Experienced insurance adjusters know the phrase “bad faith”. The term is a short hand way to describe a lawsuit filed for the alleged violation of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. It is the legal duty imposed by operation of law. The shorthand “bad faith” is a lot easier to say.
The
The typical Oklahoma business manages a considerable part of its liability risks by purchasing insurance coverage. Businesses sometimes take their insurance coverage for granted. They just assume insurance will be there if an accident happens.
A recent decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court brings the point home. In Siloam Springs Hotel, LLC v. Century Surety Company, 2017 OK 14, a hotel purchased liability coverage to protect against accidents and negligence. Century Surety Company sold the insurance policy.
Guests at the hotel were injured when carbon monoxide entered the air ducts due to leakage from the heater for the indoor swimming pool. The hotel believed it had insurance to cover the claims and potential lawsuits. However, the insurance company said there was no insurance to cover the injuries. Apparently, there was an exclusion in the insurance policy.Continue Reading Motels, Apartment Complexes, Restaurants, And Businesses Serving People Should Manage Risks
The fire claim you have isn’t finished and its almost the beginning of storm season in March. You really don’t need a double claim involving fire and storm damages. It’s hard enough to settle one claim. It’s a lot more complicated to resolve two claims to the same property.
Property insurance is the buffer to storms and the damages caused. Oklahoma is home to torrential rainfall, hail, high winds, and tornadoes. When spring begins, these storms can cause a lot of damage to homes. Wind and hail can damage roofs, tornadoes can demolish a house. Rain can quickly cause water damage if it enters
There must be a good reason for the denial of a homeowners claim. The decision to deny coverage is complicated. It may sound simple, but it isn’t.
In Oklahoma, you really need an attorney involved before denial. Not just any attorney, but one familiar with Oklahoma law. There is a balance the courts strike in
You don’t always think about a church needing CGL liability insurance. Churches aren’t bad, in fact, churches are known for doing good. Some church groups engage in food banks, food drives, clothing centers, and all sorts of work to make this world a better place. Why would a church doing good have anything to worry
The failure to properly notify the insurance company presents a classic example of the need for sound legal advice. The typical insurance policy has a notice provision. The contract requires the insured individual or insured company to give timely notice of a claim. From the perspective of an insurance company, notice is important. Early investigation
A fire started in a horse training facility that killed 23 horses and destroyed the property. It was reported the fire broke out in the early morning hours. The owner said six employees entered the burning barn trying to save as many of the horses as possible. Owner, Eric Reed, called his staff “heroes
Adjusters investigating fire claims have to make a decision. The cause of the fire is important. Accidental fires are usually covered by the policy. Intentional fires are not owed. Did the building owner set the fire? Guess what, arsonists don’t admit readily to the crime. Arsonists don’t make legitimate insurance claims, but they also don’t
Fire has recently destroyed numerous business properties and completely shutting down their business operations. The damage is extensive. Almost like death, it is eerie to see businesses in full operation one day are totally stopped the next day.
Flames tore through the Great Smoky Mountains, killing at least three people, scorching hundreds of homes
