, risks that a standard transaction approach may fail…
In a high-profile case concluded in July 2023, the Court of Québec ruled against the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (the Quebec Health Insurance Board, RAMQ), citing “serious” and “systemic” violations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a result of the ruling, evidence against medical specialists was excluded due their rights…
In a significant regulatory development on July 27, 2023, U.S. federal prudential bank regulators – namely, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board (FRB), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency – have proposed new capital requirements focused on the larger banking organizations. The proposal pertains to Risk-Based Capital, Capital Relief…
The U.S. Department of Labor recently filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, UMR, for alleged wrongful denials of claims regarding emergency room services and urinary drug screenings that date back to 2015. According to the complaint filed by the Labor Department, it was charged that UMR denied these claims “based solely on diagnosis codes…
The legal world continues to be a dynamic landscape, wherein corporations, as much as their individual employees, are called out into court for settlement of various disputes. As such, there are significant developments that may be of interest to legal professionals in the corporate sector. Consider the case of President Trump, who continues to assert…
Due to his influential tenure as President of the United States, legal professionals worldwide have developed a keen interest in understanding former President Donald Trump’s various legal troubles still being adjudicated. This discussion focuses on the critical points of the three prominent cases currently open against him, which carry a mindboggling maximum statutory penalty totalling…
Healthcare organizations today often grapple with a significant snafu of the digital age: online reviews. These public testimonials, for better or for worse, have a massive influence on a healthcare organization’s reputation. Even a small number of dissatisfied patients can cause substantial harm with negative comments posted on social media and customer review platforms like…
The United States Sugar Corp. may have ended its nearly $10 million legal battle against a proposed class action over toxic emissions from pre-harvest sugarcane burns, but the financial fallout is far from over. After seeking recoupment from its insurer for all incurred expenses related to the suits, a federal judge in Florida has ruled…
Automakers are eager to capitalize on consumer data gathered from internet-connected vehicles, but privacy watchdogs are urging for more scrutiny before this potential source of revenue becomes too difficult to regulate. The Enforcement Division of the California Consumer Privacy Protection Agency (CCPPA) announced this week it would review the data privacy practices of connected-vehicle (CV)…
Portland’s geographical advantage due to its proximity to Vancouver, Washington is both a boon and a bane for builders, according to panelists at a recent virtual Builder Breakfast event. This event, organized by the Daily Journal of Commerce, witnessed insurance, tax, and legal experts impart critical knowledge on what all contractors need to consider when…
Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) has recently appointed former in-house counsel at an insurance company, Rick Da Costa, as the head of its national corporate and regulatory insurance and reinsurance team. Da Costa, who joins from the law firm Cassels Brock & Blackwell, brings to the team his rich in-house experience from his time as VP…
Effective July 1, 2023, new revisions to the Florida statutes allow individuals to carry concealed weapons without a permit, a move that holds significant implications for those involved in the leasing industry in the state. Interested parties can still obtain permits from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, ensuring a level of choice…
In a recent development from the legal sector, the Appellate Court of Maryland has held that the “Loss Before Foreclosure Rule” should be applied to nonrecourse reserve mortgages. For legal professionals working in the property industry, this ruling can impact the application of relevant loan and property regulations. The “Loss before foreclosure rule,” as expressed…
As we approach the start of a new academic year, many parents of recent high school graduates find themselves overwhelmed with the preparations for sending their child off to college. Often, these preparations are focused on gathering dorm room essentials and emotionally coping with the temporary loss of a household member. However, another crucial aspect…
On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a ruling in a pair of cases brought by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) that could have significant implications for all industries. The Court struck down the race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, setting a new precedent…
After the recent amendments made to the dram shop liability law in Alabama, insurance premiums and potential liability for whiskey bars and similar establishments may be reduced. These changes refer to the Dram Shop Liability Act and signify a shift in the landscape of Liquor Liability Insurance in the state, which will apply to policies…
Compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) remains a pivotal focus for several US Federal Agencies. This comes to light following the annual report recently presented to the U.S. Congress by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of…
A toy company finds itself mired in legal trouble as it is unable to extricate itself from an insurance lawsuit concerning an existing legal action by a rival firm. The competitor has accused it, along with its proprietors, of operating a criminal network devised to dodge paying an $8.5 million default judgment. The judgment was…