Hello, Kitty! Can You Smell That Smell? It's a Covered Loss!
The NH Supreme Court's recent decision in <I>Mellin v. N. Sec. Ins. Co.</I> is getting some attention, and not just because it's fun to talk about cat pee. The case sets a very important precedent regarding the definition of the term "physical loss" and the construction of pollution exclusions in NH property insurance policies.
Litigating Effectively in a Contentious Environment
Frivolous lawsuits. Sneaky discovery decisions. Unreasonable motion practice. "Rambo" litigators. If you are a defense attorney, you likely encounter one or more of these abusive litigation tactics on a monthly ' if not a weekly ' basis. How can they be addressed?
Investigations in Developing Countries
Conducting an internal investigation into questionable company conduct is universally a stressful experience. Imagine having to handle all that in a remote location, thousands of miles and multiple time zones away, in a developing part of the world with logistical and infrastructure challenges, and with cultural, political and legal systems that differ markedly from those in the United States.
The Rise of No-Injury Class Actions
We all know that for a product liability plaintiff to have standing to sue, he must demonstrate both that he suffered some form of compensable harm and that the harm was caused by the defendant's product. But what if that plaintiff is an unnamed member of a class action?
<b><i>Practice Tip:</i></b> Insurance Issues in M&A Transactions
Product liability insurance is one of the few coverages that is written on either an occurrence or claims-made basis, depending on the extent of the insured's risk and financial ability to pay the premium. This article explores some of the 'insurance issues arising out of M&A transactions.
'Consent to Assignment' Clauses Held 'Unenforceable by CA Court
Whether a policy's anti-assignment clause will void a transfer of insurance proceeds or coverage rights, by contract or operation of law, usually requires an analysis of whether the predecessor corporation is an insured under the policy; whether the predecessor corporation still exists; whether the successor corporation succeeded to the predecessor's liabilities; and more.
'Internet of Things' Litigation and Regulatory Risk
Most lawyers have heard of the "Internet of Things." Business leaders, after all, are busy making the Internet of Things (IoT) the next great wave of innovation to sweep across the global economy. Apple, AT&T, Cisco, General Electric, Google, Honeywell, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, Panasonic, Samsung, and scores of others have been investing in the IoT for years. With current predictions of a $15 trillion IoT market in fewer than 10 years, it is easy to understand why so many industry giants have made the IoT a strategic priority.
Technological Advancements and Traces of Infectious Disease
A number of recent discoveries are challenging the idea that infectious diseases are sporadic and relatively rare causes of illness and death. These discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of the microbial world around us ' and presage significant changes in the legal landscape.
Ascertaining Potential Plaintiffs
Up until now, before a purported "purchaser" may join a class action targeting a product, the potential class member must make a showing that (s)he actually purchased the product and was potentially damaged by the alleged wrong. A recent Seventh Circuit decision, however, provides a decisive counterpoint to decisions in the Third and Eleventh Circuits.
