The effects of Superstorm Sandy has put insurance in the forefront of people's minds once again. It has become clear that many insurance claims remain unresolved. As a result, in an unprecedented move, both the States of New York and New Jersey have instituted mediation programs for certain Sandy claims that have been denied or remain unresolved. While New York has limited this program to residential non-FEMA claims, the announcement out of the New Jersey Governor's Office indicates that its program, not yet codified will include non-FEMA commercial claims as well. Click here to see a copy of the New York regulations. You can also click here for a copy of the press release in connection with the New Jersey mediation program. Once this becomes codified we will post this on our website. In addition, as a public service, we have prepared a basic checklist that all policyholders can review in connection with claims that they may have. This checklist only covers the basics as it relates to claim presentations and is primarily geared to the homeowner who may be confronted with these insurance issues for the first time . Please click here to access this checklist. In addition, since preparing this checklist, FEMA has issued a Bulletin which suspends various Proof of Loss filing requirements for Superstorm Sandy claims that were referenced in the checklist. Click here to access a copy of that Bulletin. For more sophisticated business and homeowner claim issues, we are available for consultation.

Second Department affirms reformation of insured's policy and orders carrier to defend. Click here to read a copy of the Second Department's decision in Essex Ins. Co. v. Vickers.

Court rejects carrier's use of the "earth movement" exclusion to disclaim coverage as a result of dewatering activities at adjacent property. Click here to read a copy of the Court's decision.

Appellate Division rejects insured's claim against its public adjuster that public adjuster was not entitled to a fee because the claim was resolved by litigation and not by adjustment. Click here to read the Appellate Division's decision in PAB v. Seward Park.

Weg and Myers wins at the Court of Appeals. Reinstating a victory won at the Supreme Court level, the Court of Appeals, adopting the position advocated by Weg and Myers in its entirety, ruled that violation of New York City Administrative Code Sec. 27-1031(b)(1) imposes absolute liability on a defendante whose excavation work caused damage to an adjacent property. While the violation of an Administrative Code violation usually does not impose absolute liability on the violator, the Court ruled that because a historical analysis of the section in question revealed that it had its origins in State law, the imposition of absolute liability was appropriate. Click here to read the Court's decision in Yemen v. 281 Broadway Holdings, et al.

Appellate Division affirms decision allowing plaintiffs to pursue punitive damage claims against various contractor defendants. Click here to read the Court's decision in 11 Essex v. Tower Insurance Company et al.

Court compels Subcontractor's Carrier to Defend Contractor. Issue of whether subcontractor's activities took place while working at job site is an issue yet to be decided but is not a basis to deny defense coverage to contractor. Click here to read the Court's decision.

Southern District Court holds that a carrier cannot compel an insured to submit to an appraisal when coverage issues still must be resolved. Read the attached decision.


See other Weg and Myers News by clicking on our News & Events Tab.