Insurance Law

Woman is in hot water over spilled-coffee claim against McDonald’s

A California woman is facing a felony insurance fraud case after being accused of falsely claiming that she was burned when the lid came off a cup of hot coffee at a fast food restaurant drive-thru in Fontana. Selena Edwards, 38, is alleged to have sent faked treatment documents and…

Nov 11, 2014 3:35 PM CST

Rolling Stones settle $12.7M insurance claim over shows canceled due to Jagger’s girlfriend’s death

Updated: A legal battle between the Rolling Stones and insurance underwriters, concerning the band’s $12.7 million claim over the cancellation of seven Rolling Stones performances earlier this year, has been settled on undisclosed terms. However, band members are unhappy because private information about their families and health were made public…

Nov 11, 2014 11:10 AM CST

Is an Uber ride covered if an accident occurs? Insurance representatives are dubious

It isn’t just traditional taxi drivers who see a problem with the ride-sharing service offered by Uber. Linking potential customers, via a smartphone application, with private drivers willing to take them to their destinations may result in a fare lower than what a traditional cab company would charge. But it…

Nov 6, 2014 6:05 PM CST

Court rejects housing discrimination rule that relied on statistical analysis

A federal judge has struck down a rule designed to make it easier for plaintiffs to file housing discrimination claims. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in a decision Monday called the rule “yet another example of an administrative agency trying desperately to write into law that which Congress never intended…

Nov 3, 2014 4:15 PM CST

Lawyer takes plea in auto-insurance fraud scheme, gets probation

A Pennsylvania lawyer accused of playing a role in a fraud scheme that allegedly cost auto insurers millions of dollars has taken a plea. Michael B. Wolf, 56, pleaded guilty Tuesday to insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. He was sentenced to two years…

Oct 30, 2014 10:10 AM CDT

DA: ‘Hit list’ shows inmate sought to kill 9 witnesses, suggesting methods and order of slayings

Already facing a 50-count indictment, a jailed defendant in a California insurance fraud prosecution is now facing 10 new charges concerning nine witnesses he is accused of targeting for murder in the Contra Costa County case. District Attorney Mark Peterson said a witness “hit list” found by investigators not only…

Oct 17, 2014 5:00 PM CDT

New York Times article on hidden hospital costs sparks calls for change, suggestions for consumers

A New York Times (reg. req.) article about hidden surgery and hospital costs that can hit insured patients with unexpected bills of up to $100,000 or even more is apparently striking a chord with readers. The newspaper tells the story, among others, of a 37-year-old man who needs neck surgery.…

Sep 24, 2014 12:25 PM CDT

DA says smartphones should block texting behind wheel, wants insurance discounts for such devices

A New York prosecutor unveiled a program Monday to prevent motorists from texting and driving and is calling on smartphone makers and insurance companies to join her in offering incentives to obey the law. In a press conference and press release, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said texting and…

Sep 8, 2014 5:25 PM CDT

Hinshaw & Culbertson to acquire 45-attorney California firm

Known for its insurance and coverage work, Hinshaw & Culbertson is adding a 45-attorney California-based law firm with an international office in London to its roster. As of Oct. 1, the Chicago-based firm, which has 22 offices throughout the U.S., will acquire Barger & Wolen, which focuses on insurance litigation…

Sep 2, 2014 11:45 AM CDT

Retired NYC cop takes plea in $27M disability-fraud case; ex-prosecutor is a claimed ringleader

A retired New York police officer has taken a plea in a claimed scheme to defraud the federal government of some $27 million in Social Security Disability Insurance benefits over the course of some 25 years. Joseph Esposito, 70, was one of four alleged ringleaders, including a former prosecutor, in…

Aug 28, 2014 5:39 PM CDT

Former managing partner embezzled $30M from law firm and affiliated title company, suit says

Updated: A former managing partner of a well-known Atlanta real estate boutique has been sued by the law firm and an affiliated title company for allegedly embezzling $30 million. The suit says Nathan E. “Nat” Hardwick IV diverted funds from operating and trust accounts at Morris Hardwick Schneider and LandCastle…

Aug 27, 2014 6:35 PM CDT

Louisiana suit claims State Farm emphasizes costs over safety with preferred auto repair shops

A lawsuit filed by the state of Louisiana accuses State Farm of steering customers to preferred repair shops for damaged vehicles, in violation of state unfair-practices and monopolies laws. Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell filed the suit Tuesday in state court in Baton Rouge, report the New Orleans Times-Picayune and…

Aug 21, 2014 11:15 AM CDT

Ex-lawyer gets 2 years for his role in stealing much of disabled client’s $500K settlement

A former Seattle lawyer has been sentenced to two years for his role in stripping a disabled client of much of the money she was entitled to receive from a $500,000 insurance settlement in an auto accident case. Edward Joseph Callow, 39, must also pay $167,500 in restitution, representing his…

Aug 18, 2014 4:55 PM CDT

Insurance agency pays settlement with buckets of coins totaling an estimated $21K

A California insurance agency had to use a van to pay a settlement to an elderly plaintiff who contended he was assaulted by one of the company’s insurance agents. The company, Adriana’s Insurance, paid the settlement with buckets of loose coins, report the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times, NBC…

Aug 8, 2014 10:45 AM CDT

Senate Democrats work to override Hobby Lobby decision

Senate Democrats are working on legislation designed to override the Supreme Court’s recent decision exempting some for-profit corporations from having to provide mandatory contraceptive care for its employees. Democratic Senators Patty Murray of Washington and Mark Udall of Colorado are leading the effort for to draft a bill that would…

Jul 10, 2014 8:29 PM CDT