NEWS & UPDATES
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JPML Denies Move to Create MDL for COVID-19 Business Interruption Lawsuits
Aug 12, 2020
Earlier today, the Panel for Multi-District Litigation issued an Order denying consolidation of hundreds business interruption coverage lawsuits related to COVID-19. The Panel held that the allegedly common issues supporting consolidation, “share only a superficial...
Commercial Trucking and MCS-90 Issues in the COVID Age
Aug 1, 2020
One of the effects of the COVID pandemic has been an increase in the use of commercial trucking as a primary means of transportation of goods and services throughout the United States. Internet retailers in particular have seen a tremendous surge in sales...
Oregon Supreme Court Strikes Down $500,000 Non-Economic Damages Cap for Personal Injury Claims as Unconstitutional
Jul 15, 2020
On July 9, 2020, the Oregon Supreme Court issued its Opinion in Busch v. McInnis Waste Sys., Inc., Case No. SC S066098. Five of the seven justices representing the majority held that the $500,000 cap on non-economic damages for personal injury claims was...
Washington Insurance Commissioner Releases New Guidance to Businesses in Light of Recent Events
Jun 7, 2020
On June 3, 2020, Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kriedler advised Washington State business owners to contact their insurance providers as soon as possible if they have experienced loss or damage in association with recent occurrences of looting and vandalism...
New Federal Court Case Tests the Limits of Washington Supreme Court Ruling in Keodalah and Allows Some Claims Against Adjusters to Proceed in State Court.
May 20, 2020
As many of you likely recall, the Washington Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the statutory extra-contractual claims asserted against an employee-adjuster on October 3, 2019 in Keodalah v. Allstate, 194 Wn.2d 339, 449 P.3d 1040 (2019). However,...
Washington Update
May 11, 2020
As we all continue to deal with the social, commercial, and legal fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the world continues to turn. Lether Law Group hopes everyone is staying safe, healthy and positive. New Washington Regulation In non-coronavirus news, the Washington...
Continuing Developments with Business Interruption Claims
May 7, 2020
While we all continue to strive for a sense of normalcy in the midst of the ever-changing COVID-19 crisis, new arguments in support of purported coverage for COVID-19 related Business Interruption claims continue to emerge. One such recent argument is based on the...
Suspicious and Fraudulent Claims
May 2, 2020
As the COVID-19 health crisis continues in the United States, a number of insurers have already seen a significant increase in claim activity. This includes not only business interruption claims but also a significant increase in property claims. Unfortunately, one of...
Life Returns to Normal (Almost) on Lake Union
Apr 30, 2020
As we enter day 29 of the Washington State shutdown order, it appears that the worst of the COVID-19 crisis in Seattle may be behind us. The weather in April has been fantastic. There have been sunny, clear days over the Emerald City. Boats, paddleboards, and kayakers...