Legal
On the soapbox: The big issues with big data
The increased use of big data by insurers has not gone unnoticed by the regulator, leading to an announcement in its 2015/16 business plan that a review is to take place in 2015, focusing on the risks and rewards big data poses.
Rugby Injuries: Tackling concussion claims
Increased incidence of head injuries in rugby players could lead to challenges for insurers and legal teams when it comes to claims.
Hill Dickinson appointed CHO associate member
Hill Dickinson has joined the Credit Hire Organisation as an associate member with fraud head Peter Oakes coming on board the CHO's executive committee to advise on counter fraud strategies.
Ex-insurance employee given suspended sentence for fraud
A former City insurance employee who made six sham insurance claims for designer goods and gadgets has been handed a suspended jail term and ordered to repay tens of thousands of pounds to his victims at the Old Bailey.
Fundamental changes to Medco ruled out despite early criticism
The Ministry of Justice is said to be reviewing Medco’s integration but will not consider a major overhaul amid criticism from law firms over the whiplash portal’s performance in the six weeks since its inception.
Zurich wins ‘landmark' meso case in Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has today (20 May) unanimously ruled in favour of Zurich in a judgment that means an insurer will only have to compensate a solvent employer for the years they were on risk in cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Yorkshire broker to face jury on death by careless driving charge
The boss of a North Yorkshire broker Sean McClarron has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a 26-year-old motorcyclist through careless driving.
On the soapbox: Insurers, I feel your pain...
Up until a couple of weeks ago, if someone were to go through my mobile phone they would find text messages from Dominos Pizza about a multitude of special offers.
Insurance Institute of Southampton appoints solicitor as president
Trethowans Solicitors partner Kelvin Farmaner has been appointed as president of the Insurance Institute of Southampton.
North of the Border: Credit hire debate rumbles on
Recent hire rates disputes in England and Scotland won’t be the last, says Jennifer Thomson.
C-Suite: India's foreign investor ownership controls
Seven years after the proposal was first muted, India has finally raised the foreign direct investment cap to 49%; a lawyer investigates how the ownership and control systems will work.
Gallagher had ‘no appetite' for Towergate purchase, Ross claims
Arthur J Gallagher did not have the appetite or financial capacity to acquire Towergate due to a $30m (£19m) cap on acquistions, according to a High Court defence document signed by incoming Towergate CEO David Ross.
Ross claims he felt unsafe at home after Gallagher surveillance
Incoming Towergate CEO David Ross has filed a counterclaim against former employer Arthur J Gallagher International alleging the broker misused his private information after having him followed by a surveillance company.
Hill Dickinson puts 30 insurance staff on redundancy risk
Law firm Hill Dickinson has placed 30 of its insurance staff on risk of redundancy, subject to a 30 day consultation period.
Biba 2015: Biba and Mactavish to unveil Insurance Act guide for brokers
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association and insurance governance specialist Mactavish are set to launch an introductory guide to the Insurance Act 2015 at the annual Biba conference tomorrow (13 May).
Exemplary damages awarded for ‘very serious' exaggerated claim
Defendant law firm Keoghs has represented insurance company Esure in a case which resulted in both the claimant and their accident management company being ordered to pay exemplary damages totalling £67,250.
Brightside and Southern Rock reach out of court settlement
Brightside and Southern Rock bosses have reached an “amicable” settlement of all claims following a dispute in a number of areas that commenced in May last year.
Legal Update: An increasing problem
Industrial deafness claims have been labelled ‘the new whiplash’. Chantal Rabbetts considers the challenges with these claims and how they should be managed.
Civil justice issues in danger of being sidelined by EU referendum
An insurance law firm has warned of a "strong possibility" civil justice reforms will take a back seat under the newly elected Conservative government while it focuses on the proposed 2017 European Union referendum.
Case managers guide to be published alongside rehab code this summer
Proposed changes instigated as part of a revised rehabilitation code will include a separate process for lower-value injuries and the introduction of an accompanying guide for case managers.
Blog: ERRA Update - Scotland poised to reverse the impact of s69?
On 5 January 2015, Richard Baker MSP lodged a consultation document on a proposed Damages Claims (EU Directive on Safety and Health at Work) (Scotland) Bill.
Editor's comment: The quest for talent
Securing and retaining talent has always been important for the insurance sector but recent high-profile litigation in the broking arena suggests this is becoming more of a fight than ever.
Fight for talent in broking tipped to lead to further litigation
Recent high profile litigation in the broking sector related to team moves has been deemed the "tip of the iceberg" by market commentators who are predicting further similar disputes.
Ace appoints general counsel for Australia and New Zealand
Ace has appointed Gabija Simmonds to the role of general counsel for Australia and New Zealand.